Rocket Lab USA. has been granted a patent for a launch vehicle featuring a rocket engine system with an electric turbopump and jettisonable battery units. The system includes a controller that monitors battery capacity and can jettison unused battery subsets to optimize flight efficiency. GlobalData’s report on Rocket Lab USA gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Rocket Lab USA, Selective laser solidification was a key innovation area identified from patents. Rocket Lab USA's grant share as of June 2024 was 55%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Battery jettison mechanisms for launch vehicle power management
The patent US12006894B1 describes an innovative apparatus designed for launch vehicles, specifically focusing on a rocket engine system that integrates advanced features for power management and battery jettisoning. The system includes one or more rocket engines, a navigation system for tracking state vectors, and an electric turbopump powered by a set of battery units. These battery units are organized into various subsets, each capable of supplying power to the electric motor of the turbopump. A controller monitors the remaining battery capacity and health, determining when a subset of batteries is no longer necessary for the flight duration. This decision-making process is based on calculations involving the rocket engine system's state vectors, power requirements, and battery health indicators such as temperature.
Additionally, the apparatus incorporates multiple battery jettison mechanisms that can independently release specific battery subsets based on control signals from the controller. The design ensures that the jettisoned batteries do not interfere with the rocket engine's operation, as they are strategically positioned within the launch vehicle's fairing. The patent outlines various configurations for the jettison mechanisms, including pistons and pyrotechnic actuators, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining battery health throughout the flight. The system's ability to monitor battery capacity and health, along with its jettisoning capabilities, aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of rocket launches by optimizing power management and reducing unnecessary weight during flight.
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