Monolithic Swing Bed Adsorption Apparatus Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon dioxide removal systems for enclosed spaces, such as submarines and spacecraft, require complex assembly processes and brazing, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential leaks due to multiple components and joints.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic swing bed absorption apparatus is developed using additive manufacturing techniques, specifically powder bed fusion, to create a single-piece unitary structure with engineered open cell geometries, eliminating the need for brazing and reducing components, thereby simplifying assembly and enhancing robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-component amine beds with brazing are used, then assembly flexibility and component replacement are easier, but manufacturing complexity increases, potential leaks occur at joints, and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (bed housing, manifold sections, filtration sections, screen portions) into a single monolithic structure formed by additive manufacturing. This eliminates the need for brazing joints between components, removing potential leak paths while reducing the total number of parts. The manifold sections and filtration sections are integrated directly into the bed housing as one continuous piece.
2Productivity
If traditional brazing assembly processes are used, then components can be manufactured separately, but manufacturing time increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly processes (brazing, bolting, fitting) with additive manufacturing technology. The monolithic structure is built layer-by-layer through powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing assembly operations. This substitution of manufacturing methodology directly reduces assembly time and eliminates complex brazing procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then manufacturing of individual parts is simpler, but total manufacturing cost increases due to procurement and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separately manufactured components into a single additively manufactured part. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of materials required (eliminating overlap, fasteners, and brazing materials) and reduces processing resources by performing all manufacturing operations in a single additive manufacturing process rather than multiple discrete manufacturing and assembly operations.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing and procurement costs, eliminates potential leaks, and allows for the use of diverse materials, resulting in a more efficient and reliable carbon dioxide removal system with optimized flow and filtration.
Implementation Method 1
The monolithic swing bed absorption apparatus is a monolithic structure formed via an additive manufacturing technique. In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing technique is powder bed fusion additive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 2
The amine beds adsorb carbon dioxide from the air stream through commonly understood chemical processes and reactions.
Implementation Method 3
The saturated amine bed is then desorbed to expel carbon dioxide in preparation for the next cycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A monolithic swing bed absorption apparatus including a first bed (240a). The first bed including a bed housing (242) including a first side and a second side, a first manifold section (250) extending from the first side to the second side within the bed housing (242), a filtration section (270) extending from the first side to the second side within the bed housing, and a second manifold section extending from the first side to the second side within the bed housing. The filtration section (270) being interposed between the first manifold section and the second manifold section. The monolithic swing bed absorption apparatus (200) is a single piece including a unitary structure.