Conductive Solid Fuel Ignition for Low-Power Rocket Re-Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocket ignition systems are heavy, complex, and inefficient, lacking a re-ignition device that is safe, low in cost, small in size, and capable of quick ignition without compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A conductive solid fuel composed of a plastic material with a dispersed powdery conductive substance, ignited by energization and reaction with an oxidant, using an electrode partially embedded in the bulk fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating element is used to gasify fuel for re-ignition, then re-ignition capability is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor and high power consumption (100-200 W for 15 seconds or more) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fuel by incorporating conductive substances (graphite, carbon black, metal powders) into the solid fuel matrix, transforming it from non-conductive to conductive. This enables direct electrical heating at much lower power levels (4-5 W) compared to conventional heating elements, resolving the contradiction between reliable re-ignition and low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining solid fuel with conductive substances. This composite structure allows the fuel itself to serve dual purposes: as combustion material and as an electrical conductor for heating, eliminating the need for separate high-power heating elements and achieving both reliability and energy efficiency
2Reliability
If methane is used as fuel for spark plug ignition, then reliable re-ignition with controllable heat is achieved, but safety is impaired and additional supply systems increase weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the solid fuel self-sufficient by embedding conductive substances directly within it. The fuel contains its own heating capability through the conductive material, eliminating the need for external methane supply systems and spark plugs. This self-service approach maintains safety while achieving reliable re-ignition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hazardous methane supply system and spark plug components from the hybrid rocket design. By incorporating conductive properties directly into the solid fuel, it removes the safety risks and weight/volume penalties associated with gaseous fuel storage and ignition systems
3Use of energy by moving object
If a diode laser is used for ignition, then re-ignition is achieved at low power (10.84-12 W), but the structure becomes complex with copper heat sink, lens, and ABS fuel requirements, increasing weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ignition function and fuel storage function into a single integrated component. The conductive solid fuel contains both the fuel material and the heating mechanism (conductive substance), eliminating the need for separate laser optics, heat sinks, and specialized ABS fuel components. This integration dramatically simplifies the device structure while maintaining low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive solid fuel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the combustion fuel, the heating element, and the energy storage medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized components required by laser ignition systems, reducing both complexity and cost
4Use of energy by moving object
If ultra-high voltage arc discharge is applied to ABS fuel, then re-ignition is achieved at very low power (about 4 W), but an ultra-high voltage amplifier is required, complicating the electric system and increasing weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the fuel by incorporating conductive substances, enabling it to operate at low voltage and current levels. This transformation allows the system to achieve efficient heating (4-5 W) without requiring ultra-high voltage amplifiers or complex electric systems, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and system simplicity
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 system achieves efficient, reliable, and safe re-ignition with a simple structure, suitable for space operations.
Implementation Method 1
a bulk fuel made of a plastic material; and a powdery conductive substance dispersed in the bulk fuel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an ignition device including a housing, a bulk fuel, and at least two lead wires as electrodes. The bulk fuel is made of a plastic material, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or epoxy resin. The bulk fuel contains an internally dispersed powdery conductive material, thereby obtaining a conductive solid fuel. One end of the lead wire is partially embedded in the bulk fuel. The other end of the lead wire is connected to a power source. A portion of the bulk fuel is gasified by energizing the lead wire, and the gasified fuel is combusted by reaction with an oxidant.