Space mammal descent life support apparatus and method

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of life support for space mammals descending to the ground with manned spacecraft, and particularly relates to a life support device for space mammals descending, which comprises an oxygen supply and purification unit, a gas path connection unit, a control and power supply unit, a heat dissipation unit and an adapter plate. The above units are integrated by the adapter plate and fixedly installed on a mammal experiment unit to form a compact and reliable integrated structure. The oxygen supply and purification unit is connected in airtight manner with the mammal experiment unit through the gas path connection unit to form a closed loop gas circulation circuit, which provides oxygen and purifies harmful gases in the cabin. The control and power supply unit is responsible for power supply for the gas path connection unit and the heat dissipation unit, adjustment of gas circulation and active heat dissipation by the heat dissipation unit to ensure stable operation of the system. The present application also includes a method. The present application has the advantages of light weight, high stability and compact structure, and can effectively meet the autonomous life support needs during the descending phase, especially during the interruption of the main power supply in the cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of life support for space mammals descending to Earth aboard a manned spacecraft, and in particular to a life support device and method for space mammals descending to Earth. Background Technology

[0002] When mammals descend to Earth aboard manned spacecraft for further scientific research, a dedicated descent life support system is indispensable. The core mission of this system is to provide a stable oxygen supply to mammals, ensuring their life needs are met throughout the critical descent from in-orbit to Earth. The quality of its functionality directly affects the physiological state of laboratory animals such as mice during the descent and is fundamental to the smooth progress of subsequent ground-based scientific research.

[0003] As a dedicated support device for mammals during descent, the development of the descent life support system must be completed on the ground to precisely match the stringent requirements of the space environment for life support systems. From an experimental perspective, the descent life support system is not merely a simple auxiliary device, but a core condition that determines whether mammals can adapt to the descent environment and maintain normal physiological functions. Through its continuous and stable oxygen supply design, it mitigates the potential threats to mammalian life posed by environmental changes during the reentry of the spacecraft's return capsule, ensuring a solid life support foundation for every mammalian descent into space, and building a final line of defense for the accuracy and effectiveness of subsequent ground-based scientific research. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a life support device and method for space mammals during descent, which mainly solves the problems existing in the prior art and ensures stable oxygen supply for space mammals during descent with the manned spacecraft return capsule when the spacecraft has no power supply, thus providing life support for mammals during descent with the manned spacecraft.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a life support device for space mammals descending to Earth, characterized in that it includes an oxygen supply and purification unit, an air path connection unit, a control power supply unit, a heat dissipation unit, and an adapter plate.

[0006] The oxygen supply and purification unit, the gas connection unit, the heat dissipation unit, and the control and power supply unit are mounted on the adapter plate, and the adapter plate and the entire device are fixed to the mammal experimental unit by fasteners to form an integrated structure.

[0007] The oxygen supply and purification unit is airtightly connected to the mammal experimental unit through the gas path connection unit to form a gas circulation loop; the oxygen supply and purification unit is used to simultaneously provide oxygen generation and harmful gas purification functions for the mammal experimental unit; the control and power supply unit reads sensor parameters from the mammal experimental unit and the heat dissipation unit, uses the gas path connection unit to adjust the gas circulation of the mammal experimental unit, uses the heat dissipation unit to dissipate heat from the gas path connection unit, and also provides power support to the gas path connection unit and the heat dissipation unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the oxygen supply and purification unit includes an oxygen supply and purification reagent kit, a sealing cap, and a sealing gasket; the sealing gasket is located between the oxygen supply and purification reagent kit and the sealing cap, forming an airtight space between them; oxygen generating reagent and purification reagent are filled in the airtight space; the oxygen supply and purification reagent kit is also provided with a first air inlet connector and a first air outlet connector, which are airtightly connected to the mammalian experimental unit through the gas path connection unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the oxygen-generating reagent is potassium superoxide reagent; the purification reagent is lithium hydroxide reagent.

