Laundry bags and systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry systems in space missions, such as on the ISS, are inefficient due to the high cost and time required to resupply clothing, with a significant portion of trash being fabric that could be reused, and there is a need for a compact and efficient laundry solution for astronauts.
Innovation Solution
A spacecraft laundry system comprising a laundry bag with a resealable opening and a quick disconnect flow adapter, connected to a pump system that allows for the insertion, washing, and agitation of clothing using exercise machine energy, with a fluid recovery system for water recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional laundry systems are used on spacecraft, then clothing can be washed, but the system is too complex and heavy for space missions
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry system is segmented into a reusable external processing unit and disposable sealed bags. Each bag is a self-contained module that can be independently processed, eliminating the need for complex in-situ laundry facilities while maintaining reliable washing capability through standardized external processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable sealed laundry bags that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for maintaining complex reusable laundry systems in space, as each bag is designed for single-use and then disposed of, transferring the complexity to ground-based processing of the discarded bags.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed bags are used to contain laundry, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the bag material must be sufficiently strong to contain pressurized washing fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single zippered closure system that simultaneously seals the opening, prevents fluid leakage, and provides a connection interface for the flow adapter. This merged design achieves leak prevention without requiring excessively strong bag materials throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is pre-assembled with the flow adapter and sealing mechanisms before use. This preliminary preparation ensures that all sealing and connection features are properly positioned and tested before the bag enters the spacecraft, reducing the risk of leakage during the washing process while maintaining reasonable material strength requirements.
3Productivity
If a flow adapter is integrated into the bag, then fluid can be pumped in and out efficiently, but the adapter must be securely sealed to the flexible bag material
Solution Approach 1:
The flow adapter is designed as a separate, pre-assembled component that is attached to the bag rather than being integrated into the bag manufacturing process. This extraction allows the adapter to be securely mounted with reliable sealing mechanisms while maintaining the flexibility and simplicity of the bag structure, enabling efficient fluid pumping without compromising seal integrity.
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 enables efficient washing and drying of clothing using minimal water and power, with high water recovery and cleanliness, reducing the need for frequent resupply and improving astronaut comfort by integrating laundry with exercise equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a pump system configured to connect to the QD flow adapter and configured to pump washing fluid into and/or out of the inner volume
Implementation Method 2
The hand siphon pump can be connected to a first line that connects to the QD flow adapter, and a second line that connects to washing fluid source or sink to allow washing fluid to be forced into and/or out of the inner volume by actuation of the hand siphon pump
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry bag (1100) for a spacecraft laundry system (100), can include a bag body (1101) defining an inner volume, a resealable opening (1103) defined by or disposed on or in the bag body, the resealable opening configured to allow insertion of one or more articles of laundry into the inner volume of the bag body, and a quick disconnect (QD) flow adapter (1105) disposed through the bag body and sealed to the bag body. The QD flow adapter is in fluid communication with the inner volume at a first end (1105a) and is configured to connect to a mating connector at a second end (1105b). The laundry bag can be configured to sealably contain one or more articles of laundry and washing fluid within the inner volume when the resealable opening is sealed and the QD flow adapter is disconnected.