Modular Life Support System with RCA Swing-Beds for Deep Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing life support systems in deep space environments lack redundancy, leaving no backup if the primary system fails, posing a risk to crew safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular, portable, multi-crew life support system that includes a fan, rapid cycle amine (RCA) swing-bed assemblies for air conditioning, and an oxygen source, such as an oxygen tank or chemical oxygen generator, to provide conditioned air and support multiple crew members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary life support system is used in deep space, then life support function is provided, but there is no backup system if it fails
Solution Approach 1:
The life support system is divided into modular components including RCA swing-bed assemblies, oxygen sources, CO2 scrubbers, and control units that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows creation of multiple independent life support units rather than a single complex system, providing redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modules
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of operational parameters such as oxygen flow rates, CO2 removal rates, and power consumption levels to match varying crew sizes and mission requirements. This flexibility enables the same modular components to serve different crew configurations (1-6 members) without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving reliability through redundancy while controlling complexity
2Quantity of substance
If life support system is designed for multiple crew members, then crew capacity is increased, but system portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular units that can be independently deployed. Each module contains essential life support functions (oxygen generation, CO2 removal, air conditioning) and can support individual crew members. Modules can be combined to support larger crews, allowing the system to scale capacity while maintaining portability of individual units
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connections, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions and crew configurations. A single module can support one crew member independently or be combined with other identical modules to support larger crews, eliminating the need for separate systems for different crew sizes and reducing overall weight
3Productivity
If rapid cycle amine swing-bed assemblies are used, then air conditioning efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RCA swing-bed assemblies operate on a periodic cycle, alternating between adsorption mode (removing CO2 and water from air) and desorption mode (regenerating the amine sorbent by heating). This periodic operation allows continuous air conditioning while simplifying the system design, as the same hardware performs both functions sequentially rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines CO2 removal, water vapor removal, and air conditioning functions into a single integrated RCA swing-bed assembly. The amine sorbent simultaneously captures both CO2 and water vapor during adsorption, and both are removed during desorption, merging multiple life support functions into one component to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
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 regenerates sorbent beds, provides independent life support, and can be assembled ad hoc to support multiple crew members in various habitats, including deep space environments.
Implementation Method 1
one of the two portions undergoes adsorption to remove carbon dioxide and water vapor from the ambient air
Implementation Method 2
another of the two portions undergoes desorption for regeneration
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum line configured to expose the other of the two portions of the RCA bed to a deep space environment
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, multi-crew life support system and a method of assembling the system involve a fan to draw in ambient air. The system includes one or more assemblies that produce conditioned air from the ambient air, and a housing to support an oxygen source. The system also includes a port configured as an inlet from the oxygen source to augment the conditioned air, and a duct to disperse a result of augmenting the conditioned air as output air to support two or more occupants of an enclosure.