Inflatable Duct System for Spacecraft Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In spacecrafts, the low temperatures from liquid fuel tanks pose challenges in maintaining optimal operating conditions for avionic and mechanical equipment, and current methods for warming and purging fuel fumes are inefficient, particularly in larger spacecraft where achieving uniform temperature and targeting equipment with conditioned purge gas is difficult due to bulkiness, weight, and dispersion issues.
Innovation Solution
A gas distribution system comprising a distribution duct, a first inflatable duct portion, and an inflatable enclosure with a passageway and valve controlled by a bi-metallic temperature sensing member, which channels conditioned purge gas efficiently to maintain optimal temperatures and isolate equipment from fuel fumes, using a passive or active control mechanism to regulate flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional duct work is used to carry purge gas closer to equipment, then temperature control improves, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled flexible ducts made of lightweight materials such as plastic or fabric instead of traditional rigid metal ductwork. These flexible ducts can be easily routed to equipment locations while maintaining minimal weight, thus achieving effective temperature control without the penalty of heavy traditional duct systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pressurized gas flow through the flexible ducts to deliver conditioned purge gas directly to equipment. The pneumatic delivery mechanism enables precise temperature control at equipment locations while avoiding the need for heavy mechanical support structures required by traditional rigid duct systems.
2Temperature
If larger volumes of conditioned nitrogen gas are introduced into the enclosed volume, then equipment temperature control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the enclosed volume by creating isolated zones around individual equipment pieces using flexible ducts and enclosures. This segmentation allows targeted temperature control for each equipment zone rather than conditioning the entire enclosed volume, significantly reducing the energy required for gas conditioning while maintaining uniform temperature where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by delivering conditioned purge gas directly to specific equipment locations through flexible ducts rather than relying on bulk volume conditioning. This localized approach ensures optimal temperature control for each piece of equipment while minimizing the total volume of conditioned gas required, thereby reducing energy consumption.
3Temperature
If jet stream of conditioned purge air is directed toward equipment, then temperature control improves, but dispersion and targeting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible ducts as intermediaries between the gas source and equipment. These ducts act as conduits that guide and direct conditioned purge gas precisely to equipment locations, eliminating the dispersion problems associated with free jet streams while maintaining ease of operation through simple duct routing rather than complex aiming mechanisms.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If purge gas is released into the enclosed volume, then fuel fume removal improves, but equipment temperature control worsens due to cooling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts harmful fuel fumes from the enclosed volume by directing conditioned purge gas through flexible ducts to create localized flow patterns that capture and remove fumes at their source near equipment. This extraction approach simultaneously removes harmful fumes while the conditioned gas prevents cooling effects, maintaining equipment temperature control.
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 maintains optimal operating temperatures for equipment while minimizing contact with cold fuel tank temperatures and fumes, reducing energy consumption and weight, and ensuring uniform heating across larger spacecraft volumes.
Implementation Method 1
the flapper is moveable in relationship to the opening by way of a bi-metallic temperature sensing member
Data Source
AI summary
A gas distribution system for use in an enclosed volume wherein the system includes a distribution duct and a first inflatable duct portion in fluid communication with the distribution duct. The system further includes a passageway defining an opening which extends through the passageway, wherein: the opening is in fluid communication with the first inflatable duct portion; the passageway includes a valve with a flapper positioned within the opening of the passageway; and the flapper is moveable in relationship to the opening by way of a bi-metallic temperature sensing member. The system further includes an inflatable enclosure in fluid communication with the opening of the passageway, wherein the inflatable enclosure is configured to define a volume within and separated from the enclosed volume.