Rotary combustion test engine assembly tool and assembly method
By designing a rotating combustion test engine assembly fixture and using pressure and torque sensors to display the scale, safety hazards during the assembly process were resolved, and a safe and reliable assembly process was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
During the assembly of solid rocket motors, there are safety hazards such as accidental ignition caused by frictional collision loads and electrostatic charges. Existing technologies lack effective force control methods, resulting in a high degree of danger in the assembly process.
A rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture was designed, including clamps, chains, pressure sensors, and torque sensors. The pressure and torque values are displayed on a dial to ensure that the force is within a safe range during assembly and to avoid the influence of static electricity.
It enables precise control of force during assembly, reduces safety risks during assembly, avoids threats to personnel from high-temperature and high-pressure combustion products, and improves the safety and reliability of assembly.
Smart Images
Figure CN121798539A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a tooling that combines force value display and safety protection functions, and is suitable for the installation process of a rotating combustion test engine. Background Technology
[0002] A solid rocket motor is a power unit that uses solid propellant as its energy and working fluid source. The solid propellant charge consists of fuel, oxidizer, binder, and additives. Once ignited, the combustion chemical reaction is self-sustaining on the exposed surface of the propellant. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas and particulate stream generated by the combustion are expanded and accelerated out through a Laval nozzle. The combustion products reach temperatures of around 3000 K and pressures of tens of megapascals. Therefore, the assembly process of solid rocket motors and related experimental equipment is extremely dangerous. Frictional impact loads and electrostatic charges are potential safety hazards that could lead to accidental ignition of solid rocket motors.
[0003] Such as the tubular rotating combustion test engine without propellant charge disclosed in CN2024106462972 ( Figure 1 As shown, the test includes a rotary combustion test engine 10, an exhaust plume guide pipe 20, and a horizontal rotary combustion test bench 40. The horizontal rotary test bench includes a rotor housing 4-1 and an engine clamping device 4-2. A through hole 4-3 is provided in the center of the rotor housing. An ignition adapter 30 is installed in the ignition hole of the rotary combustion test engine 10. During the installation of the device, the exhaust plume guide pipe 20 needs to be moved forward along the axial direction and fastened to the tail of the rotary combustion test engine. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the defects or deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture, which is used to safely assemble the guide pipe to the tail of the rotary combustion test engine.
[0005] Therefore, the rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture provided by the present invention includes a clamp and a chain. The clamp structure is a semi-cylindrical shape adapted to the outer wall of the guide tube. The clamp includes a semi-cylindrical sidewall. A locking platform is provided at one axial end of the semi-cylindrical sidewall. The locking platform protrudes toward the center of the semi-cylindrical clamp. Force-applying rods are fixedly connected to two circumferentially distributed side edges of the semi-cylindrical sidewall, and the two force-applying rods are located on the extension lines of the two ends of a diameter of the semi-cylindrical clamp. At the same time, chain mounting buckles are provided on the two side edges, and the two chain mounting buckles are located at the two ends of a diameter of the semi-cylindrical clamp. A pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the semi-cylindrical sidewall. The pressure sensor collects pressure in a direction along a diameter of the semi-cylindrical clamp, and this diameter is perpendicular to the diameter of the two force-applying rods. The pressure sensor has a pressure value display function. One of the force-applying rods is equipped with a torque sensor, which is located near the semi-cylindrical sidewall; the torque sensor has a torque value display function. The length of the chain is half the circumference of the guide tube, and the two ends of the chain are respectively installed on two chain mounting buckles.
[0006] An alternative embodiment is that the pressure sensor includes a pressure scale, which is mounted on a semi-cylindrical sidewall, and a compression spring is provided between the pressure scale and the semi-cylindrical sidewall. The torque sensor includes a torque scale, which is mounted on a force-applying rod, and a torsion spring is provided between the torque scale and the semi-cylindrical sidewall.
[0007] An alternative approach is to have the protruding dimension of the card platform equal to the wall thickness of the guide tube.
[0008] An alternative is to install a rubber sleeve on the force-applying rod.
