To be used for educational purposes only

CASE 1

Fig1
Fig 2

Fig. 3
Fig 4

Fig 5
 Fig 6

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The particular invention described and claimed herein comprises an improved Microwave Electrothermal
Thruster (MET) capable of operating in dual frequency mode and list of fuels therefore.

Microwave Electrothermal Thrusters (METs) according to the described invention produce propulsive
thrust for the control and movement of a satellite/spacecraft using electricity generated on-board. A
Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) produces high temperature, high speed exhaust of propellant
by sending microwaves into a resonant cavity where a resultant excited transverse magnetic mode creates
an electrodeless discharge that heats gaseous or liquid fuel.

According to prior approaches, one of the main drawback in Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET)
has been their use of microwave signal generator and high power amplifier plus their use of a coupler
between the generator/amplifier and the resonant cavity. It also

contains various impedance matching equipment and microwave waveguides. Such hardware greatly adds
to the complexity, weight and overall size of the propulsive system, making it impractical for spaceflight.
This complex design architecture would make the MET difficult to be adopted as means of primary
propulsion on a satellite.

One more drawback in Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) according to prior approaches has
been their use of fuels (H2, He, NH3, Hydrazine). These fuels are difficult to store for prolonged periods
in space and fuels such as hydrazine is extremely toxic to handle. These fuels also occupy more space,
which results in lower usable payload volume. Also, in prior approaches, it was difficult to optimise the
MET platform for use with different fuels. This has led to the non-realization of MET platform in space.

Another main drawback in MET thrusters according to prior approaches is the use of water vapour as
fuel. This procedure involves converting water to steam in the frigid vacuum of space, it is a complex
challenge to convert it to steam in space by maintaining accurate mass flow in the order of mg/s.

The foregoing problems are overcome, and other advantages are provided not only eliminating the
waveguide and impedance matching equipment but also eliminating the signal generator- amplifier or
bulky magnetron and also optimising it to run on various inert gases and providing a safe way to run on
both toxic and non-toxic liquid fuels.

INVENTION DISCLOSURE
The general objective of the present invention is to reduce the overall weight of the thruster. More
particularly, the objective is to introduce RF Semiconductors in the place of bulky magnetron, to increase
its efficiency and respond time and to make the thruster capable of operating in two frequencies by
mechanically tuning its cavity. The metallurgy of the thruster cavity is also optimised to operate in both
toxic and non-toxic fuels.

A principal feature of the present invention is the elimination of magnetron and introduction of RF
Semiconductors to generate microwaves. This novel feature will enable to make the thruster design highly
compact and also operate at higher efficiencies.

Due to the introduction of RF Semiconductor technology, present innovation features a mechanically

tuneable resonant cavity design. This tuneable feature allows the thruster to operate at two different
frequencies at different power levels, thus enabling the satellite to initiate required orbital manoeuvres.

The present innovation operates at 2.45 GHz (High power-Low frequency) and 7.5 GHz (Low power-
High frequency) mode. The same thruster can perform the task of both as means of primary propulsion
and for attitude control. Also, for the first time, Shape Memory Alloy is introduced into the thruster cavity
to enable faster and effective tuning of the resonant cavity diameter, when switching between two
operational frequencies.

Among the advantages of the invention are the resultant lower weight and dual frequency mode operation,
and therefore cheap launch cost of vehicles and increased orbital life span of satellites employing the
invention. Dual frequency mode operation is characterized as follows:

High power-Low frequency For means of primary propulsion

Low power-High frequency For attitude control and station keeping of satellites

These and other objects, features and advantages which will be apparent from the discussion which
follows are achieved, in accordance with the invention, by providing a novel tuneable frequency feature
with use of RF Semiconductors, SMAs for Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (METs).

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularly in the
claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its
advantages and objects, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which
a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention using a movable coaxial cavity part and its inner view;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in cut-section;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in contracted mode for high frequency operation;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention using the antenna end plate which contains inner guide
rails/groove to guide the SMA during its actuation;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention using cylindrical plates for adjusting inner cavity
diameter during movement;

Ref to Fig (1)&(2), a Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) comprises a mechanically tuneable
resonant cavity body (1A;2A) having first (1H) and (2H) ends, four injection ports (1I;2D) in the cavity
body (1A;2A) for the injection of propellant, a multi-frequency microwave antenna (2E) carried by the
second end (2H) of the cavity body (2A). The microwave antenna (2E) is coupled to a RF
Semiconductor (3D) which generates microwaves that are emitted into the cavity body (1A; 2A) where
they interact with and heat the propellant so as to create a heated dense gas plasma. The secondary
resonant sphere (1E) is equipped with additional RF Semiconductors to aid secondary plasma formation.
This novel feature will further increase the temperature of the exhaust gas resulting in higher specific
impulse. As the plasma exits the nozzle (1E), it creates thrust which will be used to control the spacecraft.

