Elastic Balloon Fluid Supply for Power-Free Space Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven fluid supply apparatuses for organisms in space are heavy, require a power source, and are prone to failure, making them unsuitable for spacecraft with limited weight and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply apparatus utilizing two elastic balloons with different contraction forces, supported by a shaft and housed in a casing, allowing efficient storage and dispensing of fluid without a power source, with sensors to monitor fluid levels and control inflation/contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven syringe pump is used to supply fluid in space, then the fluid can be supplied automatically, but the device becomes heavy and requires a power supply source
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the motor and power supply components from the fluid supply system, retaining only the essential fluid storage and delivery functions. The elastic balloons replace the motor-driven syringe pump, eliminating the need for power sources while maintaining automatic fluid supply capability through elastic contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic balloons serve themselves by automatically contracting due to their elastic properties, pushing fluid through the flow path without external power. The system uses the inherent elastic energy of the balloons to drive fluid delivery, making the device self-powered and eliminating heavy motor components.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-driven syringe pump is used to supply fluid in space, then the fluid can be supplied automatically, but the device complexity increases due to power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex power supply system and motor control electronics, keeping only the simple elastic balloon mechanism. This extraction of complex components significantly reduces device complexity while preserving automatic fluid supply function through passive elastic contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic balloons automatically regulate fluid flow through their inherent elastic properties without requiring external control systems. The balloons self-regulate their contraction and fluid delivery, eliminating the need for complex motors, power supplies, and control electronics.
3Device complexity
If a single balloon is used to store fluid, then the structure is simple, but the fluid storage efficiency and supply reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fluid storage system into multiple separate elastic balloons instead of using a single large balloon. This segmentation allows for more efficient packing of fluid storage capacity within the casing, improves reliability by providing redundancy, and enables better control over fluid delivery through multiple contracted units.
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 efficiently stores and supplies fluid in space by eliminating the need for a power source and reducing weight, while ensuring reliable operation and efficient use of space, with sensors for monitoring fluid levels and controlling the inflation/contraction of the balloons.
Implementation Method 1
a first balloon (11) that is formed of an elastic body to be capable of storing the fluid, a second balloon (12) that is formed of an elastic body to be capable of storing the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second balloon (12) that is formed of an elastic body to be capable of storing the fluid and has a larger contraction force than a contraction force of the first balloon (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid supply apparatus that can eliminate the need for a power supply source, and store fluid efficiently. The apparatus may comprise a first balloon that is formed of an elastic body to be capable of storing the fluid, a second balloon that is formed of an elastic body to be capable of storing the fluid, and has a larger contraction force than a contraction force of the first balloon, a support member that supports both of the first balloon and the second balloon, and a casing that houses the first balloon and the second balloon, and defines inflation ranges of the first balloon and the second balloon, in which the support member has a flow path formed to permit fluid communication between an interior of the first balloon and an interior of the second balloon.