Flexible Propellant Tank Membrane for Safe Space Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in creating an enclosed volume for machine operations in space that is both flexible and safe, particularly in terms of material compatibility with propellants and aerospace fluids, and efficient propellant metering, which can lead to equipment damage and injury from leaks.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible, multi-layered inflatable container system with a membrane that includes a mechanical restraint layer, a barrier layer, and a permeable outer layer for mechanical restraint, designed for various layouts and configurations, along with a compact coupler for fluid and electrical connections, and an AI-based engine for automated operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible container is used for propellant storage in space, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to material incompatibility with propellants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by constructing the flexible container with multiple layers including an inner layer made of elastomer material that is compatible with propellants and an outer layer made of different material properties. This composite structure allows the container to maintain flexibility while ensuring propellant compatibility and safety, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container is segmented into multiple functional layers, each with specific properties. The inner layer provides propellant compatibility, the outer layer provides structural flexibility, and intermediate layers provide additional functionality. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function, enabling both flexibility and safety simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a rigid container is used for propellant storage, then reliability and safety are improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells by using an elastomer material for the inner layer of the container. This flexible shell maintains reliability through proper material selection that is compatible with propellants, while simultaneously providing the adaptability and flexibility needed for various space operations and container configurations.
3Device complexity
If manual propellant transfer operations are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated propellant transfer operations where the flexible container system includes integrated metering and transfer mechanisms that operate autonomously. This reduces the need for manual intervention while maintaining efficient propellant transfer, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and productivity.
4Productivity
If automated operations are implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container system incorporates multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. The automated metering and transfer mechanisms are integrated into the container structure itself, allowing a single system to handle storage, metering, and transfer functions. This universality improves productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating functions.
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 system provides a safe and efficient means for propellant storage and transfer in space, preventing damage and injury while enabling flexible container configurations and automated operations, enhancing the reliability and safety of machine operations in space environments.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible container comprising a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid
Implementation Method 2
one or more flexible containers each comprising an inflatable section
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosed volume is provided for performing operations in space, or on any astronomical object, in a manner separated from aspects of the external environment. The enclosed volume can be a flexible container for a satellite. The enclosed volume can include a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid; and an expulsion device configured to expel material from the membrane. In a stowed configuration, the flexible container is contained within the satellite, and in a deployed configuration, the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The flexible container can inflate from one shape, in the undeployed configuration, to another shape, in a deployed configuration. The other shape can be toroidal or other appropriate shapes. The flexible container can provide bipropellant, blowdown, and gas/fluid metering functionality. Entertainment and game play can be enabled by the enclosed volume involving robots and other devices.