[0009] This invention also provides a method for assembling a rotary combustion test engine, wherein the method uses the aforementioned tooling to assemble the guide pipe to the tail of the rotary combustion test engine, and the method includes: First, place the guide tube at the tail of the rotary combustion test engine. Then, fit the clamp to the outer wall of the guide tube of the rotary combustion engine and clamp the platform at the axial end of the guide tube. Next, install both ends of the chain onto the two chain mounting buckles respectively. Then, the guide tube is installed by applying radial and circumferential forces using tooling. During installation, when pressure is applied radially along the guide tube, a pressure sensor displays the pressure value; when torque is applied circumferentially along the guide tube, a torque sensor displays the torque value. The applied force is controlled according to the pressure and torque values to ensure the guide tube is safely assembled to the tail of the rotating combustion test engine. Preferably, the pressure value during assembly does not exceed 40 N, and the torque does not exceed 30 N·m.
[0010] Another assembly method includes: first placing the guide tube at the tail of the rotary combustion test engine, then fitting the clamp to the outer wall of the rotary combustion engine guide tube, and clamping the clamping platform at the axial end of the guide tube; Then, the guide tube is radially stressed using a tooling device to complete the axial connection between the guide tube and the engine tail. Next, both ends of the chain are installed on two chain mounting clips. Then, the guide tube is circumferentially stressed using the tooling device to align the exhaust plume guide tube groove with the clamping device hole. During installation, when pressure is applied radially along the guide tube, the pressure sensor displays the pressure value; when torque is applied circumferentially along the guide tube, the torque sensor displays the torque value. The applied force is controlled according to the pressure and torque values to ensure the guide tube is safely assembled to the tail of the rotating combustion test engine. Preferably, the pressure value during assembly does not exceed 45 N, and the torque does not exceed 28 N·m.
[0011] Due to the non-standard nature of the rotating combustion test apparatus, assemblers often rely on manual labor, screwdrivers, and experience to install the exhaust plume guide pipe for the rotating combustion test engine, inevitably posing potential safety risks and hazards. This invention's tooling eliminates the reliance on experience and intuition by assemblers based on actual site conditions, replacing it with a clearly visible scale on the tooling, providing clear warnings and instructions. When used for trial assembly of the guide pipe for engines without propellant loading, assemblers can control the installation pressure and torque within safe limits. Simultaneously, by gripping the rubber handles on both sides during operation, static electricity is avoided, and the nozzle outlet is prevented, thus avoiding the safety threat posed by high-temperature, high-pressure combustion products from accidental engine ignition and ejection from the guide pipe. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This refers to the tubular rotating combustion test engine structure without propellant charge disclosed in CN2024106462972.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tooling of the present invention. 1-Semi-circular clamp, 2-Force bar, 3-Rubber handle, 4-Compression spring, 5-Pressure dial, 6-Torque spring, 7-Torque dial, 8-Chain. Detailed Implementation
[0014] Unless otherwise specified, the scientific and technical terms used in this article are intended for understanding by those skilled in the art.
[0015] The axial, radial, circumferential, and other directional or orientational terms used in this invention are consistent with the corresponding directions or orientations in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are specific examples of this invention, and equivalent solutions obtained by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein through substitution, rotation, etc., are all within the scope of this invention.
[0016] The semi-cylindrical clamp in this invention's tooling is a thin-walled stepped semi-cylindrical shape. Its inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the guide tube. During use, it fits against the circumferential surface of the exhaust plume guide tube to achieve a limiting effect. The clamping platform at the axial end fits against the thin wall of the exhaust plume guide tube end face, achieving stable contact and facilitating force application. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding thickness of the clamping platform at the end is preferably the same as the wall thickness of the guide tube. A chain connection is provided in the lower structure of the tooling to increase friction and prevent slippage when torque is applied. Specifically, the clamp and the force-applying rod can be assembled and connected by welding, insertion, or other methods. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the clamp and the force-applying rod are made of metal (such as chromium-molybdenum steel) to ensure that the tooling's strength, hardness, and rigidity meet installation requirements and to avoid the influence of metal deformation on the accuracy of the displayed value. The invention will be further explained below through embodiments.
