Integrated Roll Control Thruster Using Shared Oxidizer Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rocket thrusters require separate propellant systems, which complicate configuration, increase size and weight, and are difficult to handle, especially when using fuels like hydrogen and kerosene or cold gases.
Innovation Solution
A roll control thruster that uses a portion of oxidizer cooled from an electric motor pump as a propellant, integrated with a hybrid rocket, including a thruster tank, supply lines, valves, and a control module to manage oxidizer flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate propellant system is used for roll control thruster, then the thrust control function is achieved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roll control thruster propellant system with the main engine oxidizer system. The thruster uses oxidizer from the main tank through a shared supply line, eliminating the need for separate propellant tanks and complex handling systems. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable thrust control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxidizer supply system serves multiple functions: it provides oxidizer to the main engine for primary propulsion and simultaneously supplies oxidizer to the roll control thruster for attitude control. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant systems and reduces overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate propellant tanks and supply systems are installed, then the thruster can operate independently, but the launch vehicle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thruster propellant supply with the main engine oxidizer supply system. The thruster shares the oxidizer tank and supply infrastructure with the main engine, eliminating duplicate weight from separate tanks and piping while maintaining independent thruster operation capability.
3Force
If conventional propellants like hydrogen or kerosene are used in the thruster, then the thrust is sufficient, but the propellant handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidizer supply system serves dual purposes: main engine propulsion and thruster operation. This eliminates the need for separate propellant handling systems for the thruster, making operations simpler while maintaining sufficient thrust control capability.
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
Enables compact design, stable oxidizer supply, and efficient thrust generation without additional fuel containers, simplifying pre-launch procedures and reducing vehicle weight.
Implementation Method 1
using a portion of an oxidizer released after being cooled from an electric motor pump
Implementation Method 2
a thruster module configured to be connected to the thruster line and to spray the oxidizer supplied through the thruster line
Data Source
AI summary
A roll control thruster controls the attitude of a launch vehicle by using the oxidizer filled in an oxidizer tank, and includes: a thruster tank that is charged using a portion of the oxidizer stored in the oxidizer tank; a thruster line that is branched from the thruster tank and forms a supply path of the oxidizer stored in the thruster tank; a thruster valve that is provided in the thruster line and opens and closes the thruster line or adjusts the opening degree of the thruster line; a thruster module that is connected to the thruster line and injects the oxidizer, supplied via the thruster line, in order to control the attitude of the launch vehicle; and a thruster control module that controls the operation of the thruster valve and the supply of oxidizer to the thruster module.