Multifunctional Storage Bag for Space Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste management systems in space missions face challenges such as contamination of recovered water, microbial growth on processed waste, and inefficiencies in trash compaction and storage, particularly due to the limitations of existing plastic bags and containers.
Innovation Solution
Development of a multifunctional storage bag with a composite sheet material that is water vapor permeable and antimicrobial, using a hydrophilic polymer layer and antimicrobial agents like silver-doped copper oxide, which maintains integrity during heating and compression, allowing for efficient water recovery and microbial inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic bag is made water vapor impermeable to prevent microbial growth, then microbial protection is improved, but water vapor permeability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature-dependent phase transitions of water. The storage bag maintains water vapor permeability at ambient temperatures to allow moisture regulation, then transitions to water vapor impermeability when heated above 120°C to prevent microbial growth. This dynamic parameter change allows the same material to provide different protective functions under different thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a storage bag whose permeability properties change over time and temperature. The bag transitions from a permeable state during storage and transport to an impermeable state during heating and compaction, allowing the system to adapt its protective characteristics based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If a storage bag is made antimicrobial to prevent microbial growth on waste, then hygiene is improved, but material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a base plastic bag material with antimicrobial agents embedded within the polymer matrix. This integration of antimicrobial properties directly into the bag material provides hygiene protection without requiring separate antimicrobial treatment steps or additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the antimicrobial function with the structural bag material by incorporating antimicrobial agents into the polymer matrix during manufacturing. This combination allows the bag to simultaneously provide containment and microbial protection as a single integrated component rather than separate systems.
3Productivity
If water is recovered from waste by heating, then water recovery is improved, but water vapor permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature-dependent phase transitions of water. The storage bag maintains water vapor permeability at ambient temperatures to allow moisture regulation, then transitions to water vapor impermeability when heated above 120°C to prevent microbial growth. This dynamic parameter change allows the same material to provide different protective functions under different thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water, specifically the transition from vapor to liquid condensation, to recover water from waste. The heating process evaporates water from the waste, and the vapor is then condensed back into liquid form for recovery, utilizing the phase change to separate and recover water from the waste mixture.
4Volume of moving object
If trash is compacted to reduce storage volume, then storage efficiency is improved, but container integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a storage bag whose permeability properties change over time and temperature. The bag transitions from a permeable state during storage and transport to an impermeable state during heating and compaction, allowing the system to adapt its protective characteristics based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature-dependent phase transitions of water. The storage bag maintains water vapor permeability at ambient temperatures to allow moisture regulation, then transitions to water vapor impermeability when heated above 120°C to prevent microbial growth. This dynamic parameter change allows the same material to provide different protective functions under different thermal conditions.
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 effectively reduces water contamination, prevents microbial growth, and compacts waste into a stable, impermeable form, optimizing storage space and ensuring the safety of both crew and equipment in space missions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible storage bag with water vapor permeability and antimicrobial property and ambient temperature and water vapor impermeability
Implementation Method 2
antimicrobial property when heated above 120 degrees C.
Implementation Method 3
ambient temperature and water vapor impermeability and antimicrobial property when heated above 120 degrees C.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosure of a container to store solid and liquid wastes and perishable goods and protect them from microbial damage. The storage container is also amenable to selectively remove water vapor from inside the bag without damaging the container.