[0010] Furthermore, the gas connection unit includes an air pump, a second outlet connector, and a second inlet connector; the inlet end of the air pump is connected to the gas outlet of the mammal experimental unit through the second outlet connector, and its outlet end is connected to the inlet of the oxygen supply and purification unit; the outlet of the oxygen supply and purification unit is connected to the gas inlet of the mammal experimental unit through the second inlet connector; both the second outlet connector and the second inlet connector are quick-connect connectors.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat dissipation unit includes a fan and a temperature sensor installed near the air path connection unit; the temperature sensor collects the temperature of the air path connection unit as the sensing parameter and reports it to the control power supply unit, which then adjusts the operating parameters of the fan.

[0012] Furthermore, the control power supply unit includes a battery module and a control circuit; the battery module is used to provide working power to the air path connection unit, the heat dissipation unit and the control circuit when there is no external power supply during downlink; the control circuit is used to control the gas flow rate of the air path connection unit and control the heat dissipation operation of the heat dissipation unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the adapter plate is a rigid plate structure, on which mounting positions are provided for fixing the oxygen supply and purification unit, the gas connection unit, the control power supply unit and the heat dissipation unit respectively; the adapter plate is fastened to the outer wall of the mammal experimental unit through mounting holes provided on its edge or back.

[0014] The present invention also provides a control method for using the above-mentioned life support device for space mammals during descent, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0015] Step S10: The control power supply unit completes initialization and independently supplies power to the gas connection unit;

[0016] Step S20: The control power supply unit starts the gas connection unit according to preset parameters to form a gas circulation between the mammal experimental unit and the oxygen supply and purification unit;

[0017] In step S30, the oxygen supply and purification unit absorbs harmful gases from the flowing gas and generates oxygen to enter the airflow.

[0018] Step S40: The control power supply unit adjusts the airflow speed within the air path connection unit;

[0019] In step S50, the control power supply unit adjusts the operating parameters of the heat dissipation unit to control heat dissipation, and then jumps to S30.

[0020] Further, in step S40, the control power supply unit reads the gas parameters inside the mammal experimental unit from the mammal experimental unit as the sensing parameters, and adjusts the airflow speed based on the gas parameters.

[0021] Further, in step S50, the control power supply unit reads the temperature parameters of the air circuit connection unit from the heat dissipation unit, and adjusts the operating parameters of the heat dissipation unit based on the temperature parameters.

[0022] In view of the above technical features, the present invention provides a life support device and method for space mammals descending to Earth, which has significant advantages over the prior art as follows:

[0023] 1. This invention does not rely on the power source of the return capsule, ensuring autonomy and continuity. The life support system can operate seamlessly, autonomously, and continuously, avoiding the risk of interruption of life support.

[0024] 2. This invention utilizes a quick-break gas path interface, achieving both convenient maintenance and reliable gas path. It enables rapid docking and separation with mammalian experimental units in the space station environment or during ground assembly, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the airtightness and reliability of the connection.

[0025] 3. This invention uses an adapter plate to fix each unit, forming an integrated structure, which enhances the overall rigidity and can better withstand high-intensity vibration and impact during the downward process, protecting internal precision components (such as air pumps) and reagents. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the space mammal descent life support device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a structural detail diagram of a preferred embodiment of the space mammal descent life support device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the life support method for a space mammal descending to Earth using a life support device according to the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1-Oxygen supply and purification unit, 2-Gas connection unit, 3-Control and power supply unit, 4-Heat dissipation unit, 5-Adapter board, 6-Mammalian experimental unit;

[0030] 11-Oxygen supply and purification reagent kit, 111-Potassium superoxide reagent, 112-Lithium hydroxide reagent, 12-Sealing cap, 13-Sealing gasket, 14-First air inlet connector, 15-First air outlet connector;

[0031] 21-Air pump, 22-Second air outlet connector, 23-Second air inlet connector

[0032] 41-Fan. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention discloses a space mammal descent life support device, which serves as an external support module for a mammal experiment unit 6. It connects to the mammal experiment unit 6 via a quick interface to form a complete space biological experiment descent system. The mammal experiment unit 6 is typically a sealed cabin capable of securing experimental animals, installed inside a spacecraft.

