Patent Description:
Document <CIT>, in a liquid storage tank <NUM> for use on a spacecraft, a transfer apparatus comprising gathering vanes, an elongate array of fins, and a sponge structure formed from panels functions to transfer liquid from the inner surface of the tank to the vicinity of an outlet line. A screen is disposed betweén the panels and the outlet line. When wetted with liquid, the screen prevents gas and/or vapor in the tank from passing to the outlet line. A perforated plate disposed between the screen and the outlet line causes liquid to pass from the tank to the outlet line <NUM> in a regular and generally unbroken flow.

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods, intended to address at least the above-identified concerns, would find utility.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of the subject matter, disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a fuel tank, comprising an interior wall, a sump, and a baffle that comprises a center fitting, a full-length containment petal, and a dump tube. The full-length containment petal comprises a full-length side edge, extending radially outward from the center fitting. The partial-length containment petal comprises a partial-length side edge, extending radially outward from the center fitting. The dump tube is connected to the sump. The full-length side edge of the full-length containment petal is longer than the partial-length side edge of the partial-length containment petal. All of the partial-length side edge of the partial-length containment petal is attached to a linear portion of the full-length side edge of the full-length containment petal.

The baffle is used to control the fuel distribution inside the fuel tank. More specifically, the baffle is configured to enable the fuel to flow into the portion of the fuel tank between the baffle and the sump. The baffle comprises a partial-length containment petal, which is spaced away from the interior wall of the fuel tank, enabling the fuel to flow between the partial-length containment petal and the interior wall <NUM>. Furthermore, the baffle prevents a rapid escape of the fuel from this portion of the fuel tank, when the fuel tank is subjected to acceleration (e.g., when the reusable launch vehicle containing this fuel tank decelerates during the landing). As such, the fuel remains in this portion of the fuel tank and can be dumped from the fuel tank through the dump tube.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. In the drawings:.

In <FIG>, referred to above, solid lines, if any, connecting various elements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations thereof. As used herein, "coupled" means associated directly as well as indirectly. For example, a member A may be directly associated with a member B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via another member C. It will be understood that not all relationships among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may also exist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting blocks designating the various elements and/or components represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided or may relate to alternative examples of the subject matter, disclosed herein. Likewise, elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines, indicate alternative examples of the subject matter, disclosed herein.

In <FIG>, referred to above, the blocks may represent operations and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicate alternative operations and/or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any, connecting the various blocks represent alternative dependencies of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. <FIG> and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the method(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need to be performed.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may be practiced without some or all of these particulars. In other instances, details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer.

Reference herein to "one or more examples" means that one or more feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one implementation. The phrase "one or more examples" in various places in the specification may or may not be referring to the same example.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having the potential to perform the specified function after further modification.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples of the subject matter, disclosed herein, are provided below.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, fuel tank <NUM> comprises interior wall <NUM>, sump <NUM>, and baffle <NUM>. Baffle <NUM> comprises center fitting <NUM> and full-length containment petal <NUM> that comprises full-length side edge <NUM>, extending radially outward from center fitting <NUM>. Baffle <NUM> addtionally comprises partial-length containment petal <NUM> that comprises partial-length side edge <NUM>, extending radially outward from center fitting <NUM>. Baffle <NUM> also comprises dump tube <NUM>, connected to sump <NUM>. Full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> is longer than partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. All of partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> is attached to a linear portion of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM>.

Baffle <NUM> is used to control the fuel distribution inside fuel tank <NUM>. More specifically, baffle <NUM> is configured to enable the fuel to flow into a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM> as, for example, is schematically shown in <FIG>. Baffle <NUM> comprises partial-length containment petal <NUM>, which is spaced away from interior wall <NUM>, enabling the fuel to flow between partial-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM>. Furthermore, baffle <NUM> prevents a rapid escape of the fuel from this portion of fuel tank <NUM>, e.g., when is subjected to acceleration (e.g., when the reusable launch vehicle decelerates during landing) as, for example, is schematically shown in <FIG>. As such, the fuel remains in this portion of fuel tank <NUM> and can be dumped from fuel tank <NUM> through dump tube <NUM> as, for example, is schematically shown in <FIG>.

