Anti-stall Gerotor Pump for Thrust Vector Thermal Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thrust vector control systems in space vehicles face challenges with hydraulic pump stalling due to reduced output pressure, which can lead to system failure and inefficiency, especially during ground operations where thermal conditioning is necessary but space and weight are limited.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an anti-stall hydraulic pump, specifically a gerotor pump with an anti-stall valve that monitors output pressure and adjusts to prevent stalling by allowing hydraulic fluid flow to an override piston, ensuring continuous operation and thermal conditioning without adding extraneous components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dedicated electric motor pump is used for thermal conditioning, then thermal conditioning capability is improved, but device complexity and vehicle weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main hydraulic pump for thrust vector control and as a thermal conditioning pump. By integrating the thermal conditioning function into the existing hydraulic pump, the system eliminates the need for a separate dedicated electric motor pump, thereby reducing device complexity and vehicle weight while maintaining thermal conditioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the thermal conditioning function with the main hydraulic pump by adding an anti-stall valve that enables the pump to operate in a recirculation mode during thermal conditioning. This merging of functions allows a single pump to replace what would traditionally require two separate pumps, reducing the number of components and associated vehicle weight
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic pump operates at reduced input power, then energy consumption is reduced, but pump stalling occurs leading to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-stall valve incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the operational state of the hydraulic pump and automatically adjusts the valve position to prevent stalling. When the pump operates at reduced input power, the feedback system detects the approaching stall condition and activates the anti-stall valve to open the recirculation path, maintaining reliable operation without requiring external monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-stall valve provides preliminary anti-action by preemptively opening the recirculation path before the pump actually stalls. This preventive mechanism counteracts the stall condition by maintaining adequate flow through the pump, thereby preserving reliability during reduced power operation without requiring corrective action after failure occurs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anti-stall hydraulic pump system effectively prevents hydraulic pump stalling and maintains thermal conditioning during reduced input power conditions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of thrust vector control systems in space vehicles by allowing hydraulic fluid circulation and maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-stall valve configured to monitor an output pressure of hydraulic fluid discharged from the gerotor pump
Implementation Method 2
a yaw actuator configured to move an exhaust nozzle along a yaw axis, a pitch actuator configured to move the exhaust nozzle along a pitch axis, and an anti-stall hydraulic pump configured to provide a hydraulic fluid to the yaw actuator and the pitch actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
A thrust vector control system (100) is provided. The thrust vector control system (100) may comprise an anti-stall hydraulic pump (120) configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to at least one actuator (145, 155), wherein each actuator may be configured to move an exhaust nozzle (5) of a space vehicle (1). The anti-stall hydraulic pump (120) may provide thermal conditioning to the thrust vector actuation control system (100) during ground operation and/or periods of low output operation.