Hybrid Magneto-Active Membrane for Fuel Slosh Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propellant management devices for spacecraft and aircraft, such as passive and active baffles and elastomeric membranes, increase structural mass and reduce tank volume while providing limited damping of fuel slosh, which can lead to undesirable trajectory changes and fuel consumption issues.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid magneto-active membrane that combines a polymer diaphragm with a flexible magneto-active matrix, activated by a magnetic field to change shape, stiffness, or configuration, effectively damping fuel slosh across various amplitudes, fill levels, and attitudes, reducing the need for additional structural mass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If passive or active baffle structures are used to damp fuel slosh, then slosh damping effectiveness is improved, but structural mass increases and tank volume decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslosh damping effectivenessVSAvoidstructural mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical baffle structures with a magnetic field-based active membrane system. The magnetic field acts on magneto-active particles embedded in the membrane to provide slosh damping forces, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical baffles while maintaining damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the membrane by applying magnetic fields. The magneto-active particles within the membrane respond to magnetic field strength variations, allowing the membrane's stiffness and damping characteristics to be dynamically adjusted without changing the physical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If elastomeric membranes are used for slosh suppression, then damping effect is improved, but the effective tank volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslosh suppression effectivenessVSAvoideffective tank volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin flexible membrane embedded with magneto-active particles that can be activated by magnetic fields. This thin-film approach provides effective slosh suppression while occupying minimal space, preserving the effective tank volume compared to bulkier elastomeric membrane solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thick elastomeric membranes with a thin active membrane system controlled by magnetic fields. The magnetic actuation provides the necessary damping forces without requiring the membrane to be thick or bulky, thus maximizing the effective tank volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If active baffles are used to constrain slosh behavior, then control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslosh control effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where the magnetic field source serves multiple purposes: it provides slosh damping, controls membrane shape, and can be adjusted for different operating conditions. This single system replaces multiple separate control mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic field parameters (strength, frequency, distribution) to control slosh behavior across different amplitudes and conditions. By adjusting magnetic field parameters rather than physically reconfiguring complex baffle systems, the patent achieves high adaptability with simpler device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hybrid magneto-active membrane effectively absorbs energy from sloshing fuel, reducing oscillatory forces and maintaining stability in microgravity conditions, while maintaining adaptability and efficiency in fuel management.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible magneto-active matrix comprising a layer of magnetically permeable material configured to move with the at least one polymer membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-active: Magnetoelastic Effects

Implementation Method 2

The hybrid magneto-active membrane is designed to actively control free surface effects of liquid materials such as fuels, and to reduce fuel slosh

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10071825B2Hybrid magneto-active propellant management device for active slosh damping within a vehicle fuel tank

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 EMBRY RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIV

AI summary

This disclosure includes a hybrid magneto-active membrane, which can be used as part of a Magneto-active Propellant Management Device (MAPMD), to actively control free surface effects of liquid materials, such as fuels, and to reduce fuel slosh. The disclosed MAPMD merges aspects of a diaphragm membrane with a magneto-active inlay to control the membrane during in-flight conditions.