Pyrotechnic Thrust Modulation via Pre-pressurized Gas Tank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current propulsion systems for missiles and spacecraft face challenges in achieving rapid thrust modulation with low fuel consumption and high response times, particularly during standby phases, due to high fuel consumption and risks of untimely extinction or reignition of solid propellant systems, and the need for multiple motors increases weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

A pyrotechnic propulsion method that maintains combustion gases under pressure in a tank, allowing for independent and on-demand ignition of solid pyrotechnic charges to generate propellant gases, which are stored and delivered as needed, enabling variable intensity, direction, and duration thrust pulses with controlled pressure management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If solid propellant systems are used for trajectory correction, then high thrust pulses with short response time are achieved, but high fuel consumption occurs during standby phases and risks of untimely extinction or reignition arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-pressurizes the tank with propellant gas during standby phases before actual thrust is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when trajectory correction is required, the propellant is already in a ready state, eliminating delays and reducing the need for continuous fuel consumption during standby.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic ignition of solid propellant charges to maintain tank pressure during standby phases rather than continuous operation. This periodic action provides sufficient pressure maintenance with minimal fuel consumption compared to continuous operation, while still ensuring rapid response when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used for trajectory correction in yaws, pitch and roll, then high maneuverability is achieved, but system weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a single motor capable of delivering thrust in multiple directions (yaws, pitch, and roll) through controlled activation of propellant charges and nozzle orientation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate motors for each axis, significantly reducing system weight and cost while maintaining full maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of multiple dedicated motors into a single integrated propulsion unit that can provide thrust vectors in all required directions. By combining what would traditionally be separate motor systems into one unified design, the invention achieves the same maneuverability with reduced weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If liquid propellant systems are used for trajectory correction, then low fuel consumption during standby is achieved, but high response times and weak impulses are delivered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces liquid propellant systems with solid propellant charges that are pre-pressurized in the tank. This substitution eliminates the slow combustion process inherent in liquid systems, enabling rapid ignition and thrust delivery while maintaining low fuel consumption during standby phases through periodic rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and precise thrust modulation with minimal fuel consumption, rapid response times, and reduced system weight and cost, as the propellant is only consumed when needed, and the system can maintain pressure for the duration of the mission.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to a pyrotechnic propulsion method with thrust modulation. Said method is based on the generation of propellant gases from pyrotechnic means... the combustion of solid propellants... the combustion of at least one solid pyrotechnic charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

maintaining under pressure, over time, at least one tank with the combustion gases of solid pyrotechnic charges, separated... the pressurization of at least one tank with the combustion gases of at least one solid pyrotechnic charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure maintenance: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP1972775B1Pyrotechnical propulsion method and device with thrust modulation

Publication Date: 2010.05.12 SNPE MATERIAUX ENERGETIQUES

Figure 1
Figure 2A~4

AI summary

The method involves maintaining a preformed tank (2) under pressure with the combustion gas of separated solid pyrotechnic loads (9a, 9b), where the loads are constituted of propellant elements. The loads are ignited in different manner according to the need, where the loads are arranged within the tank. The pressurized gas is delivered from the tank continuously through an opening, where the deliverance of the pressurized gas is implemented with pressure control within the tank and the pressurized gas is filtered before being delivered. An independent claim is also included for a pyrotechnical propulsion device comprising a combustion chamber.