[0035] As shown in the figure, a preferred embodiment includes an oxygen supply and purification unit 1, a gas path connection unit 2, a control and power supply unit 3, a heat dissipation unit 4, and an adapter plate 5. The oxygen supply and purification unit 1 is connected to the mammalian experimental unit 6 via the gas path connection unit 2. The control and power supply unit 3 serves two purposes: firstly, it provides power to the gas path connection unit 2 and the heat dissipation unit 4; secondly, it acts as a control core, actively driving the gas circulation loop under the control of the control and power supply unit 3, thereby regulating the gas environment within the mammalian experimental unit 6 and providing the necessary living environment for the experimental animals. The control and power supply unit 3 also manipulates the parameters of the heat dissipation unit 4, adjusting its heat dissipation power.

[0036] The oxygen supply and purification unit 1, the gas connection unit 2, the control and power supply unit 3, and the heat dissipation unit 4 are all centrally mounted on a rigid adapter plate 5 via pre-set mounting positions using screws and other fasteners. This adapter plate 5 also has mounting holes that match the outer wall of the mammalian experimental unit 6. Fasteners passing through these mounting holes securely fix the entire device to one side of the mammalian experimental unit 6, thus forming a compact and robust integrated structure. This design maximizes the use of valuable space within the return capsule and effectively resists vibrations and impacts during descent.

[0037] The oxygen supply and purification unit 1 is the core functional component of this device, used to simultaneously generate oxygen and purify harmful gases. It includes an oxygen supply and purification kit 11 made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion of the kit body by the internal reagents. The kit contains solid potassium superoxide reagent 111 (KO2) as an oxygen-generating reagent and solid lithium hydroxide reagent 112 (LiOH) as a purification reagent. One end of the oxygen supply and purification kit 11 has an opening, which is sealed by a sealing cap 12. A sealing gasket 13 (e.g., a silicone or fluororubber gasket) is press-fitted between the sealing cap 12 and the end face of the oxygen supply and purification kit 11, forming a reliable airtight seal by screws. A first air inlet connector 14 and a first air outlet connector 15 are welded or threaded onto the side wall of the oxygen supply and purification kit 11 for gas inflow and outflow, respectively.

[0038] The gas connection unit 2 is responsible for driving the gas circulation and providing a quick interface with the experimental unit. It includes a miniature air pump 21. The outlet of the air pump 21 is connected to the first inlet connector 14 of the oxygen supply and purification unit 1 via a pipeline. The inlet of the air pump 21 is connected to the second outlet connector 22 on the mammal experimental unit 6. The first outlet connector 15 of the oxygen supply and purification unit 1 is connected to the second inlet connector 23 on the mammal experimental unit 6 via a pipeline. Both the second outlet connector 22 and the second inlet connector 23 are quick-connect gas circuit connectors. During the mission preparation phase, the second outlet connector 22 is connected to the gas outlet of the mammal experimental unit 6, and the second inlet connector 23 is connected to the gas inlet of the mammal experimental unit 6, thereby forming a closed-loop gas circulation circuit starting from the experimental unit outlet, passing through the air pump 21, the oxygen supply and purification unit 1, and the experimental unit inlet. When the air pump 21 is started under the control of the power supply unit 3, it actively drives the gas flow to form a circulating airflow. In addition, a miniature fan 41 and a temperature sensor are installed near the air pump 21 as a heat dissipation unit 4. The fan 41 is used for forced air cooling of the air pump 21 during operation, ensuring its reliability during long-term operation. The temperature sensor collects the temperature of the air pump 21 and reports it to the control power supply unit 3. The start-up, shutdown, and speed of the fan 41 are controlled by the control power supply unit 3.

