FLUID RECOVERY SYSTEMS FOR LAUNDRY SYSTEMS

A fluid recovery system for a laundry system (e.g., of a spacecraft) can include a main line having an inlet configured to fluidly communicate with a washing volume within an agitation chamber to receive washing fluid from the agitation chamber, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the main line to provide a partial vacuum to the inlet to cause washing fluid in the washing volume to at least partially evaporate, and a condenser disposed on the main line downstream of inlet. The condenser can be configured to receive evaporated washing fluid and to condense water in the evaporated washing fluid. The system can include a separator downstream of the condenser configured to separate water and laundry effluent gas, wherein the separator includes a water recovery output configured to output water for reuse.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to fluid recovery systems for laundry systems.

BACKGROUND

Astronauts exercise for about two hours every day, but there are no laundry capabilities up in space yet. About 2 to 4 lbs. (e.g., 20-40%) of the trash created every day on the international space station (ISS) is fabric based that can be rewashed and reused. It costs about $2000/lb to send something to the ISS, and is about ten times that or more to send something to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Also, on long range missions, the resupply time can be about 1 to 2 years. About 160 pounds of clothing per crew member per year are launched to ISS currently.

Such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is still a need in the art for improvements. The present disclosure provides a solution for this need.

SUMMARY

A fluid recovery system for a laundry system (e.g., of a spacecraft) can include a main line having an inlet configured to fluidly communicate with a washing volume within an agitation chamber to receive washing fluid from the agitation chamber, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the main line to provide a partial vacuum to the inlet to cause washing fluid in the washing volume to at least partially evaporate, and a condenser disposed on the main line downstream of inlet. The condenser can be configured to receive evaporated washing fluid and to condense water in the evaporated washing fluid. The system can include a separator downstream of the condenser configured to separate water and laundry effluent gas, wherein the separator includes a water recovery output configured to output water for reuse.

In certain embodiments, the system can include an inlet valve between the inlet and the condenser configured to allow or prevent flow of evaporated washing fluid from the inlet to the condenser. In certain embodiments, the system can include a filter between the inlet valve and the inlet. The filter can be configured to filter and/or defoam the washing fluid upstream of the condenser.

In certain embodiments, the condenser can be configured to fluidly connect to a spacecraft cooling network to cool the condenser. In certain embodiments, the separator can include a gas outlet configured to output the laundry effluent gas to a gas line.

In certain embodiments, the system can include a hydrophobic filter configured to prevent liquid water from flowing to the gas line. In certain embodiments, the system can include a regenerative mol sieve configured to be in fluid communication between the vacuum source and the separator to receive laundry effluent gas from the separator to dry the laundry effluent gas.

In certain embodiments, the regenerative mol sieve can be configured to be thermally treated to release water to be recovered for reuse. In certain embodiments, the system can include a mol sieve valve upstream of the mol sieve configured to allow or prevent the laundry effluent gas to flow to the mol sieve.

In certain embodiments, the system can include a bypass branch line upstream of the mol sieve valve configured to allow the laundry effluent gas to bypass the mol sieve. In certain embodiments, the system can include a bypass valve on the bypass branch line configured to allow or prevent laundry effluent gas on the bypass branch line.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum source can include a vacuum pump downstream of the mol sieve. In certain embodiments, the bypass branch line outlets downstream of the vacuum pump.

In certain embodiments, the system can include one or more outlet lines downstream of the separator. In certain embodiments, the one or more outlet lines can include a gas recovery outlet line configured to receive laundry effluent gas from the gas line for reuse of the laundry effluent gas. In certain embodiments, the system can include a gas recovery valve configured to allow or prevent laundry effluent gas on the gas recovery outlet line.

In certain embodiments, the one or more outlet lines can include a vacuum outlet line configured to be in fluid communication with an external vacuum, and a vacuum valve on the vacuum outlet line configured to allow or prevent laundry effluent gas on the vacuum line. In certain embodiments, the system can include a gas filter upstream of the one or more outlet lines configured to filter one or more gaseous components of the laundry effluent gas.

In certain embodiments, the system can include a heater configured to be in thermal communication with the agitation chamber to provide heat to the agitation chamber during partial vacuum to regulate the temperature of the agitation chamber. The system can include a control module configured to control any suitable component of the system for allowing water and/or gas recovery.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a laundry system can include an agitation chamber, and a motive system connected to the agitation chamber. The laundry system can include a fluid recovery system, e.g., as disclosed herein, operatively connected to the agitation chamber to be in fluid communication with a washing volume of the agitation chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a laundry system in accordance with the disclosure is shown inFIG.1and is designated generally by reference character100. Other embodiments and/or aspects of this disclosure are shown inFIGS.2-10. Certain embodiments described herein can be used to provide laundry capabilities to isolated missions (e.g., on spacecraft and/or planetary habitats).

