Spacecraft Fuel Container with Integrated Capillary Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for spacecraft in low gravity or microgravity environments face challenges with fuel distribution due to the disorderly dispersion of propellant, requiring complex and costly baffle systems for efficient dispensing, which are prone to assembly errors and damage, disrupting fuel supply to engines.
Innovation Solution
A container with a microscopic surface structure featuring groove- or channel-shaped capillaries integrally formed on the jacket, allowing for reliable and continuous delivery of liquids and viscous substances using capillary forces, eliminating the need for separate baffles and reducing production complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate baffle plates are assembled inside the container, then fuel transport function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary channels are integrated directly into the container wall structure, merging the fuel transport function with the container structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate baffle plates and reduces assembly steps while maintaining reliable fuel delivery to the outlet opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The container wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment and simultaneously acts as the fuel transport pathway through integrated capillary channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If separate baffle plates are assembled inside the container, then fuel transport function is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary channels are formed as an integral part of the container manufacturing process, combining structure fabrication and fuel pathway creation into a single production step. This eliminates separate manufacturing and assembly operations for baffle plates, significantly reducing production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary channels are formed during the container manufacturing process itself, before the container is assembled and deployed. This preliminary formation of fuel pathways eliminates subsequent assembly steps and reduces overall production time and cost.
3Reliability
If separate baffle plates are assembled inside the container, then fuel transport function is achieved, but assembly errors and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary channels are formed as an integral part of the container structure, eliminating separate assembly operations. This removes the risk of assembly errors, misalignment, or damage to separate baffle plates during installation, ensuring consistent fuel transport reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel transport pathways are formed during the container manufacturing process itself, before deployment. This preliminary formation ensures precise geometry and positioning without the risks associated with subsequent assembly operations in confined spaces.
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
Ensures uninterrupted fuel supply to spacecraft engines, enhances storage and transport reliability, and simplifies production by integrating the capillary structure into the container's manufacturing process, reducing the risk of assembly errors and damage, while maintaining efficient fuel delivery across various gravitational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
In order to convey the fuel out of the container by means of the capillary effect, containers are equipped with so-called baffles
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a container for receiving, storing, and dispensing liquids and/or viscous substances, in particular fuel, propellant, or drinking water, comprising a casing (12) with a microscopic surface structure (16) that is integrally formed on at least some parts of the casing (10) and comprises at least one approximately groove- and/or channel-shaped capillary (20) which is arranged in an interior (14) of the container (10) on the inner face (18) of the casing (12) such that an end (22) of the capillary faces an outlet opening (24) of the container (10), which extends into a region (24) that is adjacent to or borders the outlet opening (24) of the container (10), and which is made of two lateral walls (26) that are paired together and run together for conveying the liquid and/or the viscous substance within the capillary (20) to the outlet opening (24) of the container (10). The invention also relates to a method for producing the container and to the use thereof.