Roll Decoupling Joint With Bearings for Rocket Payload Spin Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joints for connecting rocket motors and payloads fail to effectively decouple axial spin, leading to residual roll that impairs the functionality of spin-sensitive delivery vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A roll decoupling joint comprising a payload adapter, motor sleeve, rotational separator, and fastener, which includes a socket, cylindrical core, and bearings to axially separate components, allowing for rotational decoupling while maintaining secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional joints are used to connect rocket motors and payloads, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the axial spin decoupling effectiveness deteriorates, causing residual roll that impairs payload functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into multiple functional segments: a payload adapter with an annular socket and cylindrical core, a motor adapter with an annular sleeve, and a rotational separator with bearings. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the core and sleeve provide structural connection while the bearings enable rotational decoupling, thereby improving spin decoupling effectiveness without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational separator containing bearings acts as an intermediary mechanism between the payload adapter and motor adapter. This intermediary allows relative rotational motion between the connected components while maintaining their structural connection, effectively decoupling axial spin from the payload without requiring complete disconnection or complex active control systems
2Strength
If a secure attachment is maintained between motor and payload, then the structural stability is improved, but the rotational decoupling capability deteriorates, preventing effective spin separation
Solution Approach 1:
The joint transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic connection that allows controlled relative motion. The bearings in the rotational separator enable the motor and payload to rotate relative to each other while maintaining their attached state, providing both structural stability and rotational decoupling capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the attachment function (provided by the core and sleeve structure) from the rotational constraint function (provided by the bearings), the design maintains secure attachment while enabling rotational decoupling. The segmented structure allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other
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 joint effectively decouples axial spin between the rocket motor and payload, ensuring stable separation and functionality of spin-sensitive delivery vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
In various embodiments, the separator constitutes a pair of bearings
Data Source
AI summary
A roll decoupling joint is provided for connecting a rocket motor to a payload. The joint includes a payload adapter, a motor sleeve, a rotational separator and a fastener. The adapter includes an annular socket and a cylindrical core. The socket is bounded by an opening lip and a bulkhead. The payload inserts into the socket through the lip. The core extends axially from the bulkhead opposite the lip. The sleeve is annularly axi-symmetric and inserts into the motor. This sleeve is disposed adjacent to the adapter and around the core supported by the separator. The fastener secures the core to the separator. In various embodiments, the separator constitutes a pair of bearings, and the fastener is a threaded bolt.