Referring toFIGS.1-3, a laundry system100can include an input shaft101, an output actuator103, and a motion converter105connected between the input shaft101and the output actuator103. The motion converter105can be configured to convert rotational motion of the input shaft101to linear motion of the output actuator103. The system100can include a laundry agitation arrangement107connected to the output actuator103to be linearly actuated by the output actuator103to agitate laundry, for example.

Referring additionally toFIGS.4,5, and6, the system100can further include an exercise machine coupling409,509,609(e.g., a shaft adapter and/or any other suitable connection to connect to an exercise machine) connected to or forming part of the input shaft101to couple the input shaft101to an exercise machine411,511,611to be rotated by the exercise machine411,511,611. In certain embodiments, the system100can include the exercise machine411,511,611. In certain embodiments, the exercise machine411,511,611can be a space station exercise machine (e.g., for use in space). The exercise machine411,511,611can be configured for any suitable spacecraft, planetary habitat, or other suitable isolated mission, for example.

In certain embodiments, the laundry agitation arrangement107can include a linear slide113, and an agitation chamber115operatively connected to the linear slide113to be constrained to sliding motion. The agitation chamber115can be configured to receive and retain an item to be agitated (e.g., an article of clothing). In certain embodiments, the agitation chamber115can include a door117that is configured to be opened to access the interior volume of the agitation chamber115. The door117can be latched and hinged, and/or otherwise removeably or moveably connected to a base portion of the agitation chamber115. In certain embodiments, the agitation chamber115can be liquid sealed such that the agitation chamber115can contain water and detergent. In certain embodiments, an article of clothing can be placed within a sealed bag with water and detergent, and the sealed bag can be placed within the agitation chamber115.

In certain embodiments, the motion converter105includes an inline slider crank mechanism (e.g., a two bar mechanism as shown). For example, in certain embodiments, the motion converter system105can include a first bar119fixed to the input shaft101to rotate with the input shaft101. The output actuator103can be pinned to the first bar119at a first end (e.g., at pin121) and pinned to the agitation chamber115at a second end (e.g., at pin123, e.g., attached to a post125extending from the agitation chamber115) such that rotation of the first bar119causes linear motion of the agitation chamber115on the linear slide113. The agitation chamber115can include a skate126configured to slide and/or roll on the linear slide113.

In certain embodiments, the motion converter system105can include a belt drive127(e.g., a wheel with a belt groove or other suitable belt interface) connected to or forming part of the input shaft101such that the input shaft101is configured to be belt driven (e.g., as shown inFIGS.4,5, and6). The system100can include an anchor129configured to be fixed to a floor (or other suitable surface, e.g., a wall, a ceiling) and to allow the input shaft101to rotate therein (e.g., on a bearing, a race, directly, etc.).

Certain embodiments can convert rotary motion to linear motion such that an agitation chamber slides back and forth on a base and agitates clothes. In certain embodiments, the clothes can go in a bag that is placed inside the chamber. The bag and/or the chamber can have quick disconnects for pumping water in and out. In certain embodiments, the clothes can go directly in a sealed chamber with water and detergent. In certain embodiments, the chamber and/or bag can be attached to a drying system (e.g, as shown inFIG.3) configured to remove water content from the chamber and/or the bag and/or provide heat thereto. For example, drying can include a partial vacuum system (e.g., utilizing space vacuum), and/or can include water recycling. Any suitable drying system and/or mechanism is contemplated herein.

Embodiments, e.g., as shown inFIG.1, can agitate clothing by moving the chamber in a linear motion. In gravity environments, the clothing can rub on the base of chamber, for example. In micro-gravity environments the clothing can move throughout the whole chamber, for example. In certain embodiments, exercise machine mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy to power a motor to drive the system100. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown inFIG.3, the system100can be driven by spacecraft, general habitat, station, or vehicle power, or by electrical energy produced by an exercise machine.

However, in certain embodiments, exercise machine mechanical energy can be used to directly drive the laundry system100which can be more efficient. In certain embodiments, the system100can be configured to be optionally driven by either a direct mechanical drive, or by an electric motor powered by any suitable power source (e.g., as described above).

