MEMS microthruster array
First Claim
1. A microthruster having a plurality of propulsion cells, wherein each of the propulsion cells comprise:
- a first cavity;
an explosive igniter disposed within said first cavity;
a second cavity separated from said first cavity by a first diaphragm, wherein said first diaphragm is cooperatively dimensioned with said igniter to break upon the explosion of said explosive igniter; and
a propellant disposed in said second cavity, said propellant selected to expand rapidly in response to said igniter exploding through said broken first diaphragm.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) microthruster array is disclosed. The MEMS microthruster array of the present invention can be used for maintaining inter satellite distance in small satellites. One microthruster array includes numerous microthruster propulsion cells, each having a vacuum enclosed explosive igniter disposed on one side by a breakable diaphragm and having a propellant-filled chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm. Upon explosion of the explosive igniter, the first diaphragm breaks, which, together with the explosion of the explosive igniter, causes the propellant to expand rapidly, thereby providing exhaust gases which are ejected from an exterior face of the microthruster propulsion array, thereby providing a small unit of thrust.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A microthruster having a plurality of propulsion cells, wherein each of the propulsion cells comprise:
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a first cavity;
an explosive igniter disposed within said first cavity;
a second cavity separated from said first cavity by a first diaphragm, wherein said first diaphragm is cooperatively dimensioned with said igniter to break upon the explosion of said explosive igniter; and
a propellant disposed in said second cavity, said propellant selected to expand rapidly in response to said igniter exploding through said broken first diaphragm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A microthruster cell having an interior surface, an exterior exhaust surface and an exhaust axis substantially orthogonal to said exterior exhaust surface, said microthruster cell comprising:
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an explosive ignition chamber having chamber walls and a floor, said floor being disposed toward said interior surface, said chamber walls being oriented substantially parallel to said exhaust axis;
an explosive igniter disposed within said explosive ignition chamber, said explosive igniter being ignitable by an externally supplied signal;
a propellant chamber oriented coaxially with said explosive ignition chamber, said propellant chamber having propellant chamber walls oriented substantially parallel to said exhaust axis, said propellant chamber containing a propellant material and having an exhaust orifice disposed toward said exterior exhaust surface; and
a first diaphragm disposed between said explosive ignition chamber and said propellant chamber, said first diaphragm being cooperatively dimensioned with said explosive igniter to break upon the explosion of said explosive igniter. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A microthruster cell comprising:
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a first cavity;
an explosive igniter at least partially suspended within said first cavity;
a second cavity separated from said first cavity by a first diaphragm, wherein said first diaphragm is cooperatively dimensioned with said igniter to break upon the explosion of said explosive igniter; and
a propellant disposed in said second cavity, said propellant selected to expand rapidly in response to said igniter exploding through said broken first diaphragm.
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Specification