Monolithic Thruster Frame With Shared Walls for Dense Impulse Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional attitude control motor systems are bulky and inefficient in terms of volume-to-thrust output ratio, and require significant space due to self-contained pressure vessels, making them unsuitable for vehicles with limited volume, and also expensive due to complex valve and actuation systems.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic attitude control motor system that utilizes shared pressure vessel walls to distribute operational pressure loads, allowing for a more compact design by integrating multiple attitude control motors within a single monolithic frame with radially extending cavities, eliminating the need for individual pressure vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional self-contained attitude control motors are used, then each motor can operate independently with its own pressure vessel, but the system becomes bulky and requires significant vehicle volume
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attitude control motors are merged into a single monolithic pressure vessel structure. The shared pressure vessel walls allow multiple motor functions to operate within one integrated containment system, eliminating the need for separate pressure vessels for each motor and significantly reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic pressure vessel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pressure containment for multiple motors, provides structural support, and enables independent motor operation. Each motor can be independently fired while sharing the common pressure vessel infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If solid gas generators with valve systems are used, then more impulse can be packaged in a given volume, but the system becomes expensive and requires venting to prevent overpressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The complex valve and actuation systems are extracted and replaced with a simpler motor firing system. The monolithic pressure vessel design eliminates the need for sophisticated valve mechanisms by using a different approach to thrust direction control and propellant management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simpler, potentially disposable motor units within the monolithic structure rather than expensive, complex valve systems that require precise control and maintenance. Each motor can be independently fired without requiring sophisticated valve actuation.
3Strength
If conventional circular cross-section motors are used, then pressurization forces are efficiently contained, but the motors are bulky relative to their thrust output
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic pressure vessel uses a non-circular, optimized cross-sectional geometry that better accommodates multiple motor configurations. This asymmetric design allows for more efficient space utilization and better volume-to-thrust ratios while maintaining structural integrity under pressurization loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from individual three-dimensional cylindrical motors to a two-dimensional array of motor configurations within the monolithic structure. This allows for optimized packing and more efficient use of available volume while maintaining pressurization containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic attitude control motor frame includes a monolithic structure including an outer surface of revolution and a plurality of side walls defining a plurality of cavities extending radially from the outer surface of revolution. Adjacent cavities of the plurality of cavities share a side wall or side wall portion therebetween. Each of the cavities is configured to receive an attitude control motor. A monolithic attitude control motor system includes a monolithic frame including an outer surface of revolution and a plurality of side walls defining a plurality of cavities extending radially from the outer surface of revolution. The system further includes a plurality of attitude control motors corresponding to the plurality of cavities, such that an attitude control motor of the plurality of attitude control motors is disposed in each cavity of the plurality of cavities.