[0017] Example: like Figure 1 As shown, following the tooling structure of the present invention, the tooling in this embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical clamp 1, two force-applying rods 2 and a chain 8, both of which are made of chromium-molybdenum steel. The protruding dimension of the axial end of the clamp is the same as the thickness of the exhaust plume guide pipe. Each force-applying rod is fixedly installed on the clamp by plugging and unplugging. Rubber handles 3 are installed at both ends of each force-applying rod 2 to prevent slipping and static electricity. The pressure sensor in this embodiment includes a pressure dial 5, which is mounted on the semi-cylindrical sidewall of the clamp, and a compression spring 4 is provided between the pressure dial and the semi-cylindrical sidewall; the torque sensor includes a torque dial 7, which is mounted on the force-applying rod, and a torque spring 6 is provided between the torque dial and the semi-cylindrical sidewall, while the torque spring 6 is located at the joint between the force-applying rod 2 and the clamp.
[0018] Example of tooling usage in the above embodiments: Example 1: After the tubular rotary combustion test engine (disclosed in CN2024106462972) without propellant charge is installed, the exhaust plume guide pipe is moved forward and fastened to the rear of the rotary combustion test engine using the above-mentioned tooling. The maximum installation pressure is observed to be 40 N, and the maximum torque is 30 N·m. To avoid the influence of abnormal impurities between the guide pipe and the rotary table on the accuracy of application, lubricant is applied to the part of the guide pipe's outer circumference that contacts the rotary table.
[0019] After the rotary combustion test engine, which has been filled with propellant, is installed, the operator holds the rubber handles 3 at both ends of the force bar 2 with both hands, and fits the clamp 1 against the circumferential surface of the exhaust plume guide pipe of the rotary combustion engine. Then, the operator gently pulls along the radial direction of the exhaust plume guide pipe to fit the clamp 1 against the thin wall of the guide pipe end face. Finally, the chain 8 is fastened to the two buckles on the clamp 1. By slowly applying pressure and torque using the tooling, the exhaust plume guide pipe is slowly moved towards the engine nozzle. Observe that the pressure dial 5 and torque dial 7 do not exceed the maximum pressure and torque values when the engine housing is installed. Stop immediately when the marked test installation position is reached and a "click" sound is heard (the sound produced when the guide pipe wall hits the engine rear cover, the two metal surfaces collide). After completion, release the chain 8 from the buckle and remove the installation tooling.
[0020] Example 2: The tooling described in the above embodiment is used to install a free-loading test engine (ZL201818004367.X and ZL201910973397.5) with an unloaded propellant charge on one end face during rotational combustion. During installation, the maximum installation pressure for the exhaust plume guide pipe using the tool described in this invention is 45 N, and the maximum torque is 28 Nm. To avoid affecting the accuracy of the application due to abnormal impurities between the guide pipe and the rotating platform, lubricant is applied to the area where the guide pipe contacts the rotating platform.
[0021] After the propellant charge for end-face combustion is loaded, the operator holds the rubber handles 3 at both ends of the force-applying rod 2 with both hands, and aligns the clamp 1 with the circumferential surface of the exhaust plume guide pipe of the rotary combustion engine. Pressure is applied steadily and slowly to move the exhaust plume guide pipe slowly towards the engine nozzle. During the movement, the pressure scale 5 is observed and should not exceed 45N. When the marked test position is reached and a "click" sound is heard, the pressure is immediately stopped to complete the axial connection. Next, the friction chain 8 is fastened to the two diameter ends of the semi-circular clamp 1, and torque is applied slowly. The torque scale should not exceed 28 Nm, so that the position of the exhaust plume guide pipe groove is aligned with the position of the clamping device hole. The friction chain is then released and the installation fixture is removed.
[0022] During use, the propellant charge is loaded into the rotating combustion test engine. The operator holds the installation tool with both hands and slowly applies pressure and torque to the test engine. As the operator applies force, the pressure and torque values will be displayed in real time on the installation tool; the greater the force applied, the higher the reading on the scale. The operator should keep the operating force within a safe range based on the readings when no propellant charge is loaded.