[0039] Control and power supply unit 3 is the energy and control system of the device, its core function being to provide independent power to the entire device when the return capsule is without external power. It includes a battery module and control circuitry. The battery module is a high-energy-density lithium-ion battery pack, its capacity precisely designed to support the power needs of the entire descent phase (typically several hours) from the return capsule's separation from the space station to its safe landing and recovery, powering the air pump 21, fan 41, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is built around a low-power microcontroller, one end connected to the battery module, and the other end electrically connected to the air pump 21 in the gas connection unit 2 and the fan 41 in the heat dissipation unit 4. The control circuitry has a dual function: first, as a power management module, it distributes the electrical energy from the battery module to the air pump 21 and fan 41; second, as a control module, it has a built-in preset program used to regulate the start / stop and operating voltage of the air pump 21, thereby controlling the airflow speed in the gas circulation loop, and to regulate the start / stop and speed of the fan 41, thereby controlling the heat dissipation power.

[0040] Please see Figure 3 The present invention also discloses a method for providing life support using a space mammal downlink life support device. A preferred embodiment of this method operates automatically using a closed-loop control method after the start of the downlink launch mission, comprising the following steps:

[0041] Step S1: System power-on initialization.

[0042] The control power supply unit takes over the system's power supply, including using the built-in battery module to power the control circuit, air connection unit, and heat dissipation module. The control circuit then completes its initialization.

[0043] Step S2: The gas connection unit is started.

[0044] The control circuit activates the air pump based on its internally preset parameters (e.g., pre-set start-up delay, initial operating voltage, etc.). Once the air pump starts operating, it extracts the gas exhaled by the animals in the mammalian experimental unit, pumps it through the second air outlet into the reagent kit in the oxygen supply and purification unit, and then returns it to the mammalian experimental unit. This creates a continuous gas circulation between the mammalian experimental unit and the oxygen supply and purification unit.

[0045] Step S3: The oxygen supply and purification unit processes the gas.

[0046] During the gas circulation process, the gas from the second outlet undergoes a chemical reaction as it flows through the oxygen supply and purification unit. Carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with potassium superoxide (4KO2 + 2CO2 → 2K2CO3 + 3O2) to produce oxygen; simultaneously, excess carbon dioxide and other acidic and harmful gases are absorbed by lithium hydroxide (2LiOH + CO2 → Li2CO3 + H2O). The purified and oxygen-enriched gas flows out from the outlet and returns to the mammalian experimental unit via the second inlet for animal respiration.

[0047] Step S4: Closed-loop control adjusts airflow circulation.

[0048] The control circuit reads the gas parameters provided by the mammalian experimental unit as sensing parameters, such as the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Then, according to the preset program, it adjusts the voltage or PWM signal output to the air pump, thereby changing the speed of the air pump and regulating the airflow speed.

[0049] Step S5: Closed-loop heat dissipation control.

[0050] The control circuit reads data from the temperature sensor in the heat dissipation unit to obtain the temperature of the air pump as sensing information. Then, according to a preset program (e.g., above 40 degrees Celsius), it starts or stops the fan or adjusts the voltage or PWM signal output to the fan, thereby changing the fan speed and regulating the heat dissipation power to ensure the air pump is in normal working condition. After the adjustment is completed, the device returns to step S3 to maintain the gas circulation and purification oxygen supply process until the downlink task ends.

