Vapor-Pressure Driven Pump for Micropropulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micropropulsion systems for small satellites face challenges in manipulating liquids in low-pressure, gravity-free environments due to strict mass, power, and volume constraints, particularly in space exploration where traditional propulsion methods are inefficient and contaminating.
Innovation Solution
A vapor-pressure driven pump system utilizing a secondary mixture of liquids as a pressurant source to motivate a diaphragm, providing self-regulated, low head pressure for propellant supply in micropropulsion systems, which includes a first chamber with a first volatile material, a second chamber with a propellant, and a flexible collapsible diaphragm, operating under vacuum conditions to maintain constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional propulsion methods are used in space, then thrust can be generated, but mass contamination of sensitive instruments occurs and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the propellant from liquid to vapor phase, utilizing vapor pressure-driven flow instead of liquid propulsion. This phase change eliminates contamination issues while maintaining propulsion efficiency through controlled vapor expansion and thrust generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor form. By heating water to generate vapor and utilizing the vapor pressure differential, the system achieves contamination-free propulsion while maintaining high efficiency through the expansive properties of vapor phase water.
2Ease of operation
If liquid manipulation systems are used in gravity-free environments, then fluid control is achieved, but system complexity increases due to low-pressure environment challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pumping systems with a vapor-pressure-driven passive flow system. By utilizing the natural vapor pressure differential created through phase change, the system achieves fluid control in gravity-free environments without requiring complex mechanical components or active pumping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vaporization process itself to generate the driving force for fluid flow. The phase change of water creates vapor pressure that automatically drives the propellant flow, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If propellant tanks are designed for space missions, then sufficient propellant supply is ensured, but mass and volume constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
By storing propellant in vapor phase or using phase change materials, the system reduces the mass and volume required for propellant storage. The vapor pressure-driven system can achieve the same propulsive effect with less mass compared to traditional liquid propellant tanks, satisfying stringent mass constraints of space missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters from liquid-based propulsion to vapor-based propulsion, which allows for more efficient use of propellant mass. The vapor phase provides higher specific impulse and reduces the total mass required for the propellant tank while ensuring sufficient propellant supply for the mission duration.
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 manipulation and operation of micropropulsion systems in space by maintaining constant pressure and reducing the mass and volume of the propellant tank, allowing for precise attitude control and station keeping of spacecraft constellations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum at the exit nozzle leads to vaporization of the propellant and displaced by vapor of the first volatile material
Implementation Method 2
vapor-pressure driven pump system
Implementation Method 3
displaced by vapor of the first volatile material at nearly constant pressure by moving of the collapsible diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor-pressure driven micro pump system comprising an enclosure of a supporting structure; a first chamber having a first volatile material as a propellant with a plurality of exit nozzles; a second chamber have a second volatile material inside of a collapsible diaphragm which separates the first and the second chambers within said enclosure, wherein a vacuum at the plurality of exit nozzles causes vaporization of said propellant, which is compensated and displaced by vapor of said second volatile material at a substantially constant pressure by moving of said collapsible diaphragm. The vapor-pressure driven pump system is useful for various situations, especially in a gravity-free environment in space exploration.