Self-Cleaning Capture Funnel for Space Waste Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste management systems for closed spaces or environments, such as spacecraft, are inefficient due to the need for frequent replacement of funnels, excessive use of consumables like wipes, and the challenge of containing waste in low or no gravity environments.
Innovation Solution
The proposed waste management system includes a capture funnel with a water-function trigger and an air-function trigger, which allows for the dispensing of water and air to facilitate cleaning and drying, reducing the need for external wipes and extending the life of system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional funnels are used in waste management systems, then waste collection is achieved, but frequent replacement is required every 60 days
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is equipped with self-cleaning capability through an integrated cleaning mechanism that automatically removes waste residue without manual intervention. This self-service function extends the operational life of the funnel from 60 days to potentially indefinite use, eliminating the need for frequent replacements while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions immediately after each use, preventing waste accumulation that would otherwise degrade the funnel's performance over time. By addressing contamination right after use rather than waiting for scheduled maintenance, the funnel remains functional and hygienic for extended periods.
2Loss of substance
If conventional funnels are used, then waste collection is achieved, but cleaning requires external wipes that occupy space in containment devices
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel's self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for external wipes and other consumable cleaning materials. By using an integrated cleaning system that employs water or air pressure to remove waste, the design reduces consumable usage to zero while preventing waste volume accumulation in containment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism utilizes hydraulic (water pressure) or pneumatic (air pressure) systems to flush waste from the funnel interior. This approach replaces bulky consumable wipes with compact fluid delivery systems, significantly reducing the volume occupied by cleaning materials while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
3Ease of operation
If individual funnels are provided for each user, then personal waste collection is achieved, but additional hardware and components are required for each occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that can be used by any user without modification. The self-cleaning capability ensures that the same funnel can be safely reused across multiple users, eliminating the need for individual personal funnels while maintaining ease of operation for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional features (waste collection, self-cleaning, waste ejection) are merged into a single integrated funnel system. This consolidation reduces the total hardware requirements compared to having separate funnels for each user, while the unified design maintains user-specific functionality through the shared cleaning mechanism.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional funnels are used, then waste collection is achieved, but the urination process is messy and generates excess waste from wipes
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel automatically cleans itself after each use, eliminating the need for manual wiping that creates mess and generates waste. This self-service cleaning function reduces harmful waste generation from wipes while maintaining high sanitation quality through automated removal of contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic or pneumatic pressure systems deliver water or air to flush waste from the funnel, creating a controlled and clean waste removal process. This eliminates the uncontrolled mess associated with manual wiping while reducing waste generation by replacing bulky wipes with compact fluid delivery.
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 system improves sanitation and reduces waste generation by enabling self-cleaning of the funnel and hose, reducing the frequency of component replacement, and minimizing consumable usage, thus enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of waste management in space and other closed environments.
Implementation Method 1
a water-function trigger actuatable to dispense water into the funnel
Implementation Method 2
an air-function trigger actuatable to dispense air into the funnel
Implementation Method 3
The funnel comprises at least one airflow aperture arranged to permit gases to pass therethrough and prevent liquid from passing through the at least one airflow aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Waste management systems and capture funnels for use therewith are described. The waste management systems include a waste container (104), a reclamation system (118), a capture funnel (102), and a hose (106) fluidly connecting the capture funnel to each of the waste container and the reclamation system. The capture funnels include a funnel having an inlet end (212) and an outlet end (308), a water-function trigger (214) actuatable to dispense water into the funnel, and an air-function trigger (216) actuatable to dispense air into the funnel.