Patent Application
20230063146
Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of space vehicles and space habitats.
The shift towards deep-space, long-duration missions, and the increase in commercialization of space travel motivate the need for commonality and adaptability. In components of the vehicles and/or habitats, for example phase separators, commonality means accommodating varying flow conditions, which require different sizes of fluid ports to optimize flow, pressure loss, and configuration. An adjustable port size attachment allows for this commonality while minimizing uniqueness.
In one embodiment, a component assembly for a space environment includes a main body, and a plurality of main body openings in the main body. Each main body opening has an identical cross-sectional shape. A plurality of inserts are installed to the main body at respective main body openings of the plurality of main body openings. Each insert of the plurality of inserts defines a fluid port for a fluid flow to flow into the main body or out of the main body via the respective main body openings. At least two fluid ports have a different cross-sectional configuration.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments each insert has an insert opening having a constant cross-section from the main body opening to the fluid port.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments each insert includes an insert base secured to the main body and a port body extending from the insert base to the fluid port.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the insert base is secured to the main body via one or more mechanical fasteners.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the insert includes a seal to prevent leakage between the insert and the main body.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the seal extends from the insert and surrounds the respective main body opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the insert includes an insert protrusion extending into the respective main body opening to block a portion of a cross-sectional area of the main body opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the plurality of main body openings are oval or slot-shaped.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the main body is a phase separator and the plurality of main body openings are each an inlet or an outlet of the phase separator.
In another embodiment, a method of operating a component assembly for a space environment includes providing a main body of the component assembly, the main body including a main body opening therein. A first insert is installed to the main body opening. The first insert defines a first fluid port for a fluid flow to flow into the main body or out of the main body via the main body opening, the first fluid port having a first cross-sectional area. The first insert is removed from the main body opening, and a second insert is installed at the main body opening. The second insert defines a second fluid port for the fluid flow. The second fluid port has a second cross-sectional area different from the first cross-sectional area.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the first insert includes a first insert protrusion extending into the main body opening to block a first portion of a cross-sectional area of the main body opening. The second insert includes a second insert protrusion extending into the main body opening to block a second portion of the cross-sectional area of the main body opening, and the first portion is different from the second portion.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the first insert has a first insert opening having a constant cross-section from the main body opening to the first fluid port.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the first insert is secured to the main body a first insert base.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the first insert base is secured to the main body via one or more mechanical fasteners.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments a seal is installed to prevent leakage between the first insert and the main body.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the seal extends from the first insert and surrounds the respective main body opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the main body opening is oval or slot-shaped.
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
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To facilitate connection of the main body 12 to the ancillary components 20, an insert 22, shown schematically in dashed lines in
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Varying flow conditions require different sizes of fluid ports to optimize flow, pressure loss, and configuration. The insert 22 allows for adaptability to a wide range of operating conditions while reducing redesign and uniqueness of the main body 12. The flow passage including the main body opening 40 and the insert opening 36 has a constant cross-sectional area from the main body 12 to the port end 30 to reduce pressure change along the flow passage.
Further, since commonality is increased, cost and lead time of manufacturing of the main body 12 and the inserts 22 may be reduced. The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