Preferably, the Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) may be operated with a dual frequency RF
Semiconductor fixed to a tuneable 1/4 free-space wavelength antenna inserted directly into the cavity
body (2A) with no intermediate waveguide. This innovation leads to

the omission of bulky & less efficient magnetron, signal generator-amplifiers and results in a much more
compact and lightweight design for the Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET), that has been
previously demonstrated for the MET and thus makes the Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) an
attractive technology for spaceflight.

A microwave generator, in this case a RF Semiconductor is joined directly with a resonant cavity in a
coaxial configuration with the output stub of the microwave generator inserted into the approximately
resonant cavity to excite a transverse magnetic, azimuthally symmetric, bisymmetrically along the axis
(TM010 mode) for the purposes of heating a plasma which acts as a thermal rocket exhaust. The
resonance condition of the cavity being only approximate due to the loading of the cavity by the
discharge. The sole impedance matching element between the microwave generator and the cavity is an
antenna attached to the output stub of the generator tuned to be 1/4 of a free space wavelength in effective
length and this antenna projects into the resonant cavity. This allows a lighter MET system to be used in
space.

As described, this thruster is designed to operate in dual frequency mode. This feature requires the
thruster to mechanically tune the resonant cavity to operate in different frequency, i.e, the thruster will
move coaxially to change length and change the inner diameter of the cavity wall. In Fig (1), this
mechanism comprises of two separate resonant cavity body (1A;2A). Cavity body (2A) being firmly
attached to the base plate (3A), cavity body (1A) moves coaxially. Its movement is governed by
electrically actuated co-axial tube (3C) and actuator (3B). The cavity body (1A) is surrounded by external
electromagnets (1C). Since the plasma reacts to electric and magnetic fields, these electromagnets will aid
the rotation of the plasma inside the cavity. This will enable effective convective heat transfer between
plasma and the propellant gas. Also in Fig (1), (1I) forms the propellant injection unit for cavity body
(1A) when operated in the low frequency mode, whereas (2D) forms the propellant injection unit for
cavity body (2A) when operated in the high frequency mode. Viewing window (1B) is provided in the
cavity body (1A) to view the plasma formation.

When the thruster operates in high frequency mode, the cavity length has to be reduced as explained
above and as shown in (Fig 4), also the diameter of the resonant cavity should be reduced. To aid this
operation, an electrically actuated heat resistant Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) sheet is introduced. This is
attached to the antenna end plate (2H). The antenna end plate (2H) contains inner guide rails/groove (Fig
5) to guide the SMA during its actuation. This SMA will self-actuate to increase and decrease the
diameter of the cavity wall (2A) when desired for optimum tuning. Also in Fig (1), (3D) represents the
avionics compartment which contains the dual frequency RF Semiconductor unit and control boards.

In Fig (2), a slit (1K) is provided on cavity (1A-Fig 1) to provide obstruction free path to the propellant
injector (2D-Fig 1) attached to the cavity body (2A-Fig 1) upon contraction. Also in Fig (2), cylindrical
plates (1J) and is seen (also in Fig 6). It is actuated in a reciprocating mechanism by the solenoid actuators
(1G-Fig 1) attached to the cavity body (1A-Fig 1). This feature will enable the Cavity (1A-Fig 1) to move
co-axially. When operating in low frequency mode, these plates close down to form a circular cavity.
These plates are automatically actuated when the cavity (1A-Fig 1) mates with the fixed circular O-ring
section (2B-Fig 1). This increase in co-axial length and diameter of the cavity will aid in the low
frequency high power mode operation.

Also, in accordance with one important aspect of the present invention, the fuel preferably comprises inert
gases, water or ammonia. A source of inert propellants, pure or impure water or ammonia is injected
either in its gaseous or liquid state into the thrust chamber of the MET where it is vaporized by the
microwave fields and low pressures experienced therein. The vaporized water then breaks down
electrically and forms a plasma in the microwave discharge, which is heated to form a high velocity
rocket exhaust.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

