Plasma Propulsion Coil System Ionosphere Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current propulsion techniques, such as rocket propulsion and electrohydrodynamics, are inefficient and costly for travel within and beyond the Earth's ionosphere, and they face limitations in altitude and maneuverability due to the need for onboard reaction mass.
Innovation Solution
The use of cyclically energized and de-energized multiple coils to generate and translate a dipole magnetic field within a plasma field, accelerating ions and generating thrust without the need for onboard reaction mass, thereby enabling efficient propulsion in various atmospheric layers and beyond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rocket propulsion or electrohydrodynamics is used, then vehicles can be launched into space, but the techniques are inefficient and costly for travel within and beyond the ionosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma propulsion system utilizes the Earth's ionosphere as an external resource, drawing charged particles directly from the ambient plasma environment rather than carrying onboard propellant. The coils generate magnetic fields that interact with these ambient ions to produce thrust, allowing the system to 'service itself' by using the environment as both power source and reaction mass reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical combustion-based rocket propulsion with an electromagnetic field-based system. Instead of combusting chemical propellants to generate thrust, the system uses cyclically energized coils to create oscillating magnetic fields that directly accelerate charged particles from the ionosphere, substituting chemical-mechanical energy conversion with electromagnetic field interaction.
2Force
If onboard reaction mass is used, then thrust can be generated, but altitude and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts reaction mass from the external environment (the ionosphere) rather than relying on onboard stored propellant. By taking ions directly from the ambient plasma, the system removes the constraint of carrying limited reaction mass, enabling operation across a much broader altitude range from the ionosphere through space.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma propulsion system is designed to operate universally across multiple environments - from the ionosphere to outer space - by using the ambient plasma wherever present. The same coil-based electromagnetic mechanism functions in all these environments, providing multi-functional capability without requiring different propulsion systems for different altitude regimes.
3Productivity
If multiple coils are cyclically energized to accelerate particles, then propulsion is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system employs periodic cyclic energization of the coils rather than continuous operation. The coils are energized in alternating sequences, creating oscillating magnetic fields that progressively accelerate particles. This periodic action reduces average power consumption and simplifies the electrical system compared to continuous high-power operation, while maintaining effective propulsion capability.
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 approach allows for sustained and efficient propulsion by utilizing atmospheric particles as reaction mass, overcoming the limitations of traditional propulsion methods, and enabling travel from the Earth's surface to outer space.
Implementation Method 1
increase energy to the first drive coil to generate a magnetic field in a portion of the plasma adjacent to the first drive coil
Implementation Method 2
decrease energy to the first drive coil and increase energy to the second drive coil to translate the resulting superposed magnetic field through the plasma to a position adjacent to the second drive coil
Implementation Method 3
accelerating ions and generating thrust without the need for onboard reaction mass
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to plasma systems and associated methods, including propulsion systems for flight vehicles. A representative system includes a plurality of coils. The coils include a first coil positioned along a force axis, a second coil positioned along the force axis and spaced apart from the first coil, and a third coil that is magnetically shielded. A controller is operatively coupled to the coils and is configured to (a) increase energy to the first coil to generate a magnetic field in a portion of the plasma adjacent to the first coil, (b) decrease energy to the first coil and increase energy to the second coil to translate the resulting superposed magnetic field through the plasma to a position adjacent the second coil, and (c) transfer energy from the second coil to the third coil and decrease energy to the second coil to reduce the magnetic field in the plasma.