Rocket Launch Acceleration Testing Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating rocket launch acceleration and high-G shock loading environments are either cost-prohibitive, lack accuracy, or are not suitable for testing components that require long duration high-G acceleration profiles.
Innovation Solution
Development of a low-cost, reusable mechanical acceleration profile event simulating shock testing machine that can reproduce acceleration/time profiles representative of rocket launch and similar shock loading conditions, capable of testing both small and larger devices, and allowing for high-speed video recording and instrumentation of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electro-dynamic shaker is used to simulate shock loading environments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified mechanical copy of the rocket launch acceleration environment using a carriage-rail system with cable propulsion. Instead of using complex electro-dynamic shakers, the invention replicates the essential acceleration profile (20-40 G for 100-150 milliseconds) through a mechanically simpler setup that includes a carriage member, rails, cable, wheel, and motor assembly, achieving the required measurement precision at lower complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If live ordnance with system structure is used for testing, then reliability of test results is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from expensive live ordnance systems by using a mock structure (carriage member with test components) that can be repeatedly tested without the high costs associated with actual rocket firing. The carriage assembly serves as a reusable platform that extracts the core acceleration testing capability while eliminating the prohibitive costs of live ordnance deployment and recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a reusable carriage member that can be recovered and reset after each test, allowing multiple testing iterations without the prohibitive costs of live ordnance. The carriage assembly, rails, and cable system are designed for repeated use, enabling cost-effective reliability testing through multiple runs rather than single-use expensive deployments.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical impact with mock structure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but duration of action is insufficient for long duration high-G testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static mechanical impact to dynamic cable-propelled acceleration. The carriage member is accelerated along the rails using a cable wrapped around a rotating wheel, which is driven by a motor. This dynamic system can sustain acceleration for the required 100-150 milliseconds while maintaining operational simplicity, unlike brief mechanical impacts that cannot achieve the necessary duration.
4Reliability
If rocket sled is used for testing, then reliability of acceleration simulation is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the rocket sled concept using a carriage member on rails with cable propulsion instead of actual rocket motors. The carriage assembly replicates the essential function of rocket sleds (providing controlled acceleration along a linear path) while eliminating the complexity and cost of actual rocket propulsion systems, achieving reliable acceleration profile simulation through a mechanically simpler alternative.
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 solution provides a scalable and cost-effective means to simulate long duration high-G acceleration profiles, enabling accurate testing of components without the need for actual rocket firing, thus reducing costs and enhancing testing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The carriage member is provided with a low friction interface to the rails
Implementation Method 2
The cable is wrapped around a portion of the wheel and attached to the carriage member such that rotation of the wheel in a first direction accelerates the carriage member along the rails
Implementation Method 3
A braking mechanism is provided to decelerate the carriage member to a stop after the prescribed acceleration profile has been applied
Data Source
AI summary
A shock testing machine including: a carriage for holding a component to be tested, the carriage being configured to be movable in a linear direction along one or more elongated rails; a drum rotatable on a shaft, the drum having a circumferential surface; a cable having one end connected to the carriage and an other end connected to the drum; a motor having an output connected to the shaft to rotate the drum under the motive power of the motor to wind the cable on the circumferential surface of the drum; and a clutch disposed in a power train operatively connecting the motor to the drum, the clutch having a disengaged state and an engaged state. Where the motor is controlled to disengage the clutch while the motor reaches a predetermined rotational speed or predetermined rotational torque and to engage the clutch when the motor reaches the predetermined rotational speed or predetermined rotational torque to accelerate the carriage and component to be tested in the linear direction.