Helical Flow Filter Baffles for Spacecraft Air Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtration systems in spacecraft face challenges in effectively removing odors and contaminants from airflow due to size and weight constraints, which limits the residence time of contaminated air within the filter, potentially harming crew health.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a helical airflow pattern induced by baffles within the filter void, combined with a volume of filtration material such as activated charcoal, increases the residence time of airflow without increasing filter size or mass, and provides structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter size is increased to improve filtration effectiveness, then the residence time of contaminated airflow in the filter increases, but the filter size and weight constraints for spacecraft are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a helical airflow path that curves through the filter media, creating a spiral motion pattern. This curved flow path increases the residence time of air in the filter without requiring a larger filter volume, as the air travels a longer, winding path through the same physical space. The helical configuration allows the airflow to follow a three-dimensional curved trajectory rather than a straight line, effectively increasing contact time with the filtration material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional linear or planar airflow path to a three-dimensional helical path. By utilizing the vertical dimension and creating a spiral configuration within the cylindrical filter housing, the design maximizes the use of available volume. The airflow moves through multiple levels and angles, effectively packing more filtration path length into the same filter volume, thereby increasing residence time without increasing overall filter size.
2Productivity
If the filter size is increased to provide sufficient airflow capacity, then the residence time of contaminated airflow in the filter increases, but the weight constraints for spacecraft are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The helical airflow path creates a compact spiral structure that maintains high airflow capacity within a limited volume. The curved, three-dimensional path allows air to flow through the filter media more efficiently, increasing the effective filtration surface area without proportionally increasing filter volume or weight. This curved configuration optimizes the balance between airflow throughput and residence time.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes a combination of the helical baffle structure and filtration media (such as activated carbon or other odor-removing materials) to achieve both high airflow capacity and effective contaminant removal. This composite approach allows the system to maintain lightweight construction while providing sufficient filtration performance and airflow capacity for spacecraft applications.
3Reliability
If the residence time of contaminated airflow in the filter is increased to improve odor and contaminant removal, then the filter size must be increased, but the spacecraft space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The helical flow path winds through the filter media in a spiral pattern, significantly increasing the distance air travels through the filtration material without increasing the external dimensions of the filter. This curved, three-dimensional path ensures that air remains in contact with the odor-removing media for a longer duration, improving contaminant removal efficiency within the same filter volume.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions within the cylindrical filter housing, the helical configuration creates a multi-level airflow path. The air flows upward, then curves inward and downward in a spiral, effectively using the third dimension to extend the residence time. This dimensional approach allows the filter to achieve longer contact time without expanding its footprint or overall volume.
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 effectively removes odors and contaminants from airflow, improving crew safety while maintaining a compact and lightweight design suitable for spacecraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of baffles are configured to induce a helical component to an airflow entering the filter void at a first void end relative to the filter axis and exiting the filter void at a second void end opposite the first void end
Implementation Method 2
a volume of filtration material disposed in the filter void
Implementation Method 3
the volume of filtration material includes activated charcoal
Data Source
AI summary
A filter includes a filter outer wall, and a filter inner wall spaced apart from the filter outer wall. The filter inner wall and the filter outer wall define a filter void therebetween, and the filter inner wall and the filter outer wall extend along a filter axis. A volume of filtration material is positioned in the filter void, and a plurality of baffles extend between the filter inner wall and the filter outer wall. The plurality of baffles are configured to induce a helical component to an airflow entering the filter void at a first void end relative to the filter axis and exiting the filter void at a second void end opposite the first void end.