Thruster Nozzle Ball Joint and Pintle Flow Control for Compact TVC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thruster designs face challenges in efficiently controlling thrust vectoring and fluid flow regulation, particularly in reducing nozzle length and weight while maintaining effective thrust control and propellant storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A thruster nozzle assembly incorporating a rotary ball joint and flow regulator with a pintle mechanism, allowing for independent or coordinated movement of multiple flow regulators and nozzle rotation about two axes, enabling pitch, yaw, and roll control without a separate roll control system, and reducing nozzle length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional thruster design with separate roll control system is used, then roll control capability is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines roll control functionality with pitch and yaw control by integrating a universal joint mechanism that allows the nozzle to rotate about multiple axes (including the roll axis) through a unified control system, eliminating the need for separate roll control hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint and nozzle assembly are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - pitch control, yaw control, and roll control - through a single integrated mechanism that can rotate the nozzle about three orthogonal axes, making the control system multi-functional
2Reliability
If a longer nozzle is used, then thrust control effectiveness is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal joint mechanism that enables dynamic rotation of the nozzle about multiple axes, allowing effective thrust vectoring control without requiring an excessively long nozzle structure. The dynamic articulation compensates for the reduced structural length
3Weight of moving object
If nozzle length is reduced, then weight is decreased, but propellant storage capacity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the propellant storage function from the nozzle structure by incorporating a ball and socket joint mechanism that allows the nozzle to be articulated independently. This segmentation enables compact nozzle design while maintaining adequate propellant storage in the vehicle body
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A nozzle assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a nozzle including a throat section. The nozzle further includes a ball portion of a ball and socket joint. The assembly further includes a vehicle including a socket portion of the ball and socket joint. The nozzle is mounted to the vehicle and the ball portion is received at least partially in the socket portion. A flow regulator is arranged adjacent the throat section and configured to regulate a flow of fluid through the throat section. The flow regulator is attached to the nozzle upstream of the throat section. An actuator is attached to the nozzle, and the actuator is configured to selectively rotate the nozzle via the ball and socket joint about a first axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A rocket and method are also disclosed.