Modular Habitat Simulator Rigid Wall Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simulator that can accurately replicate the conditions of a deployed inflatable modular human habitat in Earth orbit, including internal dimensions and volume, to facilitate testing and resource optimization before actual deployment.

Innovation Solution

A modular human habitat simulator with a rigid wall and distal enclosures that mimic the shape and volume of a deployed inflatable habitat, featuring longerons, simulated airlocks, and flexible components to replicate the environment, allowing for the simulation of various conditions such as equipment placement, life support systems, and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid shell structure is used for the habitat, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and internal volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidhabitat weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an inflatable flexible shell structure instead of a rigid shell. The flexible membrane wall can be inflated to achieve the required structural strength and stability while maintaining a lightweight design. This flexible shell approach allows the habitat to expand to a larger volume in orbit compared to a rigid structure of the same weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by transitioning the shell from a deflated state (for launch) to an inflated state (for operation). This parameter change in volume and pressure allows the same structure to serve different functions: compact for launch, then expands to provide large internal volume and structural integrity in orbit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a rigid shell structure is used for the habitat, then structural strength is improved, but internal volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinternal volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable flexible shell provides superior volume efficiency compared to rigid structures. Once inflated, the flexible membrane encloses a large internal volume while maintaining structural strength through the pressure differential and tension in the membrane, allowing more crewmembers and equipment to be accommodated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The parameter change from deflated to inflated state enables the same structural framework to provide maximum internal volume during operation. The inflation process transforms the structure from a compact launch configuration to an expanded operational configuration with large internal capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If an inflatable modular habitat is deployed into orbit, then cost is reduced and internal volume is increased, but structural stability and dimensional accuracy are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment costVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The habitat is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled in orbit. Each module has a standardized inflatable structure with longitudinal and circumferential members that provide structural stability. The modular design allows for easier manufacture and lower deployment costs while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials in the inflatable structure, combining flexible membrane materials with structural support elements like longitudinal and circumferential members. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for inflation and the structural stability required for orbital operation, achieving a balance between cost-effectiveness and structural performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If an inflatable modular habitat is deployed into orbit, then cost is reduced and internal volume is increased, but dimensional accuracy is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment costVSAvoiddimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested on Earth before deployment to orbit. The structural components, including longitudinal and circumferential members, are pre-configured to ensure dimensional accuracy upon inflation. This preliminary assembly and testing allows for quality control and dimensional verification without requiring complex precision manufacturing of the entire structure in orbit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7377783B2Modular human habitat simulator

Publication Date: 2008.05.27 BIGELOW AEROSPACE LLC

AI summary

A modular human habitat simulator for providing an environment on Earth that approximates, in a controlled test situation, a number of conditions expected to exist when an inflatable modular habitat is deployed into Earth orbit. The simulator has a housing with a rigid wall defining an internal volume, a longitudinal axis, a first and second opposing openings along the longitudinal axis, the rigid wall having an exterior surface, and an interior surface where the interior surface is generally the shape of an interior surface of a deployed inflatable shell of a modular human habitat, and the internal volume is substantially that of a deployed inflatable modular human habitat volume.