Balloon Liquid Supply Apparatus for Zero Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply apparatuses for organisms in space, such as mice, require power and have a large footprint, making them unsuitable for spacecraft due to weight and maintenance concerns in zero gravity environments.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus utilizing a balloon supported by two shafts, eliminating the need for a power source, with a design that allows for stable liquid storage and dispensing through contraction force, featuring a casing with a constant longitudinal length and separate filling and outlet ports, and made from biocompatible materials like silicone rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven syringe pump is used to supply liquid in space, then liquid supply can be achieved in zero gravity environment, but the device has heavy weight and large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor and power supply components from the liquid delivery system, retaining only the essential balloon-reservoir and delivery mechanism. This removes the heavy components while preserving the core liquid supply function needed in zero gravity environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon-reservoir system is designed to be self-regulating, using the elastic properties of the balloon material to automatically control liquid flow without requiring external power sources or motors. The system serves itself through the natural elastic recovery of the balloon.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven syringe pump is used to supply liquid in space, then liquid supply can be achieved in zero gravity environment, but the device has large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor assembly and power supply components that occupy significant space, retaining only the compact balloon-reservoir and delivery mechanism. This dramatically reduces the device footprint while maintaining zero gravity liquid supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible balloon-reservoir instead of a rigid motorized pump system allows for a much more compact design. The flexible membrane can be collapsed when not in use, minimizing the space required for the device.
3Extent of automation
If a motor-driven device is used for liquid supply, then automated liquid delivery is achieved, but the device may fail requiring repair by astronaut
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon-reservoir system operates autonomously through the elastic properties of the balloon material, which naturally contracts to push liquid out without requiring motors or electronic controls. This self-service mechanism eliminates common failure points associated with motorized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon-reservoir system is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than a complex motorized system requiring repair. The simplicity of the design means that even if failure occurs, replacement is straightforward without requiring specialized repair skills in space.
4Device complexity
If gravity-based liquid supply apparatus is used on ground, then simple design is achieved, but it cannot be used in zero gravity environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the elastic properties of the balloon material to generate the force needed for liquid delivery, eliminating the need for gravity-based mechanisms. The balloon's natural elastic recovery provides the driving force, making the system simple like gravity-based systems but adaptable to zero gravity environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the driving mechanism from gravity-based to elasticity-based, altering the fundamental parameter of force generation. This allows the same simple design principles to work in both gravity and zero gravity environments by replacing the gravitational force with elastic force.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a lightweight, compact, and reliable liquid supply system that operates without power, ensuring stable liquid delivery to organisms in space or on Earth, reducing weight and maintenance needs while allowing for continuous administration of drugs.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon (12) having one end supported by the first shaft (10) and the other end supported by the second shaft (11)... configured so as to be able to hold therein water or the like to be supplied and discharge the held water or the like
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid supply apparatus eliminating the need for a power supply, having relatively light weight and small footprint, and ensuring a stable liquid supply. The liquid supply apparatus includes a first support member, a second support member, a balloon having one end supported by the first support member and the other end supported by the second support member, and a casing having a constant longitudinal length. The balloon is disposed in the casing and is configured so as to be able to hold a liquid therein and discharge the liquid therefrom. When the balloon holds the liquid, the one end and the other end of the balloon are positioned in the case.