In some examples, interior wall <NUM> of fuel tank <NUM> is formed from a composite material, which complicates the attachment of various components to interior wall <NUM>. For example, various conventional attachment techniques (e.g., welding) are not suitable for composite materials. In more specific examples, baffle <NUM> is supported by sump <NUM>, instead of being supported by interior wall <NUM>.

Full-length containment petal <NUM> extends to interior wall <NUM> and, in some examples, forms a seal with interior wall <NUM>. Full-length containment petals <NUM> block the fuel from passing between full-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM>. At the same time, partial-length containment petal <NUM> is spaced away from interior wall <NUM> and enables the fuel to pass between partial-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM>. In general, a larger portion of the interior cross-sectional area of fuel tank <NUM> is blocked by baffle <NUM> thereby ensuring the fuel containment in the portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>. This fuel containment enables dump tube <NUM> to remove the remaining fuel from fuel tank <NUM> at various operation conditions, e.g., when fuel tank <NUM> decelerates.

Forming baffle <NUM> from center fitting <NUM> and multiple petals, such as full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>, enables the installation of baffle <NUM> through a small opening on one end of fuel tank <NUM>. This opening is later sealed with sump <NUM>. The opening is smaller than the inside diameter of the cylindrical portion of fuel tank <NUM>. When installed inside fuel tank <NUM>, baffle <NUM> has a larger diameter than this opening. Specifically, separate components of baffle <NUM>, such as center fitting <NUM>, full-length containment petal <NUM>, and partial-length containment petal <NUM> are fed through the opening and then assembled inside fuel tank <NUM>, collectively forming baffle <NUM>. As such, interior wall <NUM> does not require additional joints and can be formed substantially monolithic.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises center-fitting support strut <NUM>, connecting center fitting <NUM> to sump <NUM>.

Center-fitting support strut <NUM> attaches center fitting <NUM> to sump <NUM> and also supports center fitting <NUM>, relative to sump <NUM>. This sump-supporting feature eliminates the need for attaching baffle <NUM> to interior wall <NUM>. For example, baffle <NUM> is formed from a metal, while interior wall <NUM> is formed from a composite material. Metals and composite materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), which complicates the process of maintaining any direct connection over the wide temperature range. Furthermore, many common joining techniques (e.g., welding) are not available for composite materials.

In some examples, other components of baffle <NUM>, e.g., full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>, are also attached to center fitting <NUM>. As such, these other components are also indirectly supporting by center-fitting support strut <NUM> relative to sump <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM> or <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal support strut <NUM>, connecting at least one of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length containment petal <NUM> to sump <NUM>.

Petal support strut <NUM> supports full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length containment petal <NUM> relative to sump <NUM>. This sump-supporting feature eliminates the need for attaching baffle <NUM> to interior wall <NUM> For example, baffle <NUM> is formed from a metal, while interior wall <NUM> is formed from a composite material. Metals and composite materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), which complicates the process of maintaining any direct connection over the wide temperature range. Furthermore, many common joining techniques (e.g., welding) are not available for composite materials.

In some examples, only one of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length containment petal <NUM> is connected to petal support strut <NUM>. In one or more examples, both full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> are connected to petal support strut <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Connecting to full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> enables supporting multiple petals with a single petal support strut. For example, full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> can be also connected to the edge of an adjacent petal. As such, petal support strut <NUM> can support two petals at the same time.

In some examples, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM>. In the same or other examples, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. For example, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to both full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Alternatively, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> but not both.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>, attached to at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Petal support strut <NUM> is attached to petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>.

Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. For example, full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> are formed as thin sheets to reduce the overall weight of fuel tank <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends out of the plane, providing some additional rigidity to the overall assembly formed by petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> and at least one of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

In some examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects to two adjacent petals as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>. For example, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>. In one or more examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects two full-length containment petals. Furthermore, in one or more examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects two partial-length containment petals as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to both full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

When petal support strut <NUM> is connected to multiple petals, such as full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>, fewer petal support struts are needed in fuel tank <NUM>. As such, fuel tank <NUM> has a lower overall weight, which is desirable for many applications. In some examples, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to two full-length containment petals. In other examples, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to two partial-length containment petals.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to both full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Connecting to edges of multiple petals, such as full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> partial-length containment petal <NUM>, enables using fewer petal support struts in fuel tank <NUM>. As such, the overall weight of fuel tank <NUM> is reduced, which is desirable for many applications.

