Space Particle Ejection System for Debris Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for deflecting space debris in orbit lack control over particle size, nature, density, flow rate, speed, and trajectory, often requiring large clouds that can generate new debris and pose risks during atmospheric reentry.
Innovation Solution
A particle ejection system with distinct drive means for controlling particle ejection, using a combination of pistons and gas flows to precisely manage the ejection of micro-grains, allowing for controlled, low-speed placement and trajectory modification of particles to deflect debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current techniques are used to generate particle clouds for debris deflection, then large clouds can be formed to deflect objects in orbit, but control over particle size, density, flow rate, speed, and trajectory is lost, and new space debris may be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas flow as an intermediary medium to transport particles from the storage conduit to the target area. The gas flow acts as a carrier that enables precise control over particle delivery while avoiding direct mechanical ejection mechanisms that would compromise size control and trajectory precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using compressed gas to propel particles through a controlled flow field. This allows for adjustable flow rates and particle velocities while maintaining precise control over particle size and distribution, resolving the contradiction between cloud density and manufacturing precision
2Reliability
If large particle clouds are generated to deflect space debris, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but the risk of generating new space debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of particle ejection by using gas flow instead of mechanical propulsion. This enables control over particle velocity, size, and distribution parameters, ensuring that particles are small enough to burn up in atmosphere yet numerous enough to provide reliable debris deflection through cumulative drag effects
Solution Approach 2:
The use of an inert gas flow environment prevents chemical reactions and contamination during particle transport and ejection. This ensures particle integrity and prevents the generation of harmful byproducts or new debris from chemical interactions during the deflection process
3Force
If tungsten particles are used in particle clouds, then debris deflection effectiveness is improved, but atmospheric reentry risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of particles from large tungsten pieces to fine aerosol-sized particles. This size reduction maintains sufficient drag force through increased surface area to mass ratio while ensuring complete atmospheric burn-up during reentry, eliminating the harmful reentry risk of large dense particles
4Quantity of substance
If water particles are used in particle clouds, then debris deflection is achieved, but particle lifetime in space is reduced due to quick sublimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from water to more stable particles such as metal oxides or other space-resistant materials. This maintains the ability to form dense particle clouds for effective debris deflection while extending particle lifetime in the space environment by preventing rapid sublimation
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 precise deflection of space debris by controlling particle ejection parameters, reducing the risk of generating new debris and improving collision avoidance in orbit.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first particle drive means configured to drive the particles flush with the at least one injection orifice
Implementation Method 2
at least one second drive means configured to drive the particles outside the at least one storage conduit
Implementation Method 3
the ejection system comprises at least one first particle drive means configured to drive the particles flush with the at least one injection orifice and at least one second drive means configured to drive the particles outside the at least one storage conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for ejecting particles (P) into space, comprising at least one particle (P) ejection module (130), at least one particle (P) storage conduit (110) opening at at least one particle (P) injection orifice (120), the particle (P) ejection module (130) being in communication with an external environment (160) to the particle (P) ejection system (100), the ejection system (100) comprising at least one first particle (P) drive means (170) configured to drive the particles (P) to the surface of at least one injection orifice (120) and at least one second drive means (140) configured to drive the particles (P) out of at least one storage conduit (110), the first drive means (170) and the second means of training (140) being distinct.