Rocket Tank Liquid Level Detection via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocket tank liquid level determination methods are inaccurate, unreliable, and complex, and they fail to effectively counteract liquid sloshing, which can affect rocket trajectory and payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
A system using an image sensor to determine the liquid level and sloshing behavior in rocket propellant tanks, allowing for precise control of the rocket to counteract sloshing without the need for baffles, thereby reducing weight and increasing payload capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple discrete wet-level sensors are used to measure propellant level, then liquid level detection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wet-level sensor measurements into a single continuous liquid level profile by processing signals from multiple sensors to determine the meniscus position and tank bottom distance, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single multi-functional processing unit that handles both liquid level detection and sloshing characterization by analyzing the same sensor signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
2Stability of the object's composition
If baffles are placed in liquid tanks to reduce sloshing, then trajectory stability is improved, but rocket weight increases reducing payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors liquid sloshing characteristics using sensor arrays and provides real-time feedback to the flight control system, which adjusts rocket orientation and thrust to counteract sloshing forces, achieving stability without physical baffles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical slosh suppression devices (baffles) with an active control system that uses sensors and flight control actuators to counteract sloshing effects, reducing rocket weight while maintaining trajectory stability
3Reliability
If conventional wet-level sensors are used, then liquid level measurement is achieved, but reliability and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces signal processing algorithms as intermediaries between the raw sensor signals and the final liquid level measurement, filtering noise and compensating for sensor limitations to improve both reliability and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point level measurements to a distributed array of sensors providing spatially-resolved liquid level information, enabling more reliable and accurate determination of the liquid meniscus position and tank bottom distance
Data Source
AI summary
Rocket tank liquid level determination, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a computer-readable medium having instructions that, when executed, receive an image corresponding to a view of the liquid in the rocket tank, identify an edge between the liquid and a wall of the tank, and, based on at least one of a size, shape, location, or orientation of the edge, estimate a level of the liquid in the tank. In addition to or in lieu of determining the liquid level, the system can determine a characteristic of a sloshing motion of the liquid in the tank, and, based at least on the characteristic of the sloshing motion, direct operation of a forcing element that imparts a force to the rocket to at least partially counteract a force placed on the rocket by the sloshing motion of the liquid in the tank.