On-board propulsion testing apparatus
View Patent ↗An interface assembly for connecting an on-board propulsion system to a testing facility includes a support member configured for coupling to a manipulation system and a mounting member configured for coupling to the on-board propulsion system. A plurality of channels extends between and couples the mounting member to the support member.
1. An on-board propulsion system assembly comprising:
an interface assembly including
a support member configured for coupling to a manipulation system to enable movement of the support member, and
a mounting member coupled to the support member via a plurality of channels extending therebetween; and
an on-board propulsion system configured for coupling to the mounting member and to receive a fluid via at least one channel of the plurality of channels.
2. The interface assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within the mounting member.
3. The interface assembly of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within the support member.
4. The interface assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within the support member.
5. The interface assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support member is cylindrically shaped and defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and wherein the mounting member is spaced from the support member in the axial direction.
6. A testing assembly for connecting an on-board propulsion system to a testing facility, the testing assembly comprising:
a manipulation system; and
an interface assembly including
a support member configured for removable coupling to the manipulation system to enable translation of the support member,
a mounting member configured for coupling to an on-board propulsion system, and
a plurality of channels connecting the mounting member and the support member.
7. The interface assembly of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within the mounting member.
8. The interface assembly of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within the support member.
9. The interface assembly of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of channels extends at least partially within the support member.
10. The interface assembly of claim 6 , wherein the support member is cylindrically shaped and defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and wherein the mounting member is spaced from the support member in the axial direction.
11. A testing system for testing an on-board propulsion system, the testing system comprising:
a vessel;
a vacuum pump in operative communication with the vessel;
a plurality of sensors positioned within the vessel;
a manipulation system, a portion of which is automatically movable toward and away from the vessel; and
an interface assembly including
a support member configured for coupling to the manipulation system,
a mounting member configured for coupling to the on-board propulsion system, and
a plurality of channels extending between and coupling the mounting member to the support member.
12. The testing system of claim 11 , wherein the vessel includes a vessel wall, and wherein the support member is configured for engagement with the vessel wall.
13. The testing system of claim 12 , wherein the support member is configured such that upon engagement with the vessel wall, the mounting member is in fluid communication with a fluid source external to the vessel.
14. The testing system of claim 11 , wherein the support member is configured for complete insertion within the vessel.
15. The testing system of claim 11 , wherein the vessel includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the first and second chambers separated by a valve.
16. The testing system of claim 15 , wherein the first chamber includes a force measurement system configured to measure an output thrust of an on-board propulsion system.