Phase-Change Separator for Compact Gas Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas generator devices face challenges in generating large volumes of gas quickly and efficiently from a small mass and volume, particularly in challenging environments, while preventing premature quenching of the reaction due to oxygen or metal oxide interaction.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a thermal compartment with a pyrotechnic composition and a gas generating compartment separated by a separator that undergoes a phase change during the reaction, allowing direct contact while maintaining separation during storage and preventing premature quenching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional gas storage tanks or cylinders are used, then large volumes of gas can be stored, but the mass and volume requirements make them unsuitable for aircraft or spacecraft applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas volumeVSAvoidmass

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical gas storage tanks with a chemical gas generation system. Solid gas storage material (ammonium nitrate) is thermally decomposed using pyrotechnic compositions to generate ammonia gas on-demand, eliminating the need for heavy pressurized tanks while producing large volumes of gas quickly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of gas storage from pressurized gaseous/liquid storage to solid chemical compound storage. The solid ammonium nitrate is transported and stored in a compact form, then thermally decomposed to generate gas, achieving high gas volume output from a small solid mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If thermite mixtures are used to generate gas quickly, then large volumes of gas can be produced rapidly, but the difficulty of separating thermite slag from the gas-generating reactant causes premature quenching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas generation rateVSAvoidreaction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the generator into separate compartments: a thermal compartment containing the pyrotechnic composition and a gas generating compartment containing the gas-generating material. A separator wall prevents direct contact between thermite slag and the gas-generating reactant, allowing rapid gas generation without premature quenching while maintaining reaction continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If thermite slag comes into direct contact with gas-generating reactant, then heat transfer is efficient, but gases evolved consume oxygen in the generator, quenching the thermite mixture and halting the generator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoxygen consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a separator as an intermediary element between the thermal compartment and gas generating compartment. This separator allows thermal energy to be transferred from the pyrotechnic reaction to the gas-generating material while preventing direct contact between the thermite slag and the gas-generating reactant, thus avoiding oxygen consumption by evolved gases and maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device generates large quantities of gas efficiently from a small mass and volume, avoiding premature reaction quenching and ensuring high purity of the produced gas, suitable for use in compact, lightweight applications.

Implementation Method 1

a pyrotechnic composition and an igniter in a thermal compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 2

at least one separator positioned between and mutually isolates the thermal and gas generating compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the at least one separator may be configured to undergo a phase change, using heat generated by a reaction of the pyrotechnic composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 4

devices that thermally decompose a solid gas storage material to yield ammonia or carbon monoxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250206626A1Device for thermal generation of ammonia or carbon monoxide

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 ANASPHERE

AI summary

Provided are devices for generating a desired gas or mixture of gases by thermally decomposing a gas-generating composition (e.g. a complex ion salt or a metal carbonyl) using the thermal energy generated by reaction of a heat-generating composition (e.g. a thermite mixture), and methods of making and using such devices. The devices of some embodiments include phase-changing separators, i.e. separators that at least partially melt, vaporize, or sublimate as a result of the thermal energy generated by the heat-generating composition.