Magnetically Induced Electrospray Thruster Without Extractor Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrospray devices used in space thrusters face challenges with scalability due to tight manufacturing tolerances and have a limited practical service life due to the use of an extractor.
Innovation Solution
The development of a magnetically induced electrospray thruster system that eliminates the need for an extractor by using a dynamic magnetic field to release and accelerate ionized particles from an emitter, allowing for scalable design and increased service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an extractor grid is used to accelerate and emit ionized particles, then the device can achieve desired thrust velocity, but the device suffers from limited service life and scalability issues due to tight manufacturing tolerances and particle interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extractor grid component entirely from the electrospray thruster system. Instead of using an extractor to accelerate ions, the system relies on the natural expansion of the plasma plume and magnetic field configuration to achieve ion acceleration and directional emission, thereby eliminating the service life limitations associated with extractor-grid interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary mechanism to control and direct the ionized particle flow. The magnetic field serves as a mediator that shapes the plasma plume and guides ion emission without requiring direct physical contact between ions and solid components, thus avoiding the interception and erosion problems that limit extractor-based systems
2Power
If an extractor grid is used to emit ionized particles, then thrust can be generated, but the device faces scalability limitations due to tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the extractor grid, the system eliminates the component that imposes strict manufacturing tolerance requirements. The extractorless design allows the thruster to be scaled to different sizes and configurations without being constrained by the difficulty of manufacturing and aligning precision extractor grids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic magnetic field configuration to control ion emission characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and scaling requirements, providing flexibility that rigid extractor-grid geometries cannot achieve
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 solution enables the electrospray thruster to emit ions and produce thrust without interception, allowing for scalable design and significantly increasing the service life compared to traditional extractor-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
an element for generating a dynamic magnetic field that runs through the emitter, wherein the openings are configured to permit release of the liquid media therefrom in response to a dynamic magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the Helmholtz coil pairs generate a dynamic magnetic field that causes ionized particles exiting the emitter to be propelled away from the device in a direction orthogonal to the pair of coils
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for emitting an electrospray of ionized particles is disclosed, comprising a reservoir, an emitter in communication with the reservoir and having openings, wherein the openings are configured to permit release of the liquid media therefrom in response to a dynamic magnetic field; and an element for generating a dynamic magnetic field that runs through the emitter. The element may comprise two orthogonal Helmholtz coil pairs. In another example embodiment, an electrospray thruster is disclosed. The electrospray thruster may comprise: a reservoir for accommodating a volume of liquid media capable of being ionized; an emitter grid comprising a plurality of emitters, wherein each emitter of the plurality of emitters is in communication with the reservoir and comprises an opening disposed therethrough; and an element for causing the liquid media to be ionized from the emitter by a dynamic magnetic field.