Restartable Hybrid Rocket Igniter With Ridge Electrodes

Solution Overview

Problem

Current hybrid rocket ignition systems are limited by their inability to initiate multiple re-starts, pose significant safety and environmental hazards, and require high-volatility propellants that are difficult to ignite safely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A re-startable hybrid rocket ignition system featuring a housing with multiple flat layers and electrodes that concentrate electrical charges, allowing for multiple re-starts without the need for high-enthalpy pyrotechnic charges, using materials like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and formed through processes like fused deposition modeling or three-dimensional printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If pyrotechnic ignition methods are used, then high enthalpy output is achieved, but multiple re-start capability is lost and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenthalpy outputVSAvoidmultiple re-start capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pyrotechnic (chemical) ignition systems with an electrical field-based ignition system. Two electrodes generate an electrical potential field that concentrates at ridges on the internal surface, creating electrical discharge to ignite the propellant. This substitution enables multiple re-starts while eliminating the safety hazards and single-use limitation of pyrotechnic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the ignition system from chemical (pyrotechnic) to electrical. By applying electrical potential between electrodes and utilizing the ridge structure to concentrate the electrical field, the system achieves ignition through electrical discharge rather than chemical combustion, enabling restart capability and improved safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If pyrotechnic ignition methods are used, then high enthalpy output is achieved, but safety hazards and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenthalpy outputVSAvoidsafety hazards and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pyrotechnic (chemical) ignition systems with an electrical field-based ignition system. Two electrodes generate an electrical potential field that concentrates at ridges on the internal surface, creating electrical discharge to ignite the propellant. This substitution enables multiple re-starts while eliminating the safety hazards and single-use limitation of pyrotechnic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs non-toxic and non-explosive propellants in an inert-safe environment. By using materials like ABS plastic that are not highly reactive or toxic, and by utilizing electrical rather than chemical ignition, the system reduces harmful factors while maintaining effective ignition capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-toxic and non-explosive propellants are used, then safety is improved, but ignition difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxicity and explosivenessVSAvoidignition difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating ridges on the internal surface at specific locations where ignition is needed. These ridges concentrate the electrical field locally, creating high-density electrical discharge zones that effectively ignite the propellant. This localized field concentration overcomes the ignition difficulty of safer propellants without requiring high-enthalpy pyrotechnic charges throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the ignition system from chemical (pyrotechnic) to electrical. By applying electrical potential between electrodes and utilizing the ridge structure to concentrate the electrical field, the system achieves ignition through electrical discharge rather than chemical combustion, enabling restart capability and improved safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If electrical potential field is applied with ridges, then multiple re-starts are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple re-start capabilityVSAvoidhousing structure with multiple layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing into multiple flat layers that form ridges on the internal surface. This segmentation serves dual purposes: it creates the electrical field concentration zones needed for ignition while also enabling the housing to be manufactured through additive processes. The segmented structure achieves complexity functionality without requiring complex assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the ignition system from chemical (pyrotechnic) to electrical. By applying electrical potential between electrodes and utilizing the ridge structure to concentrate the electrical field, the system achieves ignition through electrical discharge rather than chemical combustion, enabling restart capability and improved safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables multiple re-starts with reduced toxicity and explosiveness, using non-toxic and non-explosive propellants, and achieves high enthalpy output similar to bi-propellant igniters, enhancing safety and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the internal surface with the ridges are configured to concentrate an electrical charge upon being subjected to the electrical potential field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical charge concentration: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the ridges, under the electrical potential field, act as miniature electrodes to arc the electrical charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

Combustion of hybrid propellants must be initiated by an igniter that provides sufficient heat to cause pyrolysis of the solid fuel grain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS10527004B2Restartable ignition devices, systems, and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Devices, methods, and systems for providing a restartable ignition system for a hybrid rocket system. In one embodiment, an ignition device includes a housing and at least two electrodes. The housing includes a first side and a second side and defines a bore with an axis extending therethrough between the first and second sides, the bore defining an internal surface of the housing. The at least two electrodes extend through the housing to the internal surface. The at least two electrodes are configured to be spaced apart so as to provide an electrical potential field along the internal surface between the at least two electrodes. Such housing is formed with and includes multiple flat layers such that the multiple flat layers provide ridges along the internal surface. With this arrangement, the internal surface with the ridges are configured to concentrate an electrical charge upon being subjected to the electrical potential field.