Multi-Pulse Gas Generator Using Nested Propellant Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pulse gas generators face challenges in compactly arranging propellants within a limited pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient burning area for multiple pulses, making it difficult to increase the number of pulses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pulse gas generator design featuring a pressure vessel with an outer propellant, an intermediate propellant, and an inner propellant, each supported by the vessel and internal structure, with barrier membranes to isolate and separate them, allowing for sequential combustion and increasing the number of pulses without expanding the vessel's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple propellants are arranged in a pressure vessel to achieve multiple pulses, then the number of pulses increases, but the pressure vessel size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the intermediate propellant inside the outer propellant, and the inner propellant inside the intermediate propellant, creating a concentric multi-layer structure. This allows multiple propellants to occupy the same spatial envelope, increasing the number of pulses without proportionally increasing the pressure vessel volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from arranging propellants in a linear sequence to a radial/concentric arrangement, utilizing the third dimension (radius) to pack multiple propellants within the same cylindrical volume. This dimensional reorganization allows compact accommodation of multiple propellants.
2Power
If propellants are arranged to increase burning area, then propelling power improves, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested concentric arrangement of propellants provides structural simplicity while enabling large total burning area. Each propellant layer has its burning surface exposed to the combustion chamber, and the barrier membranes provide simple radial separation without complex positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the propellant mass into multiple concentric layers separated by barrier membranes, allowing each segment to contribute to the burning area independently. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high propelling power through cumulative burning surfaces while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
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 configuration enables a compact multi-pulse gas generator to generate multiple pulses efficiently, securing a sufficient burning area and improving propellant ratio, thus enhancing the propelling power without lengthening the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first propellant loaded within the pressure vessel to be burned at a first pulse, a second propellant loaded within the pressure vessel to be burned at a second pulse subsequent to the first pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-pulse gas generator includes a pressure vessel, an outer propellant arranged in the pressure vessel and which has a tubular shape, an intermediate propellant arranged inside the outer propellant and which has a tubular shape, an inner propellant arranged inside the intermediate propellant and which has a tubular shape, an internal structure arranged inside the inner propellant and fixed to the pressure vessel, a first barrier membrane arranged between the outer propellant and the intermediate propellant so as to isolate the outer propellant and the intermediate propellant from each other, and a second barrier membrane arranged between the intermediate propellant and the inner propellant so as to isolate the intermediate propellant and the inner propellant from each other. The outer propellant is supported on its outer surface by the pressure vessel. The inner propellant is supported on its inner surface by the internal structure.