Hydraulic Pump Systems for Rocket Thrust Vector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic pump systems for rocket thrust vector control are large, complex, and expensive due to the need for high-pressure and high-flow rate systems with significant differences in operating speeds between turbine and hydraulic pump components, requiring robust gear reduction systems.
Innovation Solution
A pump system with a centrifugal pump directly connected to a turbine shaft, a bleed port, and a valve to regulate turbine shaft speed through pressure, and a speed reduction system with two-stage gear reduction to operate at lower speeds, reducing the need for large gear systems and power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional turbine pump assembly is used with high-speed turbine operation, then hydraulic pressure and flow rate requirements are met, but the system size, complexity, and cost increase due to gear reduction systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centrifugal pump from the traditional turbine-driven system and replaces it with a high-speed electric motor directly coupled to the centrifugal pump. This removes the turbine and its associated gear reduction system, eliminating the complexity while maintaining the required hydraulic power output through direct electric drive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical turbine-gear system with an electric motor-driven system. The high-speed electric motor directly drives the centrifugal pump without mechanical gear reduction, substituting a simpler electric drive mechanism for the complex mechanical power transmission system
2Speed
If a gear reduction system is incorporated to match turbine and pump speeds, then speed compatibility is achieved, but the system becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a high-speed electric motor that operates at the same high RPM as the centrifugal pump requires. This eliminates the need for speed reduction and allows direct coupling, significantly reducing the system volume compared to gear reduction systems
3Speed
If a turbine speed control valve is used to control turbine rotational speed, then speed regulation is achieved, but the valve operates at lower RPM requiring additional mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the turbine speed control valve and its mechanical linkage system entirely. Instead, it uses electronic speed control of the electric motor, which can regulate motor speed electronically without requiring mechanical valves, linkages, or governors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve and linkage control system with an electric motor control system. Electronic speed control of the motor provides the same function as the mechanical valve but without the complexity of moving mechanical parts
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 reduces the size, weight, and cost of pump systems by eliminating the need for complex gear systems, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective hydraulic pumping for rocket nozzle steering.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine disposed thereon to rotate the turbine shaft at a turbine shaft speed due to fluid flow through the turbine
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugal pump directly connected to the turbine shaft and configured to pump hydraulic fluid at the turbine shaft speed
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A pump system includes a turbine (101) shaft including a turbine (103) disposed thereon to rotate the turbine shaft at a turbine shaft speed due to fluid flow through the turbine, a centrifugal pump (105) directly connected to the turbine shaft and configured to pump hydraulic fluid at the turbine shaft speed, a bleed port (205a) disposed downstream of the centrifugal pump, and a valve (109) configured to be fluidly connected to the bleed port and configured to meter flow to the turbine to regulate the turbine shaft speed at least partially as a function of pressure from the bleed port.