Granular Feed Transfer Conduit for Microgravity Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for conveying and transferring granular materials are unsuitable for microgravity environments, prone to contamination, and require gravitational positioning, which limits their use in space-based manufacturing and introduces inefficiencies and risks.
Innovation Solution
A granular material conveyance apparatus with a movable discharge conduit and end effector, allowing for low-mass operation and contamination isolation, enabling precise positioning and efficient transfer in microgravity conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pellets are gravity fed from an open hopper to the heater, then the system can operate in gravitational environments, but the system is limited to positions above other components and is prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed hopper system that maintains an inert or controlled atmosphere to prevent contamination of thermoplastic pellets. The sealed environment isolates the granular material from moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants that would otherwise degrade the feedstock quality during storage and transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gravity-dependent open hopper system with a mechanically actuated closed system. A movable barrier or gate mechanism controls pellet flow, allowing the hopper to be positioned anywhere relative to the heater rather than requiring overhead placement. This mechanical control substitutes for gravitational feeding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hopper is positioned above the heater for gravity feeding, then pellets can be fed to the heater, but the system requires fixed gravitational positioning and cannot operate in microgravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent pellet flow with mechanically actuated transport mechanisms. A movable barrier, screw conveyor, or other mechanical device actively transports pellets from the closed hopper to the heater, eliminating dependence on gravitational force and enabling operation in microgravity environments such as space stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic, actively controlled mechanisms for pellet transport rather than passive gravity feeding. The movable barrier and mechanical conveyance system can be actuated and controlled to operate under any gravitational condition, transforming a static gravity-dependent system into a dynamic adaptable one.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge conduit is movable with respect to the granular material source, then the end effector can be repositioned for versatile operation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feedstock delivery system into separate functional modules: a stationary or independently controllable granular material source (hopper), a movable discharge conduit with barrier mechanism, and a repositionable end effector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and controlled independently, managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable barrier mechanism that can be positioned in advance to control pellet flow. The barrier is pre-positioned to seal or open the discharge conduit as needed, allowing the end effector to be repositioned without disrupting the granular material source. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the coordination between moving parts.
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 reduces internal torques and vibrations, minimizes contamination, and allows high-speed repositioning of the end effector, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in space-based applications.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor configured to move the granular material along a conveyance path disposed within the discharge conduit from the proximal end towards the distal end of the discharge conduit
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus reduces internal torques and vibrations, minimizes contamination, and allows high-speed repositioning of the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
A granular material conveyance apparatus [100] comprises a discharge conduit [102] comprising a proximal end [102a] configured to receive granular material from a granular material source and a distal end [102b] separated from the proximal end [102a] along a longitudinal direction of the conduit [102]. The discharge conduit [102] is movable with respect to the granular material source. An end effector [110] is engaged externally with respect to the discharge conduit [102] so as to be translatable along the longitudinal direction of the discharge conduit [102]. The discharge conduit [102] further comprises a conveyor [106] configured to move the granular material along a conveyance path [108] disposed within the discharge conduit [102] from the proximal end [102a] towards the distal end [102b] of the discharge conduit [102]. The end effector [110] has an inlet [112] in communication with the conveyance path [108] at least at a plurality of positions of the end effector [110] with respect to the discharge conduit [102] to allow the granular material to be conveyed from the discharge conduit [102] and into the end effector [110]. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for transferring granular material between a filling module [202] and a receiving module [204].