[0051] This device is lightweight and compact. Its oxygen supply and purification box is made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. The device is suitable for life support conditions during the descent of space mammals aboard a manned spacecraft's return capsule, maintaining the oxygen concentration within the mammal experimental unit within a suitable range of 20.5% to 21.5%. Through its built-in battery and compact design, it meets the life support requirements during the descent of the return capsule when there is no power supply inside.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A life support device for descending space mammals, characterized in that, It includes an oxygen supply and purification unit, an air circuit connection unit, a control and power supply unit, a heat dissipation unit, and an adapter board; The oxygen supply and purification unit, the gas connection unit, the heat dissipation unit, and the control and power supply unit are mounted on the adapter plate, and the adapter plate and the entire device are fixed to the mammal experimental unit by fasteners to form an integrated structure. The oxygen supply and purification unit is airtightly connected to the mammal experimental unit through the gas path connection unit to form a gas circulation loop; the oxygen supply and purification unit is used to simultaneously provide oxygen generation and harmful gas purification functions for the mammal experimental unit; the control and power supply unit reads sensor parameters from the mammal experimental unit and the heat dissipation unit, uses the gas path connection unit to adjust the gas circulation of the mammal experimental unit, uses the heat dissipation unit to dissipate heat from the gas path connection unit, and also provides power support for the gas path connection unit and the heat dissipation unit; The oxygen supply and purification unit includes an oxygen supply and purification reagent kit, a sealing cap, and a sealing gasket; the sealing gasket is located between the oxygen supply and purification reagent kit and the sealing cap, forming an airtight space between them; the airtight space is filled with oxygen generating reagent and purification reagent; the oxygen supply and purification reagent kit is also provided with a first air inlet connector and a first air outlet connector, which are airtightly connected to the mammalian experimental unit through the gas path connection unit. The gas connection unit includes an air pump, a second outlet connector, and a second inlet connector; the inlet end of the air pump is connected to the gas outlet of the mammal experimental unit through the second outlet connector, and its outlet end is connected to the inlet of the oxygen supply and purification unit; the outlet of the oxygen supply and purification unit is connected to the gas inlet of the mammal experimental unit through the second inlet connector; both the second outlet connector and the second inlet connector are quick-connect connectors. The heat dissipation unit includes a fan and a temperature sensor installed near the air pump in the air connection unit; the temperature sensor collects the temperature of the air pump as the sensing parameter and reports it to the control power supply unit, which then adjusts the operating parameters of the fan. The control power supply unit includes a battery module and a control circuit. The battery module provides operating power to the gas connection unit, the heat dissipation unit, and the control circuit when there is no external power supply during descent. The control circuit controls the gas flow rate of the gas connection unit and the heat dissipation operation of the heat dissipation unit. The control circuit reads the gas parameters provided by the mammalian experimental unit as sensing parameters, and then changes the speed of the air pump according to a preset program to adjust the airflow speed. The adapter plate is a rigid plate structure with mounting positions for fixing the oxygen supply and purification unit, the gas connection unit, the control power supply unit, and the heat dissipation unit. The adapter plate is fastened to the outer wall of the mammal experimental unit through mounting holes on its edge or back.

2. The space mammal descent life support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen-generating reagent is potassium superoxide; the purification reagent is lithium hydroxide.

3. A control method using the descent life support device for space mammals as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S10: The control power supply unit completes initialization and independently supplies power to the gas connection unit; Step S20: The control power supply unit starts the gas connection unit according to preset parameters to form a gas circulation between the mammal experimental unit and the oxygen supply and purification unit; In step S30, the oxygen supply and purification unit absorbs harmful gases from the flowing gas and generates oxygen to enter the airflow. Step S40: The control power supply unit adjusts the airflow speed within the air path connection unit; In step S50, the control power supply unit adjusts the operating parameters of the heat dissipation unit to control heat dissipation, and then jumps to S30.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step S40, the control power supply unit reads the gas parameters inside the mammal experimental unit from the mammal experimental unit as the sensing parameters, and adjusts the airflow speed based on the gas parameters.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step S50, the control power supply unit reads the temperature parameters of the air circuit connection unit from the heat dissipation unit, and adjusts the operating parameters of the heat dissipation unit based on the temperature parameters.

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