Radial-Flow Water Separator Insert for Compact Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water extractors in environmental control systems are bulky and consume large amounts of space, and multiple extractors are fluidly coupled to different components, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A water separator with a condensing material insert that directs airflow radially through sidewalls with discrete flow passages, allowing moisture to coalesce and be collected efficiently, potentially eliminating the need for a separate water collector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water extractors are used in environmental control systems, then moisture removal function is provided, but device volume and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water separation function and water collection function into a single integrated water extractor assembly. The separator component directs moisture to the collector component within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate extraction and collection devices. This merging reduces overall device volume while maintaining effective moisture removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The water extractor assembly performs multiple functions within a single device: it separates moisture from airflow, collects the separated moisture, and provides a unified drainage solution. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing space consumption while maintaining comprehensive moisture management.
2Reliability
If multiple separate water extractors are used in environmental control systems, then moisture removal is achieved, but system complexity and fluid coupling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates separation and collection functions into one assembly, reducing the number of separate extractors needed in the system. This consolidation simplifies fluid coupling requirements and reduces system complexity while maintaining effective moisture removal across the environmental control system.
3Reliability
If traditional bulky water extractors are used, then moisture separation is achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collector component is positioned within or adjacent to the separator component, with both housed in a compact integrated structure. The moisture-separated airflow passes from the separator directly into the collector portion, creating a nested or tightly coupled arrangement that minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining effective moisture separation and collection.
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 solution reduces space requirements and enhances moisture removal efficiency, potentially integrating the separation and collection functions into a single component, thereby optimizing system compactness and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sidewall is formed from a condensing material... a flow of medium is configured to flow radially from the interior of the insert through the at least one sidewall
Data Source
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AI summary
A water separator for use in an environmental control system includes an insert (40) having an open first end (44), a closed second end (48), and at least one sidewall (48) extending between the first end and the second end such that a hollow interior (50) is defined between the first end, the second end, and the at least one sidewall. The at least one sidewall includes at least one flow passage (60) such that a flow of medium is configured to flow radially from the interior of the insert through the at least one sidewall.