In some examples, full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> partial-length containment petal <NUM> are interconnected, in addition to being connected to petal support strut <NUM>. This overall connection helps to strengthen the assembly.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> attaches full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> to partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> is connected to petal support strut <NUM>.

Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Furthermore, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> thereby reinforcing the overall structure of baffle <NUM> and the ability of baffle <NUM> to withstand forces from the fuel. For example, full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> are formed as thin sheets to reduce the overall weight of fuel tank <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends out of the plane, providing additional rigidity to the overall assembly of petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>, full-length containment petal <NUM>, and partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Therefore, petal support strut <NUM> is connected to the reinforced petal edges.

In some examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends along the entire length of partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. In more specific examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends along the entire length of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG>, and <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>, attached to center fitting <NUM> and to at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. For example, full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> are formed as thin sheets to reduce the overall weight of fuel tank <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends out of the plane, providing additional rigidity to the overall assembly of petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> at least one of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Furthermore, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects center fitting <NUM> and full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length containment petal <NUM> thereby ensuring the overall mechanical integrity of baffle <NUM>. This attachment also provides support to center fitting <NUM>.

In some examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects to two adjacent petals as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>. For example, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>. In the same or other examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects two full-length containment petals. Furthermore, in some examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects two partial-length containment petals as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4B and 4C for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>, attached to center fitting <NUM> and to both full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces both full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. For example, full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> are formed as thin sheets to reduce the overall weight of fuel tank <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends out of the plane, providing additional rigidity of the overall assembly of petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> at least one of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Furthermore, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects center fitting <NUM> and full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> thereby ensuring the overall mechanical integrity of baffle <NUM>. This attachment also provides support to center fitting <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, full-length containment petal <NUM> is sealed against interior wall <NUM>. Partial-length containment petal <NUM> is spaced away from interior wall <NUM>, forming gap <NUM> between partial-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM>.

The sealing of full-length containment petal <NUM> against interior wall <NUM> ensures that the fuel does not flow between full-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM> and that the fuel is contained in a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>. This fuel containment ensures that the fuel can be dumped even when fuel tank <NUM> decelerates, e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. At the same time, gap <NUM> enables the fuel to flow into this portion of fuel tank <NUM> as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>. The surface area ratio of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> define the containment properties of baffle <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, fuel tank <NUM> further comprises flexible seal <NUM> that seals full-length containment petal <NUM> against interior wall <NUM>.

Flexible seal <NUM> ensures that the fuel cannot flow between full-length containment petal <NUM> against interior wall <NUM>. In some examples, full-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM> are formed from different materials and have different CTEs. Flexible seal <NUM> ensures that that the space between full-length containment petal <NUM> and interior wall <NUM> remains sealed over a wide range of temperatures. In some examples, flexible seal <NUM> is formed from a flexible material, such as a polymer.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM> or <NUM>, above, dump tube <NUM> comprises dump-tube opening <NUM>. Gap <NUM> and dump-tube opening <NUM> are located on opposite sides of center fitting <NUM>.

Dump-tube opening <NUM> is used to collect the fuel from fuel tank <NUM>. The fuel collection is particularly challenging when fuel tank <NUM> is near empty as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>. At this point, baffle <NUM> contains the remaining fuel in the portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>. It should be noted that dump-tube opening <NUM> allows the fuel into this portion of fuel tank <NUM>. In some examples, fuel tank <NUM> is tilted such that the remaining fuel is kept away from dump-tube opening <NUM>, such that the fuel does not escape from this portion of fuel tank <NUM> through dump-tube opening <NUM>. Positioning dump-tube opening <NUM>, opposite on opposite sides of center fitting <NUM>, from gap <NUM>, enables collecting the remaining fuel from this portion of fuel tank <NUM> while keeping the fuel away from gap <NUM> as, e.g., is schematically shown in <FIG>.

In some examples, dump-tube opening <NUM> faces interior wall <NUM> to ensure better fuel collection when fuel tank <NUM> is tilted toward this portion of interior wall <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, fuel tank <NUM> further comprises slosh baffle <NUM>, attached to baffle <NUM> such that full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> are located between slosh baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>.

