Exhaled Vapor Collection Device for Survival Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration systems do not effectively utilize exhaled vapor for hydration in survival situations, leading to potential dehydration, which can escalate into severe dehydration.
Innovation Solution
An exhaled vapor collection device comprising a facial mask with one-way intake and exit valves, condensation tubes, and a collection bag that captures and condenses exhaled vapor for later use as drinking water, including features like multiple condensation tubes, a pressure escape valve, and a sponge for enhanced vapor collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaled vapor is collected and condensed, then hydration availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a facial mask for vapor collection, condensation tubes for phase change, and a collection bag for water storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability for hydration availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Condensation tubes serve as intermediary components that facilitate the phase change from vapor to liquid water. These tubes act as the critical mediator between the exhaled vapor and the collection bag, enabling the transformation necessary for hydration without requiring complex mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If multiple condensation tubes are used, then vapor collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation function is segmented into multiple parallel condensation tubes rather than a single complex unit. This allows increased vapor collection surface area and efficiency while keeping each individual tube simple in structure, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation tubes utilize thin-walled structures that provide large surface area relative to their volume, enhancing vapor condensation efficiency. This approach allows multiple tubes to be packed into the device without excessive complexity, as each tube is a simple flexible or rigid cylindrical structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pressure escape valve is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure escape valve is designed as a passive, self-activating component that automatically releases excess pressure when the preset threshold is reached, without requiring external control or complex mechanisms. This simple spring-loaded or diaphragm-based valve provides safety relief while adding minimal complexity to the system.
4Quantity of substance
If exhaled vapor is captured for hydration, then water intake is improved, but loss of time for setup and operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with all necessary components (mask, condensation tubes, collection bag) in their proper positions before use. The one-way valves are pre-installed to ensure correct airflow direction, eliminating the need for complex assembly during emergency situations and reducing setup time while maintaining effective water collection.
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 device allows for the collection and condensation of exhaled vapor, providing a reliable source of hydration in survival situations, potentially extending the duration one can survive without additional water intake by utilizing otherwise lost moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal condensation tube fluidly coupled to the exit port of the facial mask, an interior surface upon which exhaled vapor collects
Implementation Method 2
a one-way intake valve disposed within the facial mask and configured to allow the one-way intake of air into the facial mask
Implementation Method 3
an exit port disposed within the facial mask and configured to allow the one-way exit of air out from the facial mask
Implementation Method 4
a collection bag tube fluidly coupled to the proximal condensation tube to collect a wearer's exhalant
Data Source
AI summary
A collection device for exhaled vapor is provided. The exhaled vapor collection device collects a wearer's exhalant to provide for later hydration. In at least one embodiment, the collection device for exhaled vapor includes a facial mask; a one-way intake valve disposed within the facial mask and configured to allow the one-way intake of air into the facial mask; an exit port disposed within the facial mask and configured to allow the one-way exit of air out from the facial mask; a proximal condensation tube fluidly coupled to the exit port of the facial mask, an interior surface upon which exhaled vapor collects; and a collection bag tube fluidly coupled to the condensation tube to collect a wearer's exhalant. The exhaled vapor collection device is configured to collect a wearer's exhalant in the collection bag to provide for later hydration.