Magnet-Coupled Spacecraft Propulsion Without Propellant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft propulsion systems rely on fuel, which increases complexity, cost, and mass, limiting the operational life and scalability of spacecraft, especially for small/nano spacecraft, and do not allow for bidirectional thrust.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelling method using electromagnetic forces to induce angular momentum in magnets, which creates a net impulse for a vehicle platform without the need for propellant, allowing for bidirectional thrust and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If fuel-based propulsion systems are used in spacecraft, then thrust can be generated, but the mass, complexity, and cost of the spacecraft increase due to fuel tanks, fuel lines, valves, and flow gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fuel/propellant dependency from the propulsion system. The magnetic propulsion system generates thrust through electromagnetic interactions between magnets and conductive materials, completely removing the need for fuel tanks, fuel lines, valves, and flow gauges that constitute the majority of propulsion system mass in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical-mechanical propulsion system (fuel combustion) with an electromagnetic propulsion system. Instead of using chemical energy from fuel to generate thrust, the system uses electromagnetic forces between magnets and conductive materials to produce the same effect, thereby eliminating the need for complex fuel management systems.
2Force
If fuel-based propulsion systems are used in spacecraft, then thrust can be generated, but the device complexity increases due to fuel tanks, fuel line routing, filtering, valves, and flow gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex fuel management infrastructure from the propulsion system. By using electromagnetic forces between magnets and conductive materials, the system removes the need for fuel tanks, fuel line routing, filtering systems, valves, and flow gauges, thereby dramatically simplifying the overall propulsion system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical fuel-based propulsion system with a simpler electromagnetic system. The electromagnetic interaction between magnets and conductive materials provides thrust without requiring any of the complex mechanical components needed for fuel storage, transport, and control.
3Force
If fuel-based propulsion systems are used in spacecraft, then thrust can be generated, but the operational life is limited because fuel tanks cannot be refilled once empty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service propulsion system where the spacecraft generates its own propellant through the interaction of magnetic fields with conductive materials in the space environment. The system can continuously generate thrust without depleting a finite fuel supply, as the electromagnetic interactions draw energy from the spacecraft's power system rather than consuming physical propellant.
4Force
If fuel-based propulsion systems are used in spacecraft, then thrust can be generated, but the system does not scale down well for small/micro/nano spacecraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes to enable scalability across different spacecraft sizes. By adjusting the strength and configuration of magnets and conductive materials, the same fundamental electromagnetic propulsion principle can be effectively applied to large spacecraft, small satellites, and even micro/nano spacecraft, allowing the system to scale down without losing effectiveness.
5Force
If fuel-based propulsion systems are used in spacecraft, then thrust can be generated, but the thrust can only be produced in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic propulsion system where the polarity of magnets can be dynamically switched to change the direction of thrust. By controlling the magnetic field orientation and the interaction with conductive materials, the system can generate thrust in multiple directions, providing bidirectional and even omnidirectional propulsion capability that adapts to mission requirements.
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
Enables efficient and scalable propulsion for spacecraft without the need for propellant, reducing mass and complexity, and allowing for longer operational life and bidirectional thrust.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic impulse may be provided to a first magnet to induce rotation of the first magnet about a first axis on a vehicle platform
Implementation Method 2
The first magnet rotating about the first axis may induce rotation of a second magnet about a second axis through magnetic attraction
Implementation Method 3
Force components in a first direction from both the centripetal force and magnetic attraction force may provide the vehicle platform with a net positive impulse
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A self-propelling method includes providing an impulse to a first magnet, the first magnet having angular momentum about a first point subsequent to the impulse (block 1100), and inducing a change in angular momentum of a second magnet in response to magnetic attraction with the first magnet (block 1104), the second magnet rotating about a second point, so that the first and second magnets are rotatably coupled to a rigid vehicle platform at the first and second points, and the inducing a change in angular momentum of the second magnet results in a transferred linear impulse of rigid vehicle platform in a first direction (block 1108).