Reaction Wheel Rotor Assembly for Propellant-Less Spacecraft Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft propulsion systems rely on propellants, leading to increased complexity, cost, and limited scalability, as well as restricted bidirectionality and short operational lifetimes due to fuel constraints, particularly affecting smaller satellites in low Earth orbit.
Innovation Solution
A propellant-less propulsion system utilizing synchronized counter-rotating rotors with permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils to generate thrust through centripetal forces, enabling bidirectional thrust and attitude control, thereby simplifying spacecraft architecture and extending operational lifetimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If propellant-based propulsion systems are used, then thrust can be generated, but system complexity and mass increase due to fuel tanks, fuel lines, valves, and flow gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the propellant system entirely from the spacecraft, extracting the fuel tanks, fuel lines, valves, and flow gauges that cause complexity. Instead, it uses a propellant-less propulsion mechanism involving magnetic fields and electromagnetic coils to generate thrust without consuming any material propellant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical propellant-based thrust generation system with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnetic coils generate magnetic fields that interact with permanent magnets on the rotors to produce thrust, substituting mechanical fuel delivery systems with electromagnetic field interactions.
2Force
If propellant-based propulsion systems are used, then thrust can be generated, but launch mass increases due to fuel tanks and associated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy fuel tanks and associated propulsion components from the spacecraft design. By eliminating these mass-intensive elements, the overall launch mass is reduced while maintaining thrust capability through the propellant-less electromagnetic propulsion system.
3Force
If propellant-based propulsion systems are used, then thrust can be generated, but operational lifetime is limited by fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the propulsion system inexhaustible rather than disposable. Instead of consuming finite propellant, the electromagnetic propulsion system uses renewable electrical energy to generate magnetic fields, enabling continuous operation without refueling and dramatically extending operational lifetime.
4Force
If traditional propellant-based thrusters are used, then propulsion is achieved, but scalability to smaller satellites is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal propulsion system that can be scaled across different satellite sizes. The electromagnetic propulsion mechanism with permanent magnets and coils can be adapted to various mass and size requirements, making it suitable for large satellites, small satellites, and even nanosatellites, unlike traditional propellant systems that are difficult to scale down.
5Force
If propellant-based propulsion systems are used, then bidirectional thrust would be needed, but individual thrusters are limited to one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bidirectional thrust capability through the counter-rotating rotor system. By controlling the rotation direction and speed of the permanent magnet-embedded rotors, the system can generate thrust in opposite directions without requiring separate thruster units for each direction, achieving bidirectionality through dynamic control of a single integrated 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
The system provides efficient, scalable, and bidirectional propulsion without the need for propellants, reducing mass and complexity, while enabling longer operational lifetimes and maintaining desired orbital altitudes for spacecraft of all sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A propellant-less propulsion system utilizing synchronized counter-rotating rotors with permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils to generate thrust through centripetal forces
Implementation Method 2
generate thrust through centripetal forces
Implementation Method 3
permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils to generate thrust
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion assembly includes: a housing; a first central shaft mounted to the housing; a first ring rotor; a first central hub rotatably mounted on the central shaft; a plurality of tethers positioned between the central hub and the first ring rotor such that the first ring rotor is mounted to the central hub with the plurality of tethers; a drive mechanism mounted on the housing, the drive mechanism positioned to impart a force on a portion of the first ring rotor. A thrust is imparted on the housing by the first ring rotor through one or more of the plurality of tethers, and a direction of thrust corresponds to a location on the first ring rotor on which the drive mechanism imparts a force.