Spacecraft Trash Disposal Using Inflatable Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft trash disposal methods are inefficient and costly, as they require pressurized vessels for liquids, lead to space debris, and displace valuable payload volume, with no effective means to safely eject large amounts of wet trash without full pressurization.
Innovation Solution
A spacecraft trash disposal apparatus featuring an airlock, inflatable trash enclosure, and pressure regulating system that reduces internal pressure to prevent boiling of liquids, allowing for lightweight and cost-effective disposal by maintaining a lower pressure environment during depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressurized vessel is used to contain liquids during trash disposal, then liquid containment is improved, but the weight and structural complexity of the disposal system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric pressure to a partial vacuum environment. By operating the trash disposal system in a reduced pressure environment (partial vacuum) rather than at atmospheric pressure, the system can contain liquids without requiring heavy pressurized vessels. The liquid containment is achieved through the pressure differential between the partial vacuum environment and the liquid's vapor pressure, allowing use of lightweight inflatable structures instead of heavy metal pressure vessels.
2Reliability
If a fully pressurized spacecraft is used for trash ejection, then safe liquid disposal is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a partial vacuum environment specifically in the trash disposal system rather than pressurizing the entire spacecraft. This localized approach to pressure control allows safe liquid disposal in the trash system while maintaining normal atmospheric pressure in the crewed areas of the spacecraft, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If traditional airlock depressurization is used, then trash ejection capability is improved, but liquid boiling and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a partial vacuum environment in the trash disposal system before liquids are introduced. This prevents liquid boiling and vaporization during the trash ejection process, eliminating the contamination risk that would occur with traditional rapid depressurization methods. The partial vacuum is maintained throughout the ejection process, ensuring safe disposal of liquid-containing trash.
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
Enables efficient and safe ejection of wet and dry trash into space without contamination or debris, minimizing weight, cost, and space station risk, while utilizing a lightweight inflatable container.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure regulating system permits reduction of pressure inside the inflatable trash enclosure from typically atmospheric to a lower pressure while the airlock is depressurizing without going to a full vacuum. This lower pressure is such that, at a given temperature, the liquid trash is prevented from boiling.
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable trash enclosure holding trash
Data Source
AI summary
A spacecraft trash disposal apparatus and method are disclosed. The spacecraft trash disposal apparatus includes an airlock, an inflatable trash enclosure holding trash, and a pressure regulating system. The spacecraft trash disposal apparatus permits wet and dry trash to be transported from the inside of a spacecraft via the inflatable trash enclosure holding the trash. The inflatable trash enclosure is ejected to the surrounding vacuum of space without causing trash or liquids to escape from the inflatable trash enclosure. The pressure regulating system permits reduction of pressure inside the inflatable trash enclosure from typically atmospheric to a lower pressure while the airlock is depressurizing without going to a full vacuum. This lower pressure is such that, at a given temperature, the liquid trash is prevented from boiling. The lower pressure permits a lightweight inflatable trash enclosure for low cost spacecraft trash disposal.