Collection system and toilet for spacecraft

Abstract

To provide an improved collection system.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a human waste collection system for zero-gravity conditions, the collection system including: a basin having a lower end that defines a lower plane and configured for being positioned against a floor and an upper end that is spaced apart from the lower end and displaced further from the lower plane than the lower end; a toilet seat positioned at the upper end of the basin, the toilet seat having a lid pivotally connected to the toilet seat; a bag cassette disposed under the toilet seat; and a compression ring that is movable within the basin to automatically pull an unused bag segment from the bag cassette, and push down used bags.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to a human waste collection system, and more particularly, to a human waste collection system that automatically closes a used waste bag portion and dispenses an unused waste bag portion in a zero gravity environment through the operation of a toilet seat and flush interface actuator. [Background technology]

[0002] Known human waste collection systems on spacecraft require manual handling and replacement of waste bags. These systems, and the training required to use them, can pose challenges for the commercial space travel industry, which is seeking an economical and easily applicable solution. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the invention is therefore to improve a collection system of the kind mentioned at the outset, so that the above-mentioned disadvantages are reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A human waste collection system for use in zero gravity conditions is disclosed, the collection system including a toilet bowl defining a lower surface and having a lower end configured to be placed on a floor and an upper end spaced from the lower end and further displaced from the lower surface than the lower end, a toilet seat disposed at the upper end of the toilet bowl and having a lid pivotally connected to the toilet seat, a bag cassette disposed below the toilet seat, and a compression ring movable within the toilet bowl to automatically pull unused bag portions from the bag cassette and push down used bags.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the toilet bowl includes an upper portion including an upper end, a lower portion including a lower end, and a neck between the upper and lower portions of the toilet bowl, and the compression ring is movable within the upper portion between the upper end and the neck to push an unused bag portion out of the bag cassette.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the upper and lower portions of the toilet bowl are frusto-conical, narrowing toward the neck, and the compression ring compresses around the unused bag portion as it moves from the top toward the neck, thereby moving the used bag downward.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, when the used bag portion is within the upper portion of the toilet bowl, the compression ring moves toward the neck while pushing the used bag portion toward the lower portion of the toilet bowl.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the system further includes a flexible separator membrane at the neck of the toilet bowl, the separator membrane defining a central opening through which the used bag portion passes as the used bag portion is pushed into the lower portion, the separator membrane forming a flexible seal around the bag material extending through the neck, thereby capturing the used bag portion within the lower portion of the toilet bowl.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed aspects of the system, the compression ring automatically moves from the top to the neck when the lid is opened and automatically moves from the neck to the top when the lid is closed on the seat.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the compression ring includes first and second ring halves separated from one another, and as the compression ring moves from the top of the toilet bowl to the neck, the first and second ring halves move toward one another and compress around the used bag portion.

[0011] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the top of the toilet bowl includes first and second tracks spaced apart from one another and extending between the top end and the neck of the toilet bowl, the collection system further includes a first track connector connected to the first ring half and the first track and a second track connector connected to the second ring half and the second track, the first and second track connectors coupled to move together within the toilet bowl, and when the lid is opened, the first and second connectors move downwardly, moving the compression ring downward, and when the lid is closed, the first and second connectors move upwardly, moving the compression ring upward.

[0012] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the system further includes a first actuator coupling the lid and the first slider.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the system further includes an actuator operatively coupled to the toilet bowl, such that when the lid is opened and the interface actuator is engaged, the bag cassette rotates to form a twist closure on a used bag portion disposed within the toilet bowl.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the collection system includes a second actuator coupled between the interface actuator and the bag cassette, the second actuator rotating the bag cassette while the interface actuator is engaged.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the bag cassette includes an external frame having gear teeth formed thereon, and the second actuator engages with the gear teeth on the external frame of the bag cassette to rotate the bag cassette while the interface actuator is engaged.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed aspects of the system, the system further includes an air mover that directs air to the top end, the air mover being activated when the lid is opened to direct waste to the unused bag portion and the air mover being deactivated when the lid closes the seat.

[0017] Further disclosed is a spacecraft including a toilet and a collection system disposed in the toilet, the collection system having one or more of the above disclosed aspects.