A prototype experiment was conducted in which a FreeScales MHT1002N 2.45/7.5 Ghz semiconductor
pair was attached to a resonant mode cavity of dimensions 153mm (antenna end plate to nozzle end plate)
and a diameter of 101mm. The protruding antenna length was 2.5mm. These dimensions are calculated to
work on the frequency 2.45 Ghz. As explained above, these are the dimensions to operate in low
frequency- high power mode. The METs tuning mechanism was actuated to operate in this mode. The
MET performed in the direct insertion mode just as it had at the end of the waveguide and the discharge
was unchanged. The introduction of solid-state RF Semiconductor solution delivered controlled energy to
the load, with real-time feedback and monitoring of temperature, power and cavity conditions. The
performance parameters were monitored and found to be more efficient and precise when compared to
prior approaches which used bulky magnetron and signal generator-amplifier hardware. Due to the high-
resolution control of the FreeScales MHT1002N RF Semiconductor, the plasma formed was dense and
exactly centered in the cavity while proving a minimal Q discharge. The voltage required to operate the
MHT1002N is just 28V when compared to 3000V for a magnetron. This operating feature made the
power conditioning unit very small and weighing around just 120 grams.

The same thruster was then operated at high frequency-low power mode at 7.5 GHz. This meant to
change the dimensions of the thrusters resonant cavity body. The dimensions arrived were 64mm cavity
length and 30mm cavity diameter. As seen in (Fig.4), the thruster had contracted. The mechanical
actuators worked as expected and the experiment was conducted. The results were found to be on par with
a rigid type of construction under the same dimensions. The results under both modes of operations are
tabulated below.

Fuel Water Argon Helium

Power 2kW 900W 250W

Thrust 203mN 40mN 9mN

Specific
Impulse 850s 707s 700s

ADDITIONAL INPUTS IN RELATION TO SOME PARTICULAR TERMS USED IN THE

ABOVE INVENTION DISCLOSURE

This thruster is designed for a satellite structure weighing 2.5 tonnes. These satellites have solar panels
that are capable of generating an on-board power of 3-5kW. Out of the total generated power, 2kW is
used for the operation of the thruster during orbit raising. An additional power of 100W is required for
operation of electromagnet circuit and actuators. This power is independent of the 2kW power
requirement and is supplied by the satellite bus. The power source is independent of the thruster design
and is an integral part of the satellite.

The thruster can operate without the secondary cavity also. But, to achieve the necessary specific impulse
required to perform obit raising operations, this is a very novel feature and is hence very important to
claim.

Since the thruster operates in 2 different frequencies, the antenna is designed to operate in that particular
frequency alone. A common antenna cannot be used as this will lead in loss in signal input to the thruster
cavity. Hence, this is an important feature for the functional operation of the thruster. To answer the
second part of the question, it means that the size of the cavity has a direct effect on the length of the
antenna. Hence, in this thruster, for high frequency and low frequency operation, the antenna length is
varied with respect tothe size of the cavity. Since this is an engineering feature and not an innovation, it
is not important to be claimed.

Microwave cavities are special type of resonators consisting of a closed or largely closed metal surfaces
that confines electromagnetic fields in the microwave region of the spectrum. Cavities are preferred over
capacitors and inductors because cavities can provide Q factor up to 106 whereas the capacitors and
inductors can provide up to 102. The microwaves emitted from the antenna resonates/vibrates when
entering into the cavity, hence the term resonant cavity is used. The cavity dimensions are arrived based
on the frequency and can be determined using the relation:

= +

where,
fmnp is the input frequency in GHz
R is the radius of the cavity
L is the length of the cavity
X mn represents the nth zero of the mth Bessel function

Primary and secondary cavity are both independent plasma forming regions with its own microwave
generating source. Each cavity can operate independently, but will not be able to provide the performance
parameters (which includes specific impulse) required for orbit raising application. Our innovation in this
patent is the fusion of the two cavities to achieve higher performance.

The maximum power generated by a satellite will not exceed 5kW. High power thruster using
low frequency can also be used. But, it will limit operation in space as there is no power available beyond
5kW.
For this thruster, 2.45GHz has been chosen as the operating frequency for three main reasons:
It is an industrial frequency and commercially available
A case study was conducted for orbit raising, which revealed that an on-board power of >2kW is
required. This translated for a nominal thrust between 100-300mN. Lower frequency operation (for eg.,
915MHz) required power in excess of 5kW and higher frequency operation (5.8GHz and above) was not
capable of higher thrust levels
A limited availability of space in a satellite imposes constraints on the size of the thruster to be
designed
But for attitude control operation, high power operation is not necessary. Hence a high frequency
operation is considered where power requirement will be very less. Hence, 7.5GHz is used.
Frequency can be tuned electronically. But the height and diameter of the cavity can only be varied
mechanically. Hence, this cavity is only mechanically tunable.