Slosh baffle <NUM> dampens the fuel movement in fuel tank <NUM>, e.g., along interior wall <NUM>. For example, when fuel tank <NUM> is partially filled, any accelerations of fuel tank <NUM> causes the fuel slosh. This fuel slosh, if not mitigated, can adversely affect the overall system, e. g, orientation. Furthermore, attaching slosh baffle <NUM> to baffle <NUM> eliminated the need to form connections to interior wall <NUM> of fuel tank <NUM>, which can be challenging.

In some examples, slosh baffle <NUM> is attached to baffle <NUM> along the perimeter of interior wall <NUM>. In other words, slosh baffle <NUM> forms a ring within fuel tank <NUM>, proximate to interior wall <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, fuel tank <NUM> further comprises slosh-baffle support <NUM> that attaches slosh baffle <NUM> to at least one of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Slosh baffle <NUM> dampens the fuel movement in fuel tank <NUM>, e.g., along interior wall <NUM>. As such, slosh baffle <NUM> needs to be well support within fuel tank <NUM>. Attaching slosh baffle <NUM> to baffle <NUM> eliminated the need to form connections to interior wall <NUM> of fuel tank <NUM>, which can be challenging. Baffle <NUM> connects slosh baffle <NUM> to sump <NUM> of fuel tank <NUM>.

In some examples, slosh baffle <NUM> comprises multiple petals. Slosh-baffle support <NUM> is used to interconnect two adjacent petals of slosh baffle <NUM>. Slosh-baffle support <NUM> can also interconnect these two adjacent petals.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>, attached to at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Slosh-baffle support <NUM> is attached to petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>.

Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. For example, full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> are formed as thin sheets to reduce the overall weight of fuel tank <NUM>. Petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> extends out of the plane providing additional rigidity to the overall assembly. Slosh-baffle support <NUM> is connected to this reinforced assembly. As such, slosh-baffle support <NUM> is supported by multiple components at the same time, e.g., petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> and at least one of full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> or partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Various forms of connections between slosh-baffle support <NUM> and petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> are contemplated. For example, slosh-baffle support <NUM> and petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> can be riveted together. It should be noted that this attachment is performed inside fuel tank <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, fuel tank <NUM> further comprises slosh-baffle support <NUM> that attaches slosh baffle <NUM> to both full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Attaching slosh baffle <NUM> to baffle <NUM>, e.g., using slosh-baffle support <NUM>, eliminates the need to form connections to interior wall <NUM> of fuel tank <NUM>, which can be challenging. Furthermore, when slosh-baffle support <NUM> attaches slosh baffle <NUM> to both full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>, slosh-baffle support <NUM> i supported by both full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Various forms of connections between slosh-baffle support <NUM> and each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> are contemplated. For example, slosh-baffle support <NUM> and each full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> can be riveted together. It should be noted that this attachment is performed inside fuel tank <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, baffle <NUM> further comprises petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>, attached to both full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Slosh-baffle support <NUM> is attached to petal side-edge stiffener <NUM>.

In some examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> reinforces both full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Furthermore, in these examples, petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> interconnects full-length side edge <NUM> of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Therefore, attaching slosh-baffle support <NUM> to petal side-edge stiffener <NUM> effectively connects slosh-baffle support <NUM> to full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, an angle from <NUM>° to <NUM>° is formed between slosh baffle <NUM> and full-length containment petal <NUM>.

The angle between slosh baffle <NUM> and full-length containment petal <NUM> is selected to redirect the fuel inside fuel tank <NUM> and to mitigate undesirable slosh conditions. Furthermore, this angle controls the forces, applied by the fuel (e.g., during acceleration of fuel tank <NUM>). For example, when the fuel travels along interior wall <NUM>, slosh baffle <NUM> can redirect the fuel toward interior wall <NUM>, thereby reducing the impact of the fuel on baffle <NUM>.

The angle between slosh baffle <NUM> and full-length containment petal <NUM> is controlled by the attachnment structures, such as slosh-baffle support <NUM>. It should be noted that full-length containment petal <NUM> is not necessarily perpendicular to interior wall <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above an angle from <NUM>° to <NUM>° is formed between slosh baffle <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

The angle between slosh baffle <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> is selected to redirect the fuel inside fuel tank <NUM> and to mitigate undesirable slosh conditions. Furthermore, this angle controls the forces, applied by the fuel (e.g., during acceleration of fuel tank <NUM>). For example, when the fuel travels along interior wall <NUM>, slosh baffle <NUM> can redirect the fuel toward interior wall <NUM> thereby reducing the impact of the fuel on baffle <NUM>.

