Rocket Stage Frame Segmentation for Gliding Reusability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reusable rocket stage technologies are complex and unreliable, requiring precise engineering, which increases costs and reduces efficiency in achieving cost-effective reusability.
Innovation Solution
A rocket stage design featuring a frame that separates into gliding parts with a cone-like nose and cylindrical mid-section, utilizing control systems and adjustable gliding support wings to orient and control descent, allowing for automatic gliding and landing, and enabling parts to be reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional reusable rocket stage designs are used, then reusability is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocket stage frame is divided into multiple separable gliding parts that can be detached and reused independently. Each gliding part contains essential structural elements (nose part, mid-section part) that can function autonomously during gliding, allowing the rocket to be reconfigured for subsequent missions while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gliding parts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support during ascent, enable controlled descent through gliding, and can be reused for subsequent rocket configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each phase, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining reusability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional reusable rocket stage designs are used, then reusability is achieved, but reliability decreases due to precise engineering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gliding parts automatically orient themselves during descent through aerodynamic forces acting on their asymmetric geometry. The nose part and mid-section part are designed to naturally align with the airflow, eliminating the need for complex active control systems and improving reliability through passive, fail-safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gliding parts feature asymmetric geometry where the nose part has a different cross-sectional shape than the mid-section part. This asymmetry creates predictable aerodynamic behavior during gliding, allowing reliable orientation and control without requiring precise engineering adjustments or complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex precise engineering is used for reusable rocket stages, then reusability is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rocket stage into standardized gliding parts with consistent geometric features (nose part, mid-section part), manufacturing processes can be optimized and reused across multiple rocket configurations. This modular approach reduces tooling costs and enables economies of scale, lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of gliding parts allows them to be used across different rocket stage configurations. A single gliding part design can accommodate various rocket body diameters and lengths, reducing the number of unique components that need to be manufactured and thereby reducing total manufacturing costs while preserving reusability.
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 design simplifies the reusability of rocket stages by allowing automatic orientation and controlled gliding, reducing costs and enhancing the reliability of rocket systems, as the gliding parts can be easily optimized for different sizes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The air flows around the frame of the gliding part and forms also a vortex above the upper edges of the gliding part, forcing the gliding part into a gliding position when it is in the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A rocket stage having a frame is disclosed. The frame includes a nose part and a mid-section part. The frame is configured to separate into two or more gliding parts after the stage has fulfilled its main purpose. After separation, the gliding parts glide down to the ground. The gliding part comprises a section of the nose part and a section of the mid-section part and a flat gliding surface alongside the section of the mid-section part. The slope of the nose part of the gliding part is steeper than the slope of the mid-section part of the gliding part. The air flows around the frame of the gliding part and a vortex forms above the upper edges of the gliding part, forcing the gliding part in the gliding position when it is in the atmosphere.