Mems synthesized divert propulsion system
AssigneeTRW Inc.
InventorsSteven D. Nelson, William J. Sipes, David K. Hoffmaster
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A synthesized divert propulsion system adapted to be utilized in various vehicles, including kill vehicles, interceptors, rockets, missiles and the like. The system is fabricated using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology which eliminates complex interconnections required for traditional divert propulsion systems by integrating all propulsion fluid functions and all controlled electronic functions onto a plurality of wafers. The wafers are integrated into a complete synthesized divert propulsion system by stacking and bonding the wafers together.
Claims30
A synthesized divert propulsion system for use in a vehicle, the propulsion system comprising:
- a thrust chamber wafer formed as a ring with a plurality of thrust chambers for carrying a pyrotechnic propellant;
- a thruster nozzle ring formed with a plurality of nozzles corresponding to said thrust chambers, said thruster nozzle ring including a seal for closing said nozzles forming a burst disc for each thrust chamber;
- said thruster nozzle ring adapted to be mounted concentrically relative to said thrust chamber;
- a charge cup wafer formed as a ring with a plurality of chambers for carrying an initiator pyrotechnic for detonating said thrust chambers;
- an electronics wafer having a plurality of igniters for igniting said initiator pyrotechnic propellant in said charge cup wafer, said electronics wafer having a thruster control circuit bar igniting a plurality of initiators in a balanced manner to achieve a divert thrust.
A method for making a divert propulsion system comprising the steps of:
- a) making a thrust chamber wafer;
- b) making a thruster nozzle ring;
- c) making a charge cup wafer;
- d) making an electronics wafer;
- and
- e) assembling and bonding said wafers together.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.