Castellated-Tooth Solenoid Launch Lock for Thrust Vector Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for spacecraft thrust vector control systems are inefficient in reducing power draw and force requirements, leading to high energy consumption and instability during transport.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid-based lock assembly with a resilient member and a solenoid armature that moves between locked and unlocked positions, using a controlled electrical current to minimize power consumption and facilitate easy transition between locked and unlocked states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing locking mechanisms are used to secure the engine during transport, then the engine remains stationary, but power consumption and force requirements are excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid operates in periodic cycles: high current is applied only during the brief transition period to move the armature between locked and unlocked positions, then current is reduced to a minimal holding level or completely cut off. This periodic action pattern allows the engine to remain securely locked during transport without continuous high power consumption, resolving the contradiction between stability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member (spring) is pre-loaded to automatically push the armature into the locked position against the rotor, creating a passive self-locking mechanism. Once locked, the system maintains stability without requiring active power input, as the spring's stored mechanical energy continuously maintains the locked state, thereby eliminating the need for continuous electrical power while ensuring engine stability during transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing locking mechanisms are used to secure the engine during transport, then the engine remains stationary, but force requirements are excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member (spring) is pre-loaded to automatically push the armature into the locked position against the rotor, creating a passive self-locking mechanism. Once locked, the system maintains stability without requiring active power input, as the spring's stored mechanical energy continuously maintains the locked state, thereby eliminating the need for continuous electrical power while ensuring engine stability during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional high-force mechanical locking mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based solenoid system. The solenoid generates magnetic force only when needed to transition the armature between positions, rather than requiring continuous high mechanical force. This substitution dramatically reduces the force requirements while maintaining the same level of engine stability during transport.
3Ease of operation
If high electrical current is continuously supplied to the solenoid to maintain the unlocked position, then the armature remains in the unlocked position, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid operates in periodic cycles: high current is applied only during the brief transition period to move the armature between locked and unlocked positions, then current is reduced to a minimal holding level or completely cut off. This periodic action pattern allows the engine to remain securely locked during transport without continuous high power consumption, resolving the contradiction between stability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary continuous high current supply from the system. By analyzing the actual operational needs, it determines that continuous high current is not required to maintain either locked or unlocked positions. Instead, brief current pulses during transitions suffice, with the resilient member handling position maintenance passively, thereby eliminating wasteful continuous power consumption while preserving full operational control.
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
Reduces power draw and force requirements while maintaining the engine in a stationary position, enhancing load holding capacity and ease of movement, thus improving the stability of spacecraft engines during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coupled to the motor housing, the solenoid including a winding portion extending into the motor housing toward the motor rotor
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member operably coupled between the solenoid and the solenoid armature. The resilient member may bias the solenoid armature toward the motor rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly includes a motor rotor including a rotor surface; a solenoid including a winding portion extending toward the motor rotor; and a solenoid armature including an armature contact surface, the solenoid armature being positioned between the motor rotor and the winding portion and being movable along the axial direction between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each of the motor rotor and the solenoid armature include a set of castellated teeth configured to contact each other in the locked position to restrict a rotation of the motor rotor.