Rocket Landing Stabilization Structure With Funnel Cradle Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rockets or rocket boosters often crash upon returning to Earth due to their narrow landing gear and high center of mass, leading to destruction and high costs for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system comprising upright and lateral support structures, adjustable stabilizing elements, and a funnel mechanism to safely guide and cradle the rocket, eliminating the need for landing gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a rocket uses narrow landing gear for a streamlined design, then the rocket's aerodynamic performance is improved, but the rocket's stability during landing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system divides the rocket into segments by introducing external support elements (cables and struts) that engage with specific ports along the rocket's body. These segmented support points create multiple stabilization zones along the rocket's length, allowing the narrow landing gear to maintain aerodynamic performance while the distributed cable system provides enhanced stability during landing.
2Quantity of substance
If a rocket has a high center of mass for efficient payload delivery, then the rocket's payload capacity is improved, but the rocket's tendency to tip over during landing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system acts as a counterbalancing mechanism by using tensioned cables anchored to external structures. These cables create opposing forces that counteract the tipping moment generated by the high center of mass, allowing the rocket to maintain its efficient high-center-of-mass configuration for payload delivery while preventing tip-over during landing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and strut system serves as an intermediary between the rocket and the ground/structure. Rather than relying solely on the rocket's own geometry and landing gear for stability, this intermediate system transfers and distributes the stabilizing forces, enabling the rocket to maintain its high payload capacity configuration while achieving adequate landing stability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional landing gear is used for rocket landing, then the rocket can land on solid ground, but the landing gear adds weight and complexity to the rocket system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilization function from the rocket itself and places it in the external environment. Instead of embedding heavy, complex landing gear within the rocket structure, the system uses external cables and struts that are deployed only when needed for landing, allowing the rocket to maintain a simpler, lighter design for its primary flight function while still achieving safe landing 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
The system stabilizes rockets during landing, preventing tipping and damage, enabling safe reuse and reducing costs by preserving the rocket's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The funnel can be coupled to at least one propeller to enable the funnel to be repositioned by the propeller
Implementation Method 2
The funnel can float on the body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A rocket landing stabilization system can include one or more upright support structures such as posts, columns, or walls, from which one or more stabilizing elements can be supported. The stabilizing elements can be used to stabilize a rocket as it lands at a landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can also include a cradle, funnel, or cone to catch or otherwise support a rocket as it lands at the landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can be located on land or at sea.