With respect to the formula,

 = +

where,
fmnp is the input frequency in GHz
R is the radius of the cavity
L is the length of the cavity
Xmn represents the nth zero of the mth Bessel function

The cavity length and diameter are a function of frequency. When solved through the formula, for alower
frequency, the value of R and L is higher and for a higher frequency, the value of R and L is lower. The
value is also a factor of the Bessel function (Xmn) for that particular frequency.

The frequency for TE mode is generally lesser than that of TM modes. TM modes do not show variation
in the resonant angular frequency with respect to the geometry of the cylinder. The electric fields at the
plates in TM mode is constant whereas in TE mode it may be deflecting. Mode selection in cavities is
generally is complex issue. For oscillations generally TM0n0 mode is preferred because it supports
multiple frequencies depending upon the value of n. There is no electric field component in the z-axis so
there is no particle deflection or interference with particle acceleration. The electric field intensities are
constant at the plates and there is no variation in angular resonant frequency with respect to the geometry
of the cavity.

To answer the last part of the question, the plasma in the cavity does not absorb the microwave 100%.
Some reflection in power is observed. Hence, it is taken as approximate. This point is not necessary to be
claimed.
The thruster is a mechanically tunable system, where for low power-high frequency operation, the cavity
height and diameter needs to be reduced to match the operating frequency. The height/length of the cavity
can be achieved through mechanical means as discussed in the patent document, but it is tricky to alter the
diameter mechanically. This makes the thruster more complex to operate. With recent advancements in
material technology, SMAs have shown promise and is simple too. A shape memory alloy is an alloy
that remembers its original shape and that when deformed returns to its pre-deformed shape when
electricity is passed or heated. This material is a lightweight, solid-state alternative to conventional
actuators such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and motor-based systems. In this thruster design, a two way SMA
is used. A two way SMA can be trained to remember two different shapes when electrically actuated at
different voltages. It all lies in the training.

As train follows the curvature of the track, same way a guide rail is used here to properly guide the SMA
during cavity diameter tuning. Though SMA remembers its shape, a guide rail is used to make sure that
there is no variation with respect to time. The material used is NITINOL

The rotation of the plasma is dependent on the power of the electromagnetic field (in Tesla). But, as seen
through experimentation, the field strength has to be fixed to a certain value to make sure that the plasma
is axially centered to the nozzle. If field strength is varied to greater degree, there exists a risk of plasma
contacting the metal surfaces. The rotation is caused not because of continuous electromagnetic field, but
from switching the 4 electromagnets on and off around the cavity in a clockwise manner.
 CASE 2

SEMI RIGID JOINT

Fig 1
Fig 2

Fig 3
Fig 4

Fig 5
Fig 6

Fig 7
Fig 8

Fig 9
 Fig 10

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The coupling or joint is particularly directed to uses where it is desired to have a connection between two
links or structures. For example, joints for connecting barriers with base, road divider with the road
surface, electric pole or rod/pole for traffic signs or banner with a ground structure.

Now the above mentioned joints which connect two links or structures are prone to external force or
shock and if the external force or shock exceeds the joints rigidity (force resistance capacity) then these
joints are break or deformed plastically.

The available shock absorbing joints between two links or structures are either rigid or flexible. During
shock absorption such rigid shock absorbing joint breaks itself or causes permanent damage if the
external force or shock exceeds the joints force resistance capacity, whereas flexible joint produces
unwanted vibration or oscillation while handling a variation of small load. Also the available shock
absorbing joints are designed to absorb shock come from a particular direction.
 INVENTION DISCLOSURE

The developed technology is an auto reconstructing as well as versatile shock absorbing joint between
two links. The joint uses both magnetic force of attraction and elastic strength of spring to absorb the
shock. The joint is semi rigid i.e. it loses its rigidity temporarily during shock absorption and after
absorbing each shock it regains its previous shape and rigidity. This technology is very cheap, reliable,
non electric and simplistic grass root level innovation.

The present semi rigid joint can be used to build unbreakable electric pole, rod/pole for traffic signs or
banner. For example, if a huge tree falls on an electric over head line then electric pole gets broken and
the line wire is ruptured. But if the electric pole is made of one or more Semi Rigid Joints then line wire
is not ruptured as the tension force generated in the wire is transmits to the semi rigid joint and the joint
loses its rigidity as a result the upper portion of the pole temporarily bends down from that or those joints.
After when the tree i.e. the load is removed then the spring gets compressed to regain its previous shape
and the magnetic force of attraction fix the joint tightly like before and the Semi Rigid Joint regains its
rigidity.

