Ground-Based Rocket Booster Landing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rocket booster stage retrieval methods face challenges in achieving safe vertical landings on both land and water platforms, particularly for larger rockets, due to insufficient fuel for guided landings and the need to dissipate hot gases effectively, while also minimizing damage and weight additions to the booster stage.
Innovation Solution
A standalone rocket booster stage landing apparatus comprising a platform, dampening cushioning device, exhaust diffuser device, and truncated hollow cone, which provides a stable landing site, cushions the impact, and directs hot gases away from the landing area, reducing the need for built-in landing systems and fuel for landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rocket booster stage uses built-in landing legs and fuel for controlled landing, then landing stability is improved, but the weight of the booster stage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the landing legs from the booster stage and extracts the landing support function to a separate ground-based apparatus. The landing legs are taken out from the moving object (booster stage) and the landing function is transferred to a stationary system on the launch pad, thereby reducing booster weight while maintaining landing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ground-based landing apparatus that mediates between the descending booster stage and the ground. This intermediary structure provides the landing support function without being attached to the booster stage itself, allowing the booster to remain lightweight while still achieving stable landing through the mediator's support structure.
2Reliability
If hot gases from ignited fuel are not properly directed away from the landing site, then the booster stage can be landed, but the hot gases cause damage and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful hot gases into a beneficial visual indicator. The exhaust diffuser device channels the hot gases in a controlled manner to create a visible plume that serves as a landing guidance indicator for operators, transforming a harmful factor into a useful signaling mechanism while the gases are safely directed away from the booster stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust diffuser device acts as an intermediary between the engine nozzle and the environment. It mediates the interaction by channeling hot gases through a structured pathway with openings that direct the flow away from the landing site, preventing direct contact between hot gases and the booster stage or surrounding equipment.
3Productivity
If the booster stage lands on a hard surface without cushioning, then the landing is quick and simple, but the impact causes damage to the booster stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by placing a dampening cushioning device on the ground at the landing site. This cushioning element is positioned in advance to absorb the impact energy when the booster stage lands, protecting the booster's structure from damage while maintaining a relatively quick landing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening cushioning device functions as a disposable or easily replaceable element that absorbs the impact shock. Rather than making the expensive booster stage more robust, a simpler, cheaper cushioning element is used that can be replaced after each landing, protecting the valuable booster while being economically viable.
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 apparatus enables safer, more economical retrieval and reuse of rocket booster stages by reducing the weight and fuel requirements, allowing for greater payload capacity and lower refurbishment costs, with improved vertical stability and reduced risk of damage from hot gases.
Implementation Method 1
a dampening cushioning device configured to cushion a landing of the landing booster stage on a firm surface
Implementation Method 2
The dampening cushioning device comprises a base attached to the of the platform, a dampening region above the bottom region of the base
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust diffuser device configured to direct hot gases from ignited fuel away from the dampening cushioning device on the platform, the landing site of the landing booster stage, and avoid having the hot gas blowing back to the landing rocket booster stage
Implementation Method 4
The exhaust diffuser device comprises a base with a first diameter, a first inside surface, and a first edge in communication with the platform to form multiple openings configured to direct hot gases
Implementation Method 5
a truncated hollow cone...with a flared bottom with a sixth diameter and an inside surface between the fifth diameter and the sixth diameter that is configured to enclose and be in communication with the outer surface of the exhaust diffuser device to direct ignited fuel to the diffuser top and outward away from the dampening cushioning device
Data Source
AI summary
A rocket booster stage landing apparatus for more reliably landing a returning booster stage for reuse in propelling and launching subsequent main rockets.