[0018] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like reference numbers indicate similar elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] (A) shows a human waste collection system for zero gravity according to one embodiment, with the toilet lid open and the compression ring moving downwards on the top of the toilet bowl to dispense an unused bag portion from the bag cassette, and (B) shows an unused bag portion on the top of the toilet bowl with the fan running. [Diagram 2] Additional details of the compression ring and a device for moving the compression ring downwards when the lid is opened and upwards when the lid is closed are shown. [Diagram 3] (A) illustrates the collection system of FIG. 1 with an interface actuator engaged to rotate the bag cassette to provide a twist closure on the used bag portion within the toilet bowl. (B) illustrates the twist closure formed on the used bag portion. [Figure 4] 13 shows an instrument for engaging an interface actuator to rotate the bag cassette and provide a twist closure. [Diagram 5] (A) shows the collection system of Figure 1 with the toilet lid closed and the compression ring moving towards the top of the toilet bowl, and (B) shows the compression ring at the top of the toilet bowl and the fan off. [Figure 6](A) shows the collection system of FIG. 1 with the seat lid open and the compression ring moving downward to provide an unused bag portion to the top of the toilet bowl and a used bag portion moving to the bottom of the toilet bowl. (B) shows the unused bag portion at the top of the toilet bowl and the used bag portion at the bottom of the toilet bowl with the fan running. [Figure 7] The unused bag portion is shown at the top of the toilet bowl and the used bag portion is shown at the bottom of the toilet bowl, which may include a mechanism for tying off and / or disconnecting the used bag from the unused bag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. Aspects of any drawing are equally applicable to any other drawing unless otherwise stated. The aspects shown in the figures are intended to support the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The sequence of numbers in the figures is for reference purposes only.

[0021] 1A and 1B, a spacecraft 100 may include a cabin 110 and a toilet 120. The spacecraft 100 may include a human waste collection system (collection system) 130 (also known as a toilet bowl) within the toilet 120.

[0022] The collection system 130 is configured for use in a weightless environment and includes a toilet bowl 140 having a lower end 160 defining a lower surface 155 (e.g., the ground) and configured to be placed on a floor, and an upper end 150 spaced apart from the lower end 160 and further displaced from the surface 155 than the lower end 160 (an axis 159 passing from the upper end 150 to the lower end 160 defines an up-down direction of the system 130). More specifically, the toilet bowl 140 includes an upper portion 170 that includes the upper end 150, a lower portion 180 that includes the lower end 160, and a neck portion 190 between the upper portion 170 and the lower portion 180. The upper portion 170 and the lower portion 180 of the toilet bowl 140 are frusto-conical, narrowing towards the neck portion 190. The upper portion 170 and the lower portion 180 are separated by a separator membrane 195, which will be described in more detail below.

[0023] The toilet seat 200 is disposed at the upper end 150 of the toilet bowl 140. The toilet seat 200 has a base 210 and a lid 220 pivotally connected to the toilet seat 200, and more specifically, to the base 210. The bag cassette 230 is disposed beneath the toilet seat 200, and more specifically, beneath the base 210. The bag cassette 230 has a rolled, continuous waste collection bag sealed at the end that first enters the toilet bowl.

[0024] The compression ring 240 is movable within the toilet bowl 140 to automatically pull the unused bag portion 250 from the bag cassette 230. More specifically, the compression ring 240 is movable within the top 170 between the top end 150 and the neck 190 to pull the unused bag portion 250 from the bag cassette 230. Because the top 170 of the toilet bowl 140 is frusto-conical in shape, the compression ring 240 compresses around the unused bag portion 250 as the compression ring 240 moves from the top end 150 to the neck 190. In one embodiment, when the lid 220 is opened, the compression ring 240 automatically moves from the top end 150 to the neck 190 to pull the unused bag portion 250 from the bag cassette 230 into the top 170 of the toilet bowl 140. The interface actuator 255 may be a trip lever arm, for example, that is engaged, e.g., provided, to close the unused bag portion 250 after use. This is explained in more detail below.

[0025] Air flow 263 provided via an air mover 265 (which may be a fan) enters the top 150 and draws air from the cabin 110 downward through the top, into the neck, and out the side of the top. When the lid 220 is opened, the air mover 265 activates and directs waste material into the unused bag portion 250. When the lid 220 is closed against the seat 200, the air mover 265 is deactivated.