[0023] On the other hand, the operation process can avoid the influence of static electricity and avoid the nozzle outlet, thus preventing the safety threat to personnel caused by the high temperature and high pressure combustion products of accidental engine ignition being sprayed out from the guide pipe.
[0024] The above description further explains the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture, used to securely assemble a guide pipe to the tail end of a rotary combustion test engine, characterized in that, The tooling includes a clamp and a chain. The clamp is a semi-cylindrical shape adapted to the outer wall of the guide pipe. The clamp includes a semi-cylindrical sidewall. A locking platform is provided at one axial end of the semi-cylindrical sidewall. The locking platform protrudes toward the center of the semi-cylindrical clamp. Two force-applying rods are fixedly connected to two circumferentially distributed side edges of the semi-cylindrical sidewall, and the two force-applying rods are located on the extension lines of the two ends of a diameter of the semi-cylindrical clamp. At the same time, chain mounting buckles are provided on the two side edges, and the two chain mounting buckles are located at the two ends of a diameter of the semi-cylindrical clamp. A pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the semi-cylindrical sidewall. The pressure sensor collects pressure in a direction along a diameter of the semi-cylindrical clamp, and this diameter is perpendicular to the diameter of the two force-applying rods. The pressure sensor has a pressure value display function. One of the force-applying rods is equipped with a torque sensor, which is located near the semi-cylindrical sidewall; the torque sensor has a torque value display function. The length of the chain is half the circumference of the guide tube, and the two ends of the chain are respectively installed on two chain mounting buckles.
2. The rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor includes a pressure dial, which is mounted on a semi-cylindrical sidewall, and a compression spring is provided between the pressure dial and the semi-cylindrical sidewall.
3. The rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The torque sensor includes a torque scale, which is mounted on the force-applying rod, and a torsion spring is provided between the torque scale and the semi-cylindrical sidewall.
4. The rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding dimension of the card platform is equal to the wall thickness of the guide tube.
5. The rotary combustion test engine assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying rod is fitted with a rubber sleeve.
6. A method for assembling a rotating combustion test engine, characterized in that, The method of assembling the guide pipe to the tail of the rotary combustion test engine using the tooling described in claim 1 includes: First, place the guide tube at the tail of the rotary combustion test engine. Then, fit the clamp to the outer wall of the guide tube of the rotary combustion engine and clamp the platform at the axial end of the guide tube. Next, install both ends of the chain onto the two chain mounting buckles respectively. Then, the guide tube is installed by applying radial and circumferential forces using tooling. During the installation process, when pressure is applied radially along the guide tube, the pressure sensor displays the pressure value; when torque is applied circumferentially along the guide tube, the torque sensor displays the torque value. The force applied is controlled according to the pressure value and torque to ensure that the guide tube is safely assembled at the tail of the rotating combustion test engine.
7. The assembly method for the rotating combustion test engine according to claim 6, characterized in that, During assembly, the pressure value shall not exceed 40N and the torque shall not exceed 30N.m.
8. A method for assembling a rotating combustion test engine, characterized in that, The method of assembling the guide pipe to the tail of the rotary combustion test engine using the tooling described in claim 1 includes: First, place the guide tube at the tail of the rotary combustion test engine, then fit the clamp against the outer wall of the guide tube of the rotary combustion engine, and clamp the clamp onto the axial end of the guide tube. Then, the guide tube is radially stressed using a tooling device to complete the axial connection between the guide tube and the engine tail. Next, both ends of the chain are installed on two chain mounting clips. Then, the guide tube is circumferentially stressed using a tooling device to align the exhaust plume guide tube groove with the clamping device hole. During installation, when pressure is applied radially along the guide tube, the pressure sensor displays the pressure value; when torque is applied circumferentially along the guide tube, the torque sensor displays the torque value. The force applied is controlled according to the pressure value and torque to ensure that the guide tube is safely assembled at the tail of the rotating combustion test engine.
9. The assembly method for the rotating combustion test engine according to claim 8, characterized in that, During assembly, the pressure value shall not exceed 45N and the torque shall not exceed 28N.m.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Test engine and test method for combustion of double-base system propellant in different overload directions
CN110596301A