For example, embodiments can be powered by an exercise bike such as CEVIS or FERGO. Certain embodiments can be powered by a motor. Certain embodiments can be powered by a treadmill such as COLBERT via a connection to the main motor or a secondary shaft (e.g., which can be mechanical, electromechanical, etc.). Certain embodiments can be powered by a rowing exercise machine (e.g., on the Orion spacecraft) via a connection to the main shaft, or a flywheel, or a resistance pulley (e.g., which can be a shaft attachment, direct pulley and cable attachment for linear motion, electromechanical, etc.). Embodiments can include a shaft adapter that connects to the existing configuration of a treadmill (e.g., which can have a motor with two sprockets joined by a chain similar to a bicycle setup).

FIG.7shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a rotational agitation chamber715in accordance with this disclosure. The chamber715can include a spinning device with detached extrusions (e.g., bumpy balls within the chamber). The chamber715can comprise a single drum that spins with input motion (e.g., any suitable motive source disclosed hereinabove). The chamber715can include a bumpy inner diameter surface. As shown, an article of clothing can be stretched out and flat, and attached to inner wall of the drum. The article of clothing can be to a frame that allows agitation against an inner surface. The frame can include wheels (e.g., on a track of the inner wall of the drum) and can moves as the drum rotates. One or more bumpy balls can be placed in the chamber715. In this regard, the article of clothing can be rubbed on both sides, on by the inner diameter of the drum, and one by the bumpy balls. In such a spinning embodiment, the chamber715can be directly driven in rotation by exercise equipment or a motor, e.g., via a belt drive, for example.

FIG.8Ais a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a rotational agitation chamber815in accordance with this disclosure.FIG.8Bis a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.8A. The chamber815can include a drum within a drum. The articles of clothes can be placed between the inner and outer drum. Each drum can have bumpy surfaces (e.g., the inside of the outer drum, and the outside of the inner drum). In certain embodiments, only the inner drum can be actuated (e.g., rotated) and the outer drum can be stationary. The reverse is contemplated. As shown, the inner walls of the chamber can have agitating extrusions and the inner and outer drum can rotate while the clothing sits in between the two drums. In such a spinning embodiment, the chamber815can be directly driven in rotation by exercise equipment or a motor, e.g., via a belt drive, for example.

FIGS.9A,9B, and9Cshow experimental results using the embodiment ofFIG.1.FIG.9Ashows a shirt stained with 5 ml of coffee.FIG.9Bshows the results of a baseline test wash using a centrifuge with 500 ml water and 15 ml of detergent.FIG.9Cshows the results of a test using the embodiment ofFIG.1with 500 ml water and 15 ml detergent.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method can include using a spacecraft exercise machine to manually power a spacecraft laundry system. In certain embodiments, using the spacecraft exercise machine can include converting rotational motion from the exercise machine into linear motion, and linearly actuating an agitator. In certain embodiments, the method can include adding water and an item of clothing to the linear agitator (e.g., in a bag or directly into a chamber of the agitator). In certain embodiments, the method can include removing the item of clothing from the linear agitator after agitation. The method can include any other suitable method(s) and/or portion(s) thereof.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a spacecraft can include a laundry system. The laundry system can be any suitable embodiment of a laundry system disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. The spacecraft can include an exercise machine, for example, and the laundry system can be connected to the exercise machine to be driven by the exercise machine.

Embodiments can reduce upmass and increase astronaut comfort. Embodiments can include a small (e.g., single article of clothing volume), mechanical, low-power, and low-water-usage washing machine that can interface with an exercise bike (or other equipment) to effectively multitask the required exercise and laundry. The washer can be configured to wash at least one medium-size t-shirt in less than 30 minutes, can use less than 500 mL of water per wash, can be configured to recover more than 90% of water usage (e.g., with a water recovery system), can use less than 50 mL of detergent, and can produce a shirt that is at least 80% clean, for example. Embodiments can be used in microgravity environments or in environments that have little-to-no power or water. Embodiments can be used as a washer and/or dryer, and can be primarily powered through exercise equipment. Embodiments can be capable of use in gravity and micro-gravity, for example.

Embodiments of a method for using an embodiment, e.g., as shown inFIG.1, can include opening the door (5 s), loading clothes into drum (15 s), closing the door (5 s), adding water and detergent (e.g., automated=5 s, manual=30-60 s), starting a wash cycle (e.g., 10-20 min), starting a dry cycle (e.g., vacuum, centrifugal, wrung, bag) (0-10 min), and hanging clothes up to dry completely (e.g., with ECLSS).