[0026] The compression ring 240 includes a first ring half 260 and a second ring half 270 that are separated from one another. As the compression ring 240 moves from the top end 150 to the neck 190 of the toilet bowl 140, the first ring half 260 and the second ring half 270 move toward one another, compressing a portion of the unused bag portion 250.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, a bag feed system 280 is utilized to move the compression ring 240 and pull unused bag lengths 250 (FIG. 1B) from the bag cassette 230. The bag feed system 280 includes first and second tracks 290, 310 that are spaced apart from one another and extend between the top end 150 and the neck 190 of the toilet bowl 140. A first track connector 320 for connecting the first half 260 of the compression ring 240 to the first track 290. The first track connector 320 may be a geared member similar to a gear rack. The first track connector 320 is disposed in the first track 290. A second track connector 330, which may or may not be geared, is connected to the second ring half 270 and is disposed in the second track 300. A runner 340 couples the first slider 320 and the second slider 330. A motorized first actuator (collectively referred to as actuator or first actuator) 355 couples the lid 220 to the first track connector 350. For example, the first actuator 355 may be geared and couples with a gear on the first track connector 290 to move the first track connector 290. In this configuration, when the lid 220 is opened, the first and second track connectors 320, 330 move downward along with the compression ring 240. When the lid 220 is closed, the first and second track connectors 320, 330 move upward along with the compression ring 240. By utilizing a reduction gear configuration, a small rotation of the lid 220 moves the compression ring 240 from the top end 150 through the bowl 140 and into the neck 190. Of course, the disclosed bag delivery system 280 implement represents one of many methods that can be utilized to move the compression ring 240 within the bowl 140.

[0028] 3A and 3B, the interface actuator 255 is operatively coupled to the toilet bowl 140. When the lid 220 is opened and the interface actuator 255 pivots, the bag cassette 230 rotates to form a twist closure 385 on a used bag portion 380 disposed on the top 170 of the toilet bowl 140.

[0029] 4, the collection system 130 includes a bag portion separation system 390. The bag closure system 390 includes a second actuator and motor (collectively referred to as an actuator or second actuator) 420 connected between the interface actuator 255 and the bag cassette 230 to rotate the bag cassette 230 while the interface actuator 255 is engaged. The bag cassette 230 may include an exterior frame 430 having gear teeth 440 formed thereon that engage with a gear on the second actuator 420. By utilizing a reduction gear arrangement, only a small rotation of the interface actuator 255 may be required to rotate the cassette 230 a desired amount to provide the twist closure 385. Of course, the disclosed bag closure system 390 implement represents one of many methods that may be utilized to close the used bag portion 390 within the toilet bowl 140.

[0030] 5A and 5B, when the lid 220 is closed against the toilet seat 200, the compression ring 240 automatically moves from the neck 190 to the top end 150 of the toilet bowl 240. Closing the lid stops the air flow.

[0031] 6A and 6B. Thereafter, when the waste collection system 130 is to be used again, the lid 220 of the toilet seat 200 is reopened. With the used bag portion 380 within the upper portion 170 of the toilet bowl 140, the compression ring 240 pushes the used bag portion 380 into the lower portion 180 of the toilet bowl 140 as the compression ring 240 moves toward the neck 190.

[0032] It should be appreciated that the compression ring may be thought of as pulling down the new bladder portion, pushing down the used bladder portion, or both, or the air flow may propel the new bladder portion downward.

[0033] A flexible separator membrane 195 is disposed within the neck 190 of the toilet bowl 140. The separator membrane 195 defines a central opening 490, which may be, by way of non-limiting example, a straight or star-shaped slit, through which the used bag portion 380 moves as it is pushed into the lower portion 180. The separator membrane 195 forms a flexible seal around the bag material that extends through the neck 190. This configuration causes the used bag portion 380 to be captured within the lower portion 180 of the toilet bowl 140. A dehydration mechanism 500, such as a dehumidifier, may be provided in the lower portion 180 to dehydrate the stored waste material.

[0034] 7, in one embodiment, the twist closure 385 may be further secured by a retractable strapping machine 387, shown diagrammatically in the lower portion 180 below the membrane 195. The strapping machine 287, also known as a tape binder, wraps a loop of tape 386 from a tape roll around the twist closure 385 and staples the ends of the tape while cutting the tape roll. In one embodiment, a retractable bag cutter 388 may be provided to separate the used bag portion 380 from the next unused bag length 250. The lid 220 does not need to be opened during this operation.