The angle between slosh baffle <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> is controlled by the attachment structures, such as slosh-baffle support <NUM>. It should be noted that full-length containment petal <NUM> is not necessarily perpendicular to interior wall <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, center fitting <NUM> comprises first side <NUM>, facing away from sump <NUM>, and second side <NUM>, facing toward sump <NUM>. Each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> forms an angle from <NUM>° to <NUM>° with first side <NUM> of center fitting <NUM>.

The angle of <NUM>° to <NUM>° between each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> and first side <NUM> of center fitting <NUM> helps to manage the gas flow inside fuel tank <NUM>. Specifically, as the fuel is being removed from fuel tank <NUM>, an increasing volume inside fuel tank <NUM> is occupied by the gas (e.g., backfilled into fuel tank <NUM>). Some gas can enter a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>. The angle of between each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> and first side <NUM> of center fitting <NUM> ensures that this gas stays close to center fitting <NUM> and, for example, away from dump tube <NUM> at least during certain orientations of fuel tank <NUM>.

In some examples, the angle between first side <NUM> of center fitting <NUM> and each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> is set by the design of center fitting <NUM> and each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM>, For example, center fitting <NUM> comprises a side edge, extending between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> and to which each of full-length containment petal <NUM> and partial-length containment petal <NUM> is attached.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above center fitting <NUM> comprises ventilation opening <NUM> that extends from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM> of center fitting <NUM>.

Ventilation opening <NUM> helps to manage the gas flow inside fuel tank <NUM>. Specifically, as the fuel is being removed from fuel tank <NUM>, an increasing volume inside fuel tank <NUM> is occupied by the gas (e.g., backfilled into fuel tank <NUM>). Some gas can enter a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM> and stays close to center fitting <NUM>. Ventilation opening <NUM> in center fitting <NUM> enables this gas to escape through center fitting <NUM>.

The size of ventilation opening <NUM> is selected such that the gascan to escape through center fitting <NUM>, while the fuel is contained by center fitting <NUM>. If any amount of the fuel passes through center fitting <NUM>, this amount is insignificant.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, fuel tank <NUM> further comprises petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM>, attached to partial-length containment petal <NUM> such that petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> partially overlaps partial-length side edge <NUM> of partial-length containment petal <NUM> at one end of partial-length side edge <NUM>.

Partial-length containment petal <NUM> does not extend or connected to interior wall <NUM>. Instead, a wall-facing edge of partial-length containment petal <NUM> is spaced apart from interior wall <NUM>. Petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> is attached to partial-length containment petal <NUM> at this wall-facing edge to provide additional rigidity to the edge. As such, when the fule passes through space between partial-length containment petal <NUM> is spaced apart from interior wall <NUM>, this edge is not deformed.

In some examples, petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> extend between two partial-length side edges of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. In other words, petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> spans the entire length of the wall-facing edge of partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Furthermore, in some examples, petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM>, is attached to other components, such as one or two petal side-edge stiffeners.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> is spaced away from interior wall <NUM> so that gap <NUM> is provided between petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> and interior wall <NUM>.

Gap <NUM> enables the fuel to enter a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>. Petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> supports the edge of partial-length containment petal <NUM>, which faces interior wall <NUM>. As such, partial-length containment petal <NUM> is more capable of resisting forces from the fuel when fuel tank <NUM> moves or, more specifically, accelerates.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM> or <NUM>, above, petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> comprises first stiffener portion <NUM> and second stiffener portion <NUM>. First stiffener portion <NUM> is directly connected to partial-length containment petal <NUM>. Second stiffener portion <NUM> extends from first stiffener portion <NUM> and is perpendicular to partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Second stiffener portion <NUM>, being perpendicular to partial-length containment petal <NUM>, provides the out-of-plane rigidity to partial-length containment petal <NUM> or, more specifically, to the edge of partial-length containment petal <NUM> along which petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> is attached to partial-length containment petal <NUM>. In some examples, fuel tank <NUM> moves or, more specifically, accelerates in a direction that is roughly perpendicular to partial-length containment petal <NUM>. This acceleration of fuel tank <NUM> creates forces from the fuel, which act (in the opposite direction) onto internal components of fuel tank <NUM>, including partial-length containment petal <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses example <NUM>, above, first stiffener portion <NUM> and second stiffener portion <NUM> of petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> define stiffener edge <NUM>. Petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> further comprises drain holes <NUM>, located along stiffener edge <NUM>.

