Rocket Engine Pump With Fluid Bearings for Reusable Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocket engine turbo-pumps face challenges in reusability due to the limited service lifespan and durability of ball bearings, which complicates their application in reusable space launch vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor-integrated rocket engine pump with a simplified structure and reduced parts, utilizing fluid bearings supported by an electric motor and a rotating body with a permanent magnet, journal, impeller, and inducer, which are assembled using a nut and side caps, and lubricated by fluid flow paths to enhance reliability and ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball bearings are used to support the rotating shaft in a turbo-pump type engine, then the pump can achieve stable rotation, but the service lifespan and durability are limited making reuse difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball bearing support system with a magnetic field-based levitation system. Permanent magnets are arranged on the rotating shaft and electromagnetic coils are positioned on the stator, creating magnetic forces that levitate and stabilize the rotating shaft without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear inherent in ball bearings, thereby extending service lifespan and enabling reuse while maintaining rotational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid supply system that delivers lubricating fluid to the gaps between the rotating shaft and stator through supply holes. This hydraulic approach creates a fluid film that further reduces friction and wear, complementing the magnetic levitation system and enhancing the overall durability and reusability of the pump.
2Reliability
If multiple ball bearings are installed on both sides of the inducer and impeller, then the rotating shaft is well-supported, but the number of parts increases making manufacturing more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple ball bearings into a single integrated magnetic levitation system. The permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils work together as a unified support mechanism, eliminating the need for separate ball bearings on both sides of the inducer and impeller. This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies manufacturing, and maintains rotating shaft support stability through magnetic and fluid dynamic forces.
3Device complexity
If ball bearings are inserted and fixed to both sides of the inducer and impeller, then the structure is stable, but the pump cannot be reused due to bearing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball bearing system with a magnetic field-based support system. Permanent magnets mounted on the rotating shaft interact with electromagnetic coils on the stator to create magnetic levitation forces, eliminating mechanical contact and wear. This substitution maintains structural stability through magnetic field control while dramatically extending service lifespan, enabling pump reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a fluid supply system that delivers lubricating fluid through supply holes to the gaps between the rotating shaft and stator. This hydraulic approach creates a protective fluid film that further reduces friction and wear, complementing the magnetic levitation system and enhancing both structural stability and service lifespan for reusable operation.
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
This design simplifies the rocket engine structure, reduces launch weight, increases energy efficiency, and ensures high reliability for reusable space launch vehicles by stabilizing the rotating body with fluid bearings, thereby extending the pump's service lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor provided inside the housing and integrally shaft-coupled to the rotating body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fluid bearings are mounted on front and rear rotating bodies of the electric motor to support rotation of the rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electric motor-integrated rocket engine pump. The electric motor-integrated rocket engine pump comprises: a housing; a rotating body provided in one direction inside the housing; an electric motor provided inside the housing, and integrally shaft-coupled to the rotating body; and a plurality of fluid bearings are mounted on front and rear rotating bodies of the electric motor to support rotation of the rotating body.