Low-Gravity Tank Liquid Management With Narrowing Capillary Gutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid management systems in spacecraft tanks under zero or low-gravity conditions are complex, heavy, and inefficient, often requiring active components like pumps and heaters, and fail to effectively direct liquids to outlets due to fixed-width capillary channels and inadequate control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Implementing parallel capillary gutters on control surfaces within the tank, narrowing towards the outlet to establish a capillary drive, minimizing the need for active devices by leveraging liquid cohesion and surface tension, and accommodating spacecraft accelerations through adjustable gutter dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps and heaters are used to manage liquids in zero-gravity conditions, then liquid expulsion reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive capillary structures that automatically direct liquids to the outlet without requiring external power sources or active control systems. The capillary channels and gutters utilize surface tension and cohesion forces to self-regulate liquid flow, eliminating the need for pumps and heaters while maintaining reliable liquid expulsion in zero-gravity conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces active mechanical pumping and heating systems with passive capillary-based liquid management. By substituting mechanical/thermal active components with surface tension-driven capillary action, the system achieves liquid directionality and expulsion reliability without the complexity and weight of powered devices
2Quantity of substance
If wire sponges and perforated blades are used to attract and store condensation, then liquid collection is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for heavy wire sponges and perforated blades by implementing a streamlined capillary gutter system. The condensation collection function is achieved through optimized capillary channels that directly channel liquids to the outlet, removing unnecessary structural mass while maintaining effective liquid collection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the capillary channels and gutters to optimize liquid collection efficiency. By carefully selecting channel dimensions, spacing, and surface properties, the system achieves effective condensation attraction and storage without the weight of traditional wire sponge structures
3Area of stationary object
If multiple blades or condensation structures are spaced apart to cover tank interior, then liquid attraction coverage is improved, but residual liquid remains and tank emptying is premature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank interior into multiple zones with strategically positioned capillary gutters and channels. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage of the tank volume while maintaining appropriate spacing to prevent liquid pooling, enabling complete tank emptying without premature termination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional blade structures to three-dimensional capillary channel networks that extend throughout the tank volume. By utilizing vertical and radial dimensions in addition to horizontal coverage, the system achieves complete liquid attraction and drainage, eliminating residual liquid in hard-to-reach areas
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-width capillary channels are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the entire channel must be filled before reliably feeding the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements capillary channels with varying widths along their length, creating local variations in capillary pressure. The channels are narrower near the outlet to reduce the filling volume required to initiate flow, while being wider in distant regions to maintain structural stability and ease of manufacture. This gradient design optimizes both manufacturing simplicity and liquid flow 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 efficiently directs liquids to the outlet without active components, maximizing surface area for complete emptying and coping with accelerations, reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
forming generally parallel capillary gutters on one or more control surfaces within the tank and attractive to the liquids... narrowing a width of the open gutters in a direction of flow for establishing a capillary drive of condensed liquids toward the outlet
Implementation Method 2
The depth and the distal and the proximal widths of the gutters may be sized for effective capillary action based on a liquid cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension properties of the relevant liquid
Implementation Method 3
The depth and the distal and the proximal widths of the gutters may be sized for effective capillary action based on a liquid cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension properties of the relevant liquid
Implementation Method 4
narrowing a width of the open gutters in a direction of flow for establishing a capillary drive of condensed liquids toward the outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method for collecting and directing liquid contents from a tank in a low-gravity environment to an outlet of the tank. The tank may have an inner wall lining the interior and hemispherical ends opposite each other which may define a longitudinal axis. The method may include forming parallel capillary gutters on control surfaces in the tank, with a proximal end of each gutter directed toward the outlet and a distal end extending into an interior of the tank. The control surfaces may include one or more of the inner wall, an axial vane, and a lateral plate through the longitudinal axis. The method may include terminating the proximal ends within a capillary distance of the outlet, and may include narrowing a width of the gutters in a direction of flow for establishing a capillary drive of condensed liquids toward the outlet.