Axial Gap Propellant Pump Layout for Compact Dual-Fluid Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propellant supply systems face challenges in miniaturization due to limitations in reducing the size and weight of radial gap motors, which can lead to heat generation and magnetic saturation issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of an axial gap motor with integrated fuel and oxidizer pumps, where the fuel pump is provided at one end and the oxidizer pump at the other, driven by a single motor, reduces heat generation and simplifies cooling, thereby decreasing the system's size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size and weight of the radial gap motor are decreased, then miniaturization is achieved, but heat generation increases due to increased current requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motor type from radial gap to axial gap configuration, fundamentally altering the electromagnetic field distribution and current density parameters. This parameter change allows achieving the same output power with lower current, thereby reducing heat generation while maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional radial gap motor design with an axial gap motor design, substituting the mechanical arrangement of magnetic fields and conductors. This substitution enables more efficient power density distribution and reduced resistive heating in the conductor windings
2Volume of moving object
If the size and weight of the radial gap motor are decreased, then miniaturization is achieved, but magnetic saturation occurs reducing electromagnetic force generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motor configuration from radial to axial gap, altering the magnetic circuit parameters and flux distribution. This enables achieving required electromagnetic force with smaller dimensions by optimizing the magnetic field path and reducing saturation in critical areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a radial field configuration to an axial field configuration, utilizing a different spatial dimension for magnetic flux flow. This dimensional change allows more efficient use of magnetic material and avoids saturation limitations inherent in radial designs at small scales
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used for fuel pump and oxidizer pump, then each pump can be independently controlled, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a dual-output axial gap motor where a single motor unit drives both the fuel pump and oxidizer pump through separate output shafts. This multi-functional design maintains independent control capability for each pump while reducing the overall component count and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate motor functions into a single axial gap motor unit that provides both fuel pump drive and oxidizer pump drive capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of independent components while preserving the ability to independently control each pump's operation
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 configuration allows for a compact propellant supply system with reduced components and simplified cooling, minimizing the risk of failure and enhancing efficiency by individually adjusting fuel and oxidizer flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
an axial gap motor which has a rotating shaft
Implementation Method 2
a fuel pump provided at one end of the rotating shaft; and an oxidizer pump provided at the other end of the rotating shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A propellant supply system (100) for supplying fuel (F) and oxidizer (O) to a propellant supply target (R) includes: an axial gap motor (10) having a rotating shaft, a fuel pump (30) provided at one end of the rotating shaft, and an oxidizer pump (40) provided at the other end of the rotating shaft.