Stud-Propelling Mechanisms for Rocket Stage Platform Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in securing a vertically landed rocket stage on a moving platform, such as a sea-going platform, due to wind forces and platform movement, posing safety hazards and requiring precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A stud-propelling mechanism using an energetic material to embed a stud into a landing surface, securing a launch vehicle to the platform, with recoil absorption elements to manage force and facilitate rapid, automated fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rocket stage is landed vertically on a floating platform, then the platform can accommodate the landing, but the platform movement in 6 degrees of freedom makes it difficult to keep the rocket stage securely upright
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is pre-positioned on the landing support element before landing. Upon contact with the landing surface, the stud is automatically propelled and embedded into the surface, securing the rocket stage before platform movement can cause instability. This preliminary fastening action prevents the worsening of stability despite platform adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wind forces act on the landed rocket stage, then environmental conditions are present, but the stage may tip over after landing
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism applies a counteracting force by embedding the stud into the landing surface before wind forces can cause the rocket stage to tip. The stud creates a mechanical anchor that resists the overturning moment generated by wind loads, providing preliminary anti-action against the harmful wind forces.
3Measurement precision
If ground-based systems are used to secure the rocket stage, then precise positioning is required, but it is difficult to land the rocket stage in a precise enough position
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is designed to automatically secure the rocket stage upon landing without requiring precise positioning. The stud-propelling mechanism activates self-service by detecting the landing contact and automatically embedding the stud into the landing surface, eliminating the need for high-precision manual positioning operations.
4Reliability
If a fastening mechanism is implemented to secure the rocket stage, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted as a separate, self-contained mechanism carried by the landing support element. This modular extraction allows the fastening system to operate independently upon landing, improving security while managing complexity through functional separation rather than integrating it into the entire rocket stage system.
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
Ensures secure and rapid attachment of launch vehicle stages to a landing surface, enhancing safety and reliability for reuse, even in adverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening mechanism can include a barrel structure positioned to receive a stud and an energetic material. Upon activation of the energetic material, the stud moves within the barrel structure toward the landing surface.
Implementation Method 2
The fastening mechanism can include a recoil absorption element positioned to absorb a recoil force generated in response to propelling the stud toward the landing surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Stud-propelling mechanisms for securing a launch vehicle to a landing platform, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a fastening mechanism carried by a landing support element of a portion of a launch vehicle, the mechanism configured to fasten the landing support element to the landing surface when the launch vehicle portion is on the landing surface. The fastening mechanism can include a barrel structure for propelling a stud and an interference portion positioned to receive the stud upon activation of an energetic material that propels the stud. The stud can bind in the interference portion and in the landing surface to fasten the landing support element to the landing surface. A representative method includes automatically fastening a portion of a launch vehicle to a landing surface using a stud carried by the portion of the launch vehicle.