[0035] Thus, the embodiment provides a human waste collection system comprising a toilet bowl 140 and a movable lid 220, in which a continuous bag is rolled into a ring in a bag cassette 230 and attached under the lid 220 of the toilet seat 200. A bag supply system 280 is coupled to an opening in the lid 220, and upon opening of the lid 220, an unused bag portion 250, i.e., an unused portion of the continuous bag, is provided to the top 170 of the toilet bowl 140. In one embodiment, the system 280 is configured with a bag closure system 390, whereby the used bag portion 380 is twisted into a closed or sealed configuration by pivoting the interface actuator 255, which resembles a flushing operation. Optionally, the closure system 390 is configured to twist the bag closed upon closing of the lid. In an embodiment, an air mover 265 is provided to direct waste to the unused bag portion 250, and the air mover 265 is turned off after the lid 220 is closed. As the unused bladder portion 250 is pulled into the upper portion 170 of the toilet bowl 140, the used bladder portion 380 is simultaneously pushed into the lower portion 180 of the toilet bowl 140. The separator membrane 195 retains the used bladder portion 380 in the lower portion 180 of the toilet bowl 140.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the bag size may be flexible depending on the amount of waste material to be stored in the bag. By utilizing a compression ring, gravity is not required to load a new bag. In one embodiment, the used bag portion 380 is taped or sealed with a twist closure. In one embodiment, the bag is cut at the twist closure 385 to separate the continuous bag portion from the used portion. In one embodiment, the lower portion 180 of the toilet bowl 140 is configured to dehydrate and solidify the waste material in the used bag portion 380. In one embodiment, the gears are electrically actuated. In one embodiment, the bags are scented. In one embodiment, a spiral track is utilized instead of a straight track to pull the unused bag portion 250 from the bag cassette 230 and simultaneously twist and compress the used bag portion 380.

[0037] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, components, steps, operations, elements, and / or ingredients, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, steps, operations, elements, ingredients, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although various example embodiments have been shown and described herein, each having specific features in a particular embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, modifications, substitutions, combinations, subcombinations, or equivalent arrangements not described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure should not be considered as limited by the above description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A human waste collection system for use in zero gravity, comprising: a toilet bowl defining a lower surface and having a lower end configured to be placed against a floor and an upper end spaced from said lower end and further displaced from said surface than said lower end; a toilet seat disposed at the upper end of the toilet bowl, the toilet seat having a lid pivotally connected to the toilet seat; a bag cassette disposed under the toilet seat; a compression ring movable within the toilet bowl to automatically pull unused bag portions from the bag cassette and push down used bags; A collection system including:

2. the toilet bowl includes an upper portion including the upper end, a lower portion including the lower end, and a neck portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the toilet bowl; the compression ring is movable within the upper portion between the top end and the neck to push the unused bag portion out of the bag cassette. The collection system of claim 1 .

3. the upper and lower portions of the bowl are frusto-conical and narrow toward the neck; as the compression ring moves from the top end toward the neck, it compresses around the unused bag portion, thereby moving the used bag downward; The collection system of claim 2 .

4. when a used bag portion is within the upper portion of the toilet bowl, the compression ring compresses the used bag portion into the lower portion of the toilet bowl as the compression ring moves toward the neck; The collection system of claim 3.

5. further comprising a flexible separator membrane in the neck of the toilet bowl; the separator membrane defines a central opening through which the used bag portion moves when pushed into the lower portion; the separator membrane forms a flexible seal around the bag material extending through the neck, thereby capturing the used bag portion within the lower portion of the toilet bowl. The collection system of claim 4.

6. 5. The collection system of claim 4, wherein the compression ring automatically moves from the top to the neck when the lid is opened and the compression ring moves from the neck to the top when the lid is closed against the toilet seat.

7. the compression ring includes a first ring half and a second ring half separated from one another; as the compression ring moves from the top end of the toilet bowl toward the neck, the first ring half and the second ring half move toward each other and compress around the used bag portion. The collection system of claim 6.

8. the upper portion of the toilet bowl includes first and second tracks spaced apart from one another and extending between the top end and the neck of the toilet bowl; The collection system comprises: a first track connector connected to the first ring half and a first track; a second track connector connected to the second ring half and the second track; Further comprising: the first track connector and the second track connector are coupled to move together within the toilet bowl; When the lid is opened, the first connector and the second connector move downward, and the compression ring moves downward; When the lid is closed, the first connector and the second connector move upward, and the compression ring moves upward. The collection system of claim 7.

9. The collection system of claim 8 , further comprising a first actuator coupling the lid and the first slider.

10. further comprising an actuator operatively coupled to the toilet bowl; when the lid is opened and the interface actuator is engaged, the bag cassette rotates to form a twist closure on a used bag portion disposed within the toilet bowl. The collection system of claim 1 .

11. the collection system including a second actuator coupled between the interface actuator and the bag cassette, the second actuator rotating the bag cassette while the interface actuator is engaged; The collection system of claim 10.

12. the bag cassette includes an outer frame having gear teeth formed thereon; the second actuator engages the gear teeth on the outer frame of the bag cassette to rotate the bag cassette while the interface actuator is engaged; The collection system of claim 11.

13. Further comprising an air mover for directing air to the upper end; When the lid is opened, the air mover operates to direct waste material into the unused bag portion, and when the lid is closed against the toilet seat, the air mover stops. The collection system of claim 1 .

14. A spacecraft toilet comprising the collection system of claim 1.

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