CO2 Capture Cartridge With Spring Compression for Grain Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 capture cartridges for protective hoods are prone to grain fragmentation due to vibrations, leading to reduced adsorbent volume and ineffective CO2 adsorption over time, particularly in environments like aircraft cabins.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 capture cartridge with a spring-actuated compression member that maintains compaction of adsorbent grains, using a multi-coil wave spring to ensure effective adsorption despite vibrations, and a Venturi-effect device for efficient CO2 removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the adsorbent product is stored in grains without compaction, then the cartridge structure is simple, but vibrations cause grain fragmentation and reduced adsorbent volume over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compression member that can move axially within the storage space, actuated by a spring mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the compression member to automatically adjust and maintain compaction force on the adsorbent grains, counteracting the effects of vibrations and preventing grain fragmentation over time, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If a compression member is added to maintain grain compaction, then adsorbent volume is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is equipped with a spring that provides automatic self-actuation. The spring mechanism self-generates the compaction force needed to maintain adsorbent grain density, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the cartridge is subjected to vibrations during storage, then the cartridge is ready for use, but grain fragmentation occurs and adsorption effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-actuated compression member is pre-configured to counteract the harmful effects of vibrations before they can cause significant grain fragmentation. The spring maintains continuous compaction pressure on the adsorbent grains during storage and transport, preventing the loosening and fragmentation that would otherwise occur due to vibrations, thereby preserving adsorption effectiveness while maintaining operational readiness.
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 solution ensures reliable and long-term CO2 adsorption capacity, maintaining effective performance for up to 10 years by compensating for grain fragmentation and ensuring consistent compaction of adsorbent material.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to exert a force on the compression member tending to push the compression member towards the bottom of the storage space
Implementation Method 2
a space for storing an adsorbent product capable of adsorbing CO2 resulting from the respiration of the user
Implementation Method 3
the air thus purified of CO2 then passes through the internal lateral wall to be 'drawn in' by a Venturi-effect device at the outlet of an internal duct of the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for capturing or absorbing CO2 from a user's breath includes a storage space for an adsorbent product (P) to adsorb CO2. The product is in the form of grains, in particular soda lime. The storage space includes a bottom and an opening opposite the bottom, and a compression member arranged on the side of the opening in the storage space. The compression member is movable in the storage space towards the bottom and may tamp down the adsorbent product in the form of grains against the bottom of the storage space. The storage space includes a spring that may exert a force on the compression member tending to push the compression member towards the bottom of the storage space.