Palletized Multi-Engine Startup With Centralized Gas Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle turbojet engine start-up systems are expensive, voluminous, and require ancillary hardware, which limits space for additional fuel and electronics, especially in vehicles launched from pallets.

Innovation Solution

A centralized multi-engine startup system with an energized gas source and umbilical gas line integrated into a pallet structure, providing a unified gas supply for multiple vehicles, reducing the need for individual start-up hardware on each vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual start-up hardware is installed on each vehicle, then each vehicle has independent start-up capability, but the system becomes expensive and voluminous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent start-up capabilityVSAvoidstart-up hardware volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vehicle start-up systems are merged into a single centralized start-up system located on the pallet. The system uses a common gas source and distributes start gas to multiple vehicles through fluid lines with quick-connect couplings, eliminating the need for separate start-up hardware on each vehicle while maintaining independent start-up capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized start-up system serves multiple vehicles simultaneously through a universal gas distribution network. A single gas source and control system can initiate engines across multiple vehicles, making the start-up system multi-functional rather than dedicated to individual vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If start cartridges and O2 bottles are installed on each vehicle, then engine start-up is enabled, but ancillary hardware is required and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine start-up functionVSAvoidvehicle internal space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The start-up hardware (gas source, storage, and distribution components) is extracted from the vehicles and relocated to the pallet. Vehicles retain only minimal interface components (quick-connect couplings), while the bulk of the start-up system resides externally on the pallet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pallet acts as an intermediary platform that hosts the centralized start-up system. The pallet structure mediates between the gas source and multiple vehicles, providing a common interface and distribution network that eliminates the need for vehicles to carry their own start-up hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If centralized start-up system is used on pallet, then costs are reduced and space is freed, but system integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle hardware countVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized start-up system is segmented into modular components: a gas source module, fluid distribution lines, and quick-connect coupling interfaces. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and testing of components before integration, reducing overall system integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pallet-mounted start-up system is pre-assembled and tested before vehicle attachment. Quick-connect couplings are pre-configured on both the pallet and vehicles, allowing rapid connection without complex field assembly, thereby reducing integration complexity during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system reduces costs, minimizes vehicle weight, and frees up space for additional fuel and electronics by centralizing engine start-up components on a pallet, enabling efficient and cost-effective engine ignition during palletized launches.

Implementation Method 1

The gas generator and start cartridge are configured to produce an energized gas configured to start a gas turbine engine associated with the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

an umbilical gas line fluidly coupled to the energized gas source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250215832A1Centralized multi engine startup system for palletized applications

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 RTX CORP

AI summary

A centralized multi engine startup system including a pallet structure; an energized gas source supported by the pallet structure; an umbilical gas line fluidly coupled to the energized gas source; and a vehicle in operative communication with the umbilical gas line, wherein each of the energized gas source and umbilical gas line are coupled to the pallet structure and remain with the pallet structure responsive to a vehicle launch from the pallet structure.