Rocket Thrust Ring Adhesive Bonding and Snap Fit Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocket systems, particularly single-use motors, face challenges with thrust rings that can become loose under pressure, leading to safety hazards and motor destruction, due to labor-intensive installation methods and materials that are not always reliable.
Innovation Solution
A thrust ring design that uses an adhesive, such as epoxy, to securely attach to the rocket motor housing and nozzle, with a secondary cyanoacrylate bond for additional retention, preventing ejection under pressure and ensuring a strong, reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical attachment methods are used for thrust rings, then installation is simpler, but the thrust ring becomes loose under pressure leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance between the thrust ring and motor housing. The adhesive fills the gap between the thrust ring's inner diameter and the motor housing's outer diameter, creating a reliable chemical bond that prevents the thrust ring from becoming loose under pressure while maintaining a simple overall attachment structure.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to attach the thrust ring, then attachment reliability improves, but installation becomes more complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a protrusion feature on the thrust ring that is designed to engage with a corresponding recess in the motor housing before the adhesive fully cures. This preliminary mechanical engagement guides the thrust ring into proper alignment and prevents it from shifting during the adhesive setting process, thereby simplifying the installation procedure while maintaining high reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the thrust ring is securely attached to prevent ejection, then safety improves, but the motor housing and nozzle require precise dimensional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive specifically in the gap region between the thrust ring and motor housing, rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire component structure. The adhesive concentrates the sealing and bonding function in a localized area, allowing the rest of the motor housing and nozzle to be manufactured with standard tolerances while still achieving secure attachment and preventing ejection.
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 secure and reliable attachment of the thrust ring to the rocket motor, preventing ejection and ensuring safe operation by embedding the inner ring in epoxy and using a snap fit for additional stability, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of motor failure.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust ring configured for connection to the motor housing using an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a secondary cyanoacrylate bond for additional retention
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust ring for a rocket motor for one or more of limited re-use or single use, including a rocket motor housing, the motor housing adapted to contain propellant; an aft closure with a nozzle, the aft closure connected or connectable to the housing; a forward closure connected or connectable to the housing; wherein one or both of the aft closure and the forward closure are connectable to the housing in manner adapted for one or both of limited re-use or single use.