In some examples, some residual fuel is trapped over partial-length containment petal <NUM> without being able to drain into a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM>. More specifically, second stiffener portion <NUM>, which extends perpendicular to partial-length containment petal <NUM> prevents this residual fuel from reaching gap <NUM>, which is on the other side of petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM>. Drain holes <NUM> enable the fuel to travel through petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM> and into gap <NUM>.

In some examples, drain holes <NUM> are evenly distributed along the length of petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM>. The size of drain holes <NUM> is sufficient for the fuel to go through drain holes <NUM> without compromising the structural integrity of petal peripheral-edge stiffener <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and particularly to, e.g., <FIG> for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the following portion of this paragraph delineates example <NUM> of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example <NUM>, which encompasses any one of examples <NUM> to <NUM>, above, reusable launch vehicle <NUM> comprises fuel tank <NUM> and propulsion unit <NUM>, fluidically coupled to fuel tank <NUM>.

Baffle <NUM> of fuel tank <NUM> controls the fuel distribution inside fuel tank <NUM> during various operations of reusable launch vehicle <NUM>. More specifically, baffle <NUM> is configured to enable the fuel to flow into a portion of fuel tank <NUM> between baffle <NUM> and sump <NUM> as, for example, is schematically shown in <FIG>. Furthermore, baffle <NUM> prevents a rapid escape of the fuel from this portion of fuel tank <NUM>, e.g., when is subjected to acceleration (e.g., when the reusable launch vehicle decelerates during landing) as, for example, is schematically shown in <FIG>. As such, the fuel remains in this portion of fuel tank <NUM> and can be dumped from fuel tank <NUM> through dump tube <NUM> as, for example, is schematically shown in <FIG>.

Examples of the subject matter, disclosed herein may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and aircraft <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. During pre-production, method <NUM> may include specification and design (block <NUM>) of aircraft <NUM> and material procurement (shown as block <NUM>). During production, component and subassembly manufacturing (shown as block <NUM>) and system integration (shown as block <NUM>) of aircraft <NUM> may take place. Thereafter, aircraft <NUM> may go through certification and delivery (shown as block <NUM>) to be placed in service (shown as block <NUM>). While in service, aircraft <NUM> may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (shown as block <NUM>). Routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of aircraft <NUM>.

For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in <FIG>, aircraft <NUM> produced by method <NUM> may include airframe <NUM> with a plurality of high-level systems <NUM> and interior <NUM>. Examples of high-level systems <NUM> include one or more of propulsion system <NUM>, electrical system <NUM>, hydraulic system <NUM>, and environmental system <NUM>. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft <NUM>, the principles disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc..

Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of method <NUM>. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft <NUM> is in service (block <NUM>). Also, one or more examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereof may be utilized during production stages, illustrated by block <NUM> and block <NUM>, for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft <NUM>. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or method realizations, or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while aircraft <NUM> is in service (block <NUM>) and/or during maintenance and service (block <NUM>).

Claim 1:
A fuel tank (<NUM>), comprising:
an interior wall (<NUM>);
a sump (<NUM>); and
a baffle (<NUM>), comprising:
a center fitting (<NUM>);
a full-length containment petal (<NUM>), comprising a full-length side edge (<NUM>),
extending radially outward from the center fitting (<NUM>);
characterized in that the baffle (<NUM>) further comprises:
a partial-length containment petal (<NUM>), comprising a partial-length side edge (<NUM>), extending radially outward from the center fitting (<NUM>); and
a dump tube (<NUM>), connected to the sump (<NUM>),
wherein:
the full-length side edge (<NUM>) of the full-length containment petal (<NUM>) is longer than the partial-length side edge (<NUM>) of the partial-length containment petal (<NUM>), and
all of the partial-length side edge (<NUM>) of the partial-length containment petal (<NUM>) is attached to a linear portion of the full-length side edge (<NUM>) of the full-length containment petal (<NUM>).