Figure 1 shows side view of different components of an internal spring semi rigid joint (a) and their
sectional views (b) in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows side view of rigid state (initial state) (a) and flexible state (b) of an internal spring semi
rigid joint.

Figure 3 shows sectional view of rigid state (initial state) (a) and flexible state (b) of an internal spring
semi rigid joint.

Figure 4 shows side view of different components of an external spring semi rigid joint (a) and their
sectional views (b).

Figure 5 shows side view of rigid state (initial state) (a) and flexible state (b) of an external spring semi
rigid joint.

Figure 6 shows sectional view of rigid state (initial state) (a) and flexible state (b) of an external spring
semi rigid joint.

Figure 7 shows sectional view of rigid state (initial state) (a) and flexible state (b) of a modified internal
spring semi rigid joint.

Figure 8 shows sectional view of internal spring semi rigid joint before and after applying external force
(a) and under force condition (b).

Figure 9 shows different types of magnets applicable for semi rigid joint.

Figure 10 shows different side views of a semi rigid joint whose two main parts are different in size and
shape; where (a), (b) and (c) are the front view, left view and top view respectively.

Figure 11 shows side view of rigid state (initial state) (a) and flexible state (b) of a compound semi rigid
joint.
Figure 1, 2 and 3 which schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present internal spring
based semi rigid joint. As shown in the figure 1, the first joint element of present internal spring based
semi rigid joint embodiment is referred as part 'A' and the second joint element is referred as part 'B'. The
accompanying figure 1 clearly illustrates the open end and the closed end of each joint element. The open
end includes an externally grooved/threaded portion and internally grooved/threaded socket or holes for
setting screws, bolts etc. and the closed end includes the magnetic connector. These two joint elements
are connected by a spring in such a way that the spring is surrounded by the magnetic connector and the
closed end i.e. the magnetic end of each joint element facing each other and temporarily fixed to each
other with the help of magnetic force of attraction between the magnetic connectors at initial state. In the
present embodiment, to prevent slip of the joining element through joining surface, the magnetic
connectors which comprising of a bipolar magnet or a combination of discrete magnets having north and
south poles are adjacent to each other are positioned in the closed ends of the joining elements in a
selective manner so that when the closed end of each joint element faces each other, the north and the
south poles of the magnetic connector of one closed end lies on the south and the north poles of the
magnetic connector of the other closed end and fix the joining elements to each other with the help of
magnetic force of attraction free from any slipping. Thus positional configuration of the magnetic
connectors ensure re-fixing of the detached joining elements in its original positing on release of
detaching external impact/force under restored magnetic attraction of the magnetic connectors. Since the
magnetic attraction of the magnetic connectors will be restored only when the north and the south pole of
one magnetic connector will lie on the south and the north pole of other magnetic connector.

The components of the present internal spring based semi rigid joint are further illustrated in the
accompanying figures 2 and 3. As shown in the referred figures, in the internal spring based semi rigid
joint, the magnetic connectors (1 and 2) having north and south poles are adjacent to each other are
retained in magnet holder sockets (3 and 4) of the first and second joint elements.

The magnet holder sockets (3 and 4) are attached with detachable internally threaded or grooved socket (5
and 6) of the open ends of the joint elements facing towards the close ends by screw threading opposite to
their socket face. Hooks (7 and 8) are attached with an internal transverse rod or screwed into the surface
opposite to the open end of internal transverse plate (9 and 10 respectively) of the internally threaded or
grooved sockets (5 and 6). These two hooks (7 and 8) are further connected by an extension spring 11
which is surrounded by the magnetic connectors (3 and 4).

As clearly shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, the magnetic connectors (1, 2) each comprising of a bipolar
magnet or a combination of discrete magnets having north and south pole adjacent to each other is
selectively positioned in the magnet holder sockets (3,4) so that when the closed end of each joint element
faces each other, the north and the south pole of the magnetic connector (1) lies on the south and the north
pole of the magnetic connector (2) to fix the joining elements to each other with the help of magnetic
force of attraction free from any slipping. Thus positional configuration of the magnetic connectors (1, 2)
ensure re-fixing of the detached joining elements in its original positing on release of detaching external
impact/force under restored magnetic attraction of the magnetic connectors. Since the magnetic attraction
of one magnetic connectors (1, 2) will be restored only when the north and the south pole of the magnetic
connector (1) will lie on the south and the north pole of other magnetic connector (2)
Further modification of the internal spring based semi rigid joint structure can be done according to the
requirement to provide tension (manually) on the spring (11) at rigid state (initial state). The
accompanying figure 7 illustrates such modified structure wherein a screw (19) with a ball socket joint
(20) can applied to provide sliding motion along the screw (19) axis to the screw (19) in outward direction
(figure 7a) to increase tension of the spring (11) and inward direction (figure 7b) to decrease tension of
the spring (11).