Embodiments can weigh less than 10 lbs, can be able to wash at least 1 medium size cotton t-shirt in less than 30 min, can have low volume (e.g., double EXPRESS rack locker dimensions (21.45×21.10×17.34 inches)), can use minimum power (e.g., less than 500 W), minimum water (e.g., less than 1 L of water per run), and can use minimum detergent (e.g., less than 50 ml). Embodiments can enable water recovery of greater than 90%. Embodiments can provide the ability to produce about an 80% clean cotton t-shirt or higher cleanliness.

Embodiments can be 3D-printed out of glass resin. Embodiments can use a bottle nipple for loading water and premix. Embodiments can be lightweight and durable, e.g., made using aluminum material which emits no outgas and doesn't corrode. For draining water, dirty/soapy water can be put into a spacecraft condensate system. A second rinse cycle liquid can become the liquid solvent for the next wash. Certain embodiments can utilize centrifugal drying.

Referring toFIG.10, a fluid recovery system900for a laundry system (e.g., of a spacecraft) can include a main line901having an inlet903configured to fluidly communicate with a washing volume905within an agitation chamber907to receive washing fluid from the agitation chamber907. The system900can include a vacuum source (e.g., pump909and/or vacuum outlet911) in fluid communication with the main line901to provide a partial vacuum to the inlet903to cause washing fluid in the washing volume905to at least partially evaporate.

The system900can also include a condenser913disposed on the main line101downstream of inlet103. The condenser913can be configured to receive evaporated washing fluid and to condense water in the evaporated washing fluid. The system900can include a separator915(e.g., a motorized gas/liquid separator) downstream of the condenser913configured to separate water and laundry effluent gas. The separator915can include a water recovery output917configured to output water for reuse (e.g., collection for analysis, storage, drinking water, a spacecraft water supply).

In certain embodiments, the system900can include an inlet valve919(e.g., a solenoid valve) between the inlet903and the condenser913configured to allow or prevent flow of evaporated washing fluid from the inlet903to the condenser913. In certain embodiments, the system900can include a filter921between the inlet valve919and the inlet913. The filter921can be configured to filter and/or defoam the washing fluid upstream of the condenser913.

In certain embodiments, the condenser913can be configured to fluidly connect to a spacecraft cooling network923to cool the condenser913(e.g., a low temperature loop (LTL)925or a medium temperature loop (MTL)927of the international space station (ISS), for example). As shown, the cooling network923can include a cooling loop formed by a first coolant line923aand a second line923bin fluid communication with the condenser913. Each line923a,923bcan include a valve923c,923d(e.g., a solenoid valve) to control coolant flow on each line923a,923b. Any other suitable cooling source for any suitable application is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the system900can include a stand-alone cooling system associated with the condenser913.

In certain embodiments, the separator915can include a gas outlet929configured to output the laundry effluent gas to a gas line931. In certain embodiments, the system900can include a hydrophobic filter933configured to prevent liquid water from flowing to the gas line931(e.g., any remaining liquid water content that may escape the separator915). In certain embodiments, the system900can include a regenerative mol sieve935configured to be in fluid communication between the vacuum source (e.g., pump909) and the separator915to receive laundry effluent gas from the separator915to dry the laundry effluent gas.

In certain embodiments, the regenerative mol sieve935can be configured to be thermally treated (e.g., via a heater device937) to release water to be recovered for reuse (e.g., drained to any suitable location, e.g., to water recover output917). In certain embodiments, the system900can include a mol sieve valve939(e.g., a solenoid valve) upstream of the mol sieve935configured to allow or prevent the laundry effluent gas to flow to the mol sieve935.

In certain embodiments, the system900can include a bypass branch line941upstream of the mol sieve valve939(and/or the mol sieve935) configured to allow the laundry effluent gas to bypass the mol sieve935. In certain embodiments, the system900can include a bypass valve943on the bypass branch line941configured to allow or prevent laundry effluent gas on the bypass branch line941.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum source can be or include a vacuum pump909downstream of the mol sieve935. In certain embodiments, the bypass branch line941outlets downstream of the vacuum pump909, e.g., as shown. In certain embodiments, the system900can include one or more outlet lines945,947downstream of the separator915(e.g., downstream of the vacuum pump909and the bypass branch line941). In certain embodiments, the one or more outlet lines945,947can include a gas recovery outlet line945configured to receive laundry effluent gas from the gas line931for reuse of the laundry effluent gas (e.g., collection, analysis, return to cabin, etc.). In certain embodiments, the system900can include a gas recovery valve949configured to allow or prevent laundry effluent gas on the gas recovery outlet line945.

