Device for powering the pump of a rocket engine using an inertia wheel
US8632319B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/563
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for driving a pump for fueling a rocket engine of a space vehicle. The apparatus comprises an inertia wheel and a transmitting device to transmit a rotation of the inertia wheel to the pump. The apparatus further comprises a measuring device to measure the rotation speed of the inertia wheel a clutching device to decouple the wheel and the pump for a speed lower than a pre-determined speed lower, which is lower than the nominal rotation speed of the wheel. The invention is particularly applicable to a space vehicle comprising a rocket engine wherein the fuel supply system comprises at least one pump driven by the apparatus of the invention and a starting device to start the apparatus while the space vehicle is in flight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.