The accompanying figure 4, 5 and 6 schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present
external spring based semi rigid joint. The basic difference between the external spring based semi rigid
joint and the internal spring based semi rigid joint is that in the external spring based semi rigid joint, the
magnets are surrounded by the spring.

As referred in the accompanying figure 4, 5 and 6, in the external spring based semi rigid joint, the
magnetic connectors (12 and 13) comprising of a bipolar magnet or a combination of discrete magnets
having north and south poles are adjacent to each other are retained in the both side sockets (14 and 15) of
the closed ends, whose open ends are internally threaded or grooved. Each both side socket (14 and 15)
has an attachment of spring end holder or clip (16 and 17). Two joint elements i.e. part' A' and part '8' are
connected by an extension spring (18), whose two ends are grasped by spring end holders (16 and 17).

As clearly shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the magnetic connectors (12, 13) is selectively positioned in the
side sockets (14 and 15) so that when the closed end of each joint element faces each other, the north and
the south pole of one magnetic connector (12) lies on the south and the north pole of other magnetic
connector (13) to fix the joining elements to each other with the help of magnetic force of attraction free
from any slipping. Thus positional configuration of the magnetic connectors (12, 23) ensure re-fixing of
the detached joining elements in its original positing on release of detaching external impact/force under
restored magnetic attraction of the magnetic connectors. Since the magnetic attraction of the magnetic
connectors (12, 13) will be restored only when the north and the south pole of one magnetic connector
(12) will lie on the south and the north pole of other magnetic connector (13)

Reference is next invited from the accompanying figure 11, which shows a compound Semi Rigid Joint
which is an assemblage of two (or more) internal spring semi rigid joint or external spring semi rigid joint
or their combination. This type is highly applicable for chain formation of semi rigid joint. The compound
Semi Rigid Joint embodiment as shown in the figure 11 involves three internal spring semi rigid joint (1,
2 and 3) and one external spring semi rigid joint (4) are connected to each other by a central block.
Herein, every piece of magnet with two different poles each face can be substituted by two or more
conventional magnet with alternate facing of both South and North Pole to each closed end face shown in
the accompanying figure 9(c). Two main parts can be different in size and shape according to the
requirement shown in the figure 10.

During the operation of the present semi rigid joint, when certain external force or shock, applied on the
joint which exceeds its rigidity (force resistance capacity) then instead of breaking (or deforming
plastically) from the joint, closed end of the two joining elements are detached from each other i.e. it gets
flexible (loses its rigidity) as the magnets get loose and spring extends to absorb the force or shock shown
in figure 8(b). When this external load is removed or the force is absorbed then the spring gets
compressed to regain its previous shape Figure 8(c) and the magnetic force of attraction of the magnetic
connectors fixes the joint elements tightly like before i.e. the' Semi Rigid Joint' regains its rigidity after
absorbing each shock. The same joining location is secured by the use of indentation or magnets of two
different poles on each surface.

The bipolar magnetic connector of each magnetic connector comprise a pair of north and south poled
magnets facing respective opposite poles obtained of single piece or multiple pieces of magnets integrally
provided as a unitary piece two separate pieces of magnets with respective north and south poles facing
each other in reverse orientation (shown in figure 9).
 CASE 3

Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
(a) (b)

Figure 2

Figure 3
(a) (b)

Figure 4

(a) (b)

Figure 5
 Figure 6

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many instances wherein flow of a fluid medium running through a guiding means or tubing
systems needs to be regulated to restrict overuse/wastage of the fluid. Desirably, such automated control
of flow of the running fluid should maintain an initially set flow rate of the running fluid and
automatically stop the flow of the running fluid upon detecting the flow rate exceeding the initially set
flow rate.
The presently available automated system for controlling flow of fluid/water running through a guiding
means or tubing systems involves complex instrumentation and operates only with the assistance of
sophisticated electronics devices. Therefore, presently available automated systems for controlling flow
of fluid/water running through a guiding means or tubing systems can only be applied where
corresponding supports such as electric power, complex instrumentation implementing facility and like
are available.

In the modern civilization, the excessive use or consumption of water from running tap in houses, railway
stations, hotels and other public and industrial establishments is a serious problem considering the limited
resource of useable water. Water overfilling in container is one of the major reasons of water wastage.
Modern float valve based water overfilling preventing device are getting smaller day by day but they are
still bulky and they have lack of flexibility. The main drawback in the modern float valve based water
overfilling preventing device is that they need to be attached with the container or vessel wall and has
limited range of adjustable fluid height.

