Auxiliary Booster Cylindrical Conical Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid propellant booster thrusters for launchers have high manufacturing costs due to complex and expensive mechanical connections required to withstand aerodynamic loads, and they do not efficiently utilize the internal volume for propellant.

Innovation Solution

A solid propellant booster design featuring a cylindrical body with a conical extension, where the internal volumes of both components communicate, eliminating the need for a separate skirt and allowing increased propellant loading capacity, and incorporating an ignition device at the rear end to optimize charge volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a skirt is added to connect the cylindrical body and conical structure, then mechanical strength to withstand aerodynamic loads is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cylindrical body and conical structure into a single integrated casing structure. The conical structure is directly formed as part of the cylindrical body, eliminating the need for separate connection components like skirts. This integration maintains mechanical strength while significantly reducing structural complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If internal volumes are combined and communicated, then propellant loading capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropellant loading capacityVSAvoidvolume integration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the internal volumes of the cylindrical body and conical structure into a single continuous propellant chamber. The communication between volumes is achieved through direct geometric integration rather than complex internal passages, allowing the propellant to occupy the entire integrated volume while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If multiple connection components are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates multiple separate connection components by integrating the conical structure directly into the cylindrical body. The unified casing design reduces the number of parts requiring manufacturing and assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the necessary connection strength through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design simplifies the front architecture, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for smaller, more efficient booster thrusters with enhanced propellant loading, while maintaining mechanical strength to resist aerodynamic loads.

Implementation Method 1

a solid propellant charge (160), an ignition device (170) for the solid propellant charge present at the rear end (120) of the cylindrical body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP3717767B1Auxiliary booster with optimised architecture
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 ARIANEGRP SAS
  • EP3717767B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3717767B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3717767B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~3D

AI summary

An auxiliary solid propellant booster (100) intended to be attached to the main body of a launcher comprises a cylindrical body (110) extending in a longitudinal direction (X-X') between a back end (120) in communication with a nozzle (130) and a front end (140) formed by a conical structure (150) linked to the cylindrical body of the booster (110). The cylindrical body (110) delimits a first internal volume (111) and the conical structure (150) of the front end delimits a second internal volume (151). The auxiliary booster contains a solid propellant charge (160). The first internal volume (111) of the cylindrical body (110) communicates with the second internal volume (151) of the conical structure (150). The solid propellant charge (160) is present in both the first and second internal volumes (111, 151).