Microgravity Tank With Magnetic Filter Wiping for Multiphase Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid storage and separation technologies for microgravity environments, such as those on the ISS, are costly and limited to single or two-phase fluid flows, lacking efficient and maintainable solutions for multi-phase fluid management and phase separation.
Innovation Solution
A modified tank design with a membrane, filters, a magnetic outlet wiping pair, and a magnetic stirrer pair that enable multi-phase fluid handling, phase separation, and in-tank mixing, using magnetically coupled rotatable components to maintain and unblock filters and stir contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fluid storage and separation technologies are used in microgravity environments, then phase separation can be achieved, but the systems are costly and limited to single or two-phase fluid flows
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into multiple functional zones within a single vessel: a separation section with inclined surfaces for phase separation, a storage section, and a mixing section with a stirrer. This segmentation allows the system to handle multi-phase fluids (liquid, gas, particulate) simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular functional zones rather than multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tank design integrates multiple functions into a single device: it performs phase separation using inclined surfaces and filters, stores multiple phases of fluid, mixes contents with a stirrer, and maintains operational reliability through magnetic wiping mechanisms. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle various multi-phase fluid scenarios (urine, condensate, gas) without requiring separate specialized systems for each function
2Manufacturing precision
If filters are used at outlets for phase separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but filters become blocked and require maintenance in microgravity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic wiper mechanism is designed to be manually operable by an astronaut through a simple external interface, allowing the operator to wipe the filters and unblock outlets without disassembling the tank or requiring complex tools. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational motion from the external boss to the internal wiper, enabling self-maintenance by the crew
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with magnetic coupling. The magnetic field transmits rotational motion from the externally operated boss to the internal wiper and stirrer components without requiring mechanical seals, gears, or linkages that would compromise the sealed tank environment. This substitution simplifies the maintenance system while preserving filter cleaning functionality
3Ease of operation
If rotating features or dynamic seals are used in space toilets, then operational flexibility is improved, but leakage risks and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dynamic mechanical seals and rotating shafts with magnetic coupling technology. The magnetic field transmits rotational motion through the sealed membrane wall without requiring physical penetration or dynamic seals. This eliminates the primary source of potential leaks while maintaining the ability to rotate internal components (wipers, stirrers) for operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that transfers rotational motion from external bosses to internal components without breaking the sealed barrier. This intermediary mechanism allows the tank to maintain its sealed integrity while still enabling rotational operations of wipers and stirrers, thus preserving operational flexibility without compromising leakage resistance
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
Enables the use of terrestrial, low-cost fluid storage technologies in microgravity, ensuring reliable phase separation and mixing without rotating features or dynamic seals, reducing maintenance costs and leakage risks.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet wiping pair is a magnetic outlet wiping pair and the operation of the wiping boss includes rotation of the wiping boss and the wiping boss is magnetically coupled to the wiper whereby the rotation of the wiping boss is magnetically transmitted as rotational energy to the wiper
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic stirrer pair includes a stirrer at the interior of the membrane and a stirring boss at an exterior of the membrane. The stirring boss is magnetically coupled to the stirrer whereby the rotation of the stirring boss is magnetically transmitted as rotational energy to the stirrer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A modified tank for use in microgravity environments is provided. The modified tank includes a membrane (110) defining an interior and including an inlet leading to the interior and first and second outlets from the interior. The modified tank further includes first and second filters for the first and second outlets, respectively, and an outlet wiping pair. The outlet wiping pair includes a wiper in the interior and a wiping boss at an exterior of the membrane (110). The wiping boss is operably coupled to the wiper whereby operation of the wiping boss causes the wiper to wipe at least one of the first and second filters.