INVENTION DISCLOSURE

Figure 1(a) shows a preferred embodiment of the automatic fluid flow controlling device for stopping
flow of the running fluid when the fluid flow exceed a certain flow rate in accordance with the present
invention.

Figure 1(b) shows direction of fluid flow within the present automatic fluid flow controlling device in
accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2(a) and (b) shows operation of the present device for stopping the flow of the running fluid upon
detecting the flow rate exceeding the initially set flow rate.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the present automatic fluid flow controlling device installed
between a tap and running water pipe for stopping flow of the running water.

Figure 4(a) and (b) shows configuration of the present automatic fluid flow controlling device along with
the means for determining liquid level in a vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered.

Figure 5(a) and (b) shows operation of the present device along with the means for determining liquid
level in a vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered.

Figure 6(a)-(f) shows a preferred manner of resetting of the present automatic flow controlling device
after stopping flow of the running liquid/fluid in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention discloses a device for flow control of fluid in pipelines to various utility fluid
outlets like water taps and the like by blocking fluid flow from pipeline to said utility fluid outlet when
the flow exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In other word, the present invention discloses an automatic
fluid flow controlling device for restricting or stopping flow of the fluid medium running through the
guiding means or the tubing system when fluid flow exceed a certain flow rate as well as stopping flow of
the running liquid flow when liquid level in the vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered
reaches a certain height.

Reference is first invited from the accompanying figure 1(a) which shows a preferred embodiment of the
automatic flow controlling device for stopping flow of the running fluid when fluid flow exceed a certain
flow rate. As shown in the accompanying figure 1, the main structure of the present device includes a
housing body (1) for enclosing the device components. The housing body (1) can be considered as
combination of a top chamber (I) vertically arranged over a bottom chamber (II) and separated by a
separating member i.e. supporting plate (6). The top chamber (I) includes an connecting provision
preferably externally or internally threaded portion (2) adapted to be attached with the guiding means or
the tubing system such as water/fluid pipeline to receive the running fluid or water and an entrance hole
(3) which is provided within the top threaded portion (2) through which the running water/fluid enter into
the top chamber (I) of the cylindrical body (1).

As shown in the accompanying figure 1, a pressure release valve plate seal (4) fixed on a valve plate (5) is
provided within the body (1) adjacent to the entrance hole (3) which moves back due to pressure of the
running fluid and allowing the running fluid to enter within the top chamber. The valve plate seal (4)
biased with a compressing spring (7) and an inner supporting stem (8). Other end of the compressing
spring (7) is supported to the supporting plate (6).

Below of this supporting plate (6), the body (1) includes a bottom internally threaded portion wherein the
bottom chamber (II) housing is threadably attached and waterproofed by using a seal (9). The
compressing spring (7) is confined within the top chamber while the inner supporting stem (8) is extended
into the bottom chamber (II) through one hole defined in the supporting plate (6). Around this hole, one or
more water passing holes are provided in the supporting plate (6).

A catcher plate (11) preferably a ferrous plate is attached on the inner supporting stem (8) end which rests
within the bottom chamber (II). A freely movable first magnet (10) is temporarily attached with the
ferrous plate (11) by using magnetic interaction. A rubber washer (12) is provided on a bottom outflow
opening (19) on base of the bottom chamber housing and secured over a washer support base (13). The
fluid/water can coming out from the housing body (1) through the bottom outflow opening and reach at
exit hole (14) wherein a fluid/water discharging device can be attached with the chamber housing.

The fluid/water discharging device preferably includes a rubber cap (15) with hole, a faucet aerator (17)
with supportive airtight seal (16) and pivot (18).

Reference is next invited to the accompanying figure 1(b) which shows flow direction of fluid/water
within the present automatic fluid flow controlling device and operation of the device components in
order to restrict and/or stop flow of the running fluid when the fluid flow exceed the certain flow rate. As
shown in the referred figure, the running water/fluid which enter into the cylindrical body through the
entrance hole (3) creates a pressure on the valve plate seal (4) which causes back motion of the valve
plate (5) and compression of the spring (7) with the inner stem (8) which directs the ferrous plate with the
first magnet (10) towards the rubber washer (12). It is thus, when the flow rate of running water/fluid
increases the distance between the first magnet (10) and the rubber washer (12) decreases and with
increasing flow rate if the magnet (10) touches the rubber washer (12) when the flow rate just exceeds the
maximum flow rate i.e. situation shown in the accompanying figure 2(a) then it will act like a check valve
and stops the water/fluid flow using as shown in figure 2(b).

It is not required that the diameter of the ferrous plate (11) and the first magnet (10) should be equal. As
the first magnet blocks the outflow opening as a check valve, it gets attached tightly to the outflow
opening (19). As the fluid outflow stops, fluid pressure in the chambers and at the entrance hole became
same, so the pressure on the valve plate seal (4) is removed and thus the compressing spring (7) starts
expand. As the expansion tension of the spring (7) is greater than magnetic attraction force between the
first magnet (10) and the ferrous plate (11), the magnet (10) separated from the ferrous plate water and
expansion of the spring (7) directs the ferrous plate (11) and the pressure release valve plate seal (4) to
original position for stopping reverse flow of the fluid.

The maximum flow rate of the device can be decreased by increasing the thickness (or number) of the
washer.

Reference is next invited from the accompanying figure 3 which shows a preferred embodiment of the
present automatic flow controlling device installed between a tap and running water pipe for restricting
and/or stopping flow of the running water. As shown in the referred figure, faucet aerator of the water
discharging device decreases the flow rate of water (which is normally above the maximum flow rate of
the device) through the device. So that, if the aerator or the tap is broken or removed, then the flow rate
will exceed the maximum flow rate of the device, as a result the flow rate of water stops automatically.

In a preferred embodiment, the present device comprises a means for determining liquid level in a vessel
wherein the running liquid is being delivered and accordingly stopping the flow of the running fluid based
on fluid level in the vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered.

The means is externally attached with the housing body (2) and includes a second magnet (24) fixed with
a support bar (21). One end of the bar (21) is attached with a hinge joint (20) from device and other end
is attached with a string knot (22a). Other end of the string (22) is also attached with a spring powered
self rolling bobbin (23) in a waterproof cover. The accompanying figure 4(a) (before flow start) and (b)
(after flow start) shows configuration of the present device along with the said means for determining
liquid level in a vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered.

The working principle of the above said means includes negative tensile spring mechanism. The
accompanying figure 5(a)-(b) illustrates the working principle of the means for determining liquid level in
a vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered and accordingly stopping the flow of the running
liquid based on liquid level in the vessel wherein the running liquid is being delivered. Here, the second
magnet (24) is held in a distance from the first magnet (10) within their magnetic force of attraction using
a minimal tensile force (just above zero) produced by the weight of the covered bobbin as shown in figure
5(a). When the water/liquid level reaches the bobbin, buoyancy force reduce the weight as a result the
second magnet (24) starts to move towards the first magnet (10) which results in rapidly increasing
tension force between the two magnets. In a momentary period of time the attraction force between the
first magnet (10) and second magnet (24) exceeds the attraction force between ferrous plate and the first
magnet (10). As a result the first magnet (10) moves towards the direction of the second magnet (24)
away from ferrous plate and fixes itself with the rubber washer (because rubber washer here acts as an
obstruction in the direction of movement of the first magnet (10) which acts as a check valve and water
stops flowing (shown in figure 5(b).

In the present system, the mechanism for resetting the fluid flow comprises releasing the fluid pressure on
top of said first magnet blocking the bottom outlet opening by cooperative outlet means for draining out
fluid from said bottom chamber to thereby release of the first magnet from said outflow opening of said
bottom chamber and its cooperative reassembling with respect to the ferrous plate connected to the inner
supporting stem under magnetic interaction there between the two upon freeing of the first magnet from
said outflow opening of said bottom chamber.

Reference is next invited to the accompanying figure 6(a)-(f) which shows a preferred operative
sequences associated with resuming flow of the fluid/water after stopping flow of the running fluid in the
present automatic flow controlling device by involving compressive force means in the fluid/water
discharging device. As shown in the referred figures, upon pressing of switch (shown inset of fig 6a)
provided on the faucet aerator (17), the pivot (18) will first seal the rubber cap hole (15) as shown in
figure 6(b). Then the airtight rubber cap will compress the air as shown in figure 6(c) which creates a little
amount of pressure on the first magnet (10) against the pressure of the stagnant water/fluid. But according
to "negative tensile spring" mechanism, here ferrous plate (11) is held in a distance from the magnet (10)
within its magnetic force of attraction (which is slightly below the water pressure) using a tensile force
produced by water/fluid pressure. So the little amount of air pressure combined with the magnetic force of
attraction exceed the huge pressure of the water/fluid as shown in the figure 6(d) and the magnet (10) will
go back to its previous position as shown in figure 6(e) and the water/fluid starts flowing normally as
shown in figure 6(f).