In certain embodiments, the one or more outlet lines945,947can include a vacuum outlet line947configured to be in fluid communication with an external vacuum911(e.g., a space vacuum, a spacecraft vacuum source, a vacuum exhaust system (VES)). The system900can include a vacuum valve951on the vacuum outlet line947configured to allow or prevent laundry effluent gas on the vacuum line947. In certain embodiments, the system900can include a gas filter953upstream of the one or more outlet lines947,945configured to filter one or more gaseous components of the laundry effluent gas.

In certain embodiments, the system900can include a heater955configured to be in thermal communication with the agitation chamber907to provide heat to the agitation chamber907during partial vacuum to regulate the temperature of the agitation chamber907(e.g., to about 20 degrees C.). Any suitable location for the heater955(e.g., external to the agitation chamber907, is contemplated herein. The agitation chamber907can be any suitable agitation chamber disclosed herein, e.g., as described above with respect toFIGS.1-8B. Any suitable motive system (e.g., a motor957, and/or an exercise machine connection) to agitate the agitation chamber907is contemplated herein.

Any of the valves, pumps, motors, cooling systems, heaters, and other components can be controllable by a control module959. In certain embodiments, the system900can include a control module959operatively connected to one or more (e.g., each) of the controllable components in system900configured to control any suitable component of the system900(e.g., any and/or all valves, heaters, cooling systems, motors, pumps, etc.) for allowing water and/or gas recovery (e.g., and preventing damage to the system or a safety hazard). Connections to each controllable component are not shown for clarity.

The system900can also include one or more sensors (e.g., pressure sensors P, temperature sensors T, Hall effect sensors H, current sensors I, force sensors F, position switch sensors S) for providing information about one or more portions of system900. For example, the control module959can be configured to control the one or more controllable components based on the sensor information. For example, the control module959can be configured to regulate pressure drop produced by the vacuum pump909, and/or select whether to bypass the mol sieve937, and/or activate the heater955to prevent freezing or excessively cold temperatures in the agitation chamber907. The control module959can be configured to receive one or more manual commands from a switch panel961, e.g., as shown, and/or to indicate one or more statuses on a display963(e.g., as shown).

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a laundry system (e.g.,100as described above) can include an agitation chamber907, and a motive system (e.g., an electric motor957) connected to the agitation chamber907. The laundry system can include a fluid recovery system, e.g., the system900as disclosed herein, operatively connected to the agitation chamber907to be in fluid communication with a washing volume of the agitation chamber907.

Embodiments include an automated system for adding water and/or recycling/drying using partial vacuum to evaporate, collect, and recycle water. Embodiments can be applied to space travel applications, and/or to any other suitable application.

Embodiments can include a washing chamber assembly powered by any suitable motive force. Embodiments can include a heater on the outside of the chamber or elsewhere to use very little power and to keep the chamber at a target temperature (e.g., 20 degrees C.) as the reduced pressure will reduce temperature. Embodiments can include a vacuum pump that pulls a partial vacuum to boil off water content inside washing chamber (e.g., 0.25 psia target vacuum). Embodiments can include an optional water filter/defoamer to remove any residual detergent foam or other non-steam/water contaminants. Embodiments can include one or more valves to control of different stages and/or functions of the system. Embodiments can include a condenser that condenses water, e.g., using a cooling source set to a temperature to condense water at the operating pressure. Downstream of condenser can be liquid water mixed with other laundry effluent gas. Embodiments can include a gas/liquid separator that separates water and other gasses to allow for water recovery for any suitable use. Embodiments can include a hydrophobic filter downstream of the separator to prevent any liquid water from getting into the gas line. Downstream of the hydrophobic filter can be purely gas. Embodiments can include a regenerative molecular sieve which can sieve the gas to dry it out, and can regenerate usable water from the mol sieve. The remaining gas can be routed toward any suitable reuse or waste location desired. Embodiments can include a bypass line and valve to allow gas to bypass the mol sieve if no sieve is desired. Remainder gas can be filtered and then collected/reused, and/or wasted.

Certain embodiments can include any suitable computer hardware and/or software. Embodiments can include any suitable computer hardware and/or software module(s) to perform any suitable function (e.g., as disclosed herein).