Vapor Pulsed Plasma Thruster With Membrane Fuel Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) designs are not compact, easy to manufacture, or practical for small scales, as they often include mechanical parts and have limited fuel capacity, making them difficult to integrate into small satellite systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact PPT design featuring a vapor supply system with a membrane to regulate pressure, electrodes for spark generation, and a PPT chamber for ionization, which prevents backflow and allows for efficient vapor pressurization and plasma production without moving parts, utilizing a sintered silver membrane and ceramic plugs for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical devices (springs, moving parts) are used to convey or advance solid fuel bar in PPT, then fuel delivery function is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fuel delivery systems (springs, moving parts) with a vaporization-based system where liquid fuel is vaporized and delivered to the combustion chamber through capillary action and pressure differential, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining fuel delivery function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vapor pressure and capillary action (fluid dynamics principles) to transport fuel from the storage reservoir through the membrane and into the combustion chamber, replacing mechanical conveyance with pneumatic/hydraulic mechanisms
2Quantity of substance
If solid fuel bar is used in PPT, then fuel capacity is limited, but device simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of fuel from solid bar to liquid form, enabling significantly increased fuel capacity while using vaporization and capillary action for delivery, thus increasing quantity of substance without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of fuel from liquid to vapor state through the membrane, enabling continuous fuel supply from a liquid reservoir and dramatically increasing fuel capacity compared to solid fuel bars
3Productivity
If vapor pressure regulation membrane is added to control vapor flow, then fuel utilization efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous membrane material that allows vapor to pass through while regulating flow rate through capillary pressure, achieving fuel utilization efficiency without complex active pressure regulation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane automatically regulates vapor pressure and flow through its inherent capillary properties, eliminating the need for external pressure control systems while maintaining efficient fuel utilization
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 design enables a compact, easy-to-manufacture PPT with increased fuel capacity and reduced complexity, allowing for precise motion control in small satellite applications by efficiently ionizing vapor to produce thrust without mechanical devices, thus overcoming the limitations of existing PPTs.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane disposed in the first vapor hole configured to provide a pressure difference between the vapor supply and the upstream plenum
Implementation Method 2
the upstream plenum includes first and second electrodes configured to provide a spark within the upstream plenum
Implementation Method 3
the first and second PPT electrodes configured to ionize material in the PPT chamber
Implementation Method 4
ionizing the pressurized vapor in the PPT chamber by utilizing a voltage difference provided by a first PPT electrode and a second PPT electrode to produce plasma
Implementation Method 5
the membrane helps to prevent backflow of vapor from the upstream chamber to the vapor supply
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the PPT are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and can be made in a small size. The PPT can achieve long operating duration by using vapor as a fuel. Liquid used to form the vapor can be easily stored and can provide an ample supply of vapor. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices.