Rocket Landing Stabilization Structure for Tip-Resistant Recovery
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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 cables, and a funnel mechanism to safely guide and stabilize the rocket during landing, potentially eliminating the need for landing gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rockets use narrow landing gear for streamlined design, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but stability during landing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system divides the support function into multiple independent cables arranged in a radial pattern around the rocket. Each cable provides individual stabilization support, collectively creating a stable landing structure without requiring wide landing gear. The cables are segmented and adjustable, allowing precise positioning to maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional landing gear base to a three-dimensional cable network surrounding the rocket. The cables extend vertically and radially from the funnel structure, creating a spatial stabilization system that provides stability in multiple dimensions without increasing the horizontal footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If rockets have high center of mass for payload capacity, then payload capacity is improved, but tipping resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization cables function as counterbalancing elements that provide opposing forces to prevent tipping. The radial arrangement of cables around the rocket creates balanced support forces that counteract the tipping moment generated by the high center of mass, allowing the rocket to maintain stability despite its elevated weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as an intermediary between the rocket and the ground support structure. Rather than direct contact through landing gear, the cables transmit and distribute forces, providing gradual stabilization that compensates for the high center of mass without requiring structural modifications to the rocket itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable cables are used for stabilization, then adaptability to different rocket configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization cable system is designed with universal applicability to accommodate different rocket configurations. The adjustable cable lengths and radial arrangement allow the same basic structure to stabilize various rocket diameters and centers of gravity. Each cable can be independently adjusted to match different rocket geometries, providing a versatile solution without requiring multiple specialized systems.
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.