Collection system and spacecraft toilet

Abstract

To provide an improved collection system.SOLUTION: A human waste collection system comprises: a basin defining a basin cavity, a lower end positioned against a floor, and an upper end displaced farther from the plane than the lower end; a storage bag system disposed in the basin cavity; a seat disposed at the upper end of the basin and including a lid; a suction system including a first suction conduit extending into the basin cavity, adjacently to the upper end of the basin; and a controller with a user interface having user-engageable features to select between modes of operation including a first mode for removing menses and solid waste and a second mode for removing urine. In the first mode, menses and solid waste are collected in the storage bag; and in the second mode, the suction system suctions urine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments herein relate to a human waste collection system for use in zero gravity conditions, including user-selectable modes for collecting liquid waste, solid waste, and menstrual secretions. [Background technology]

[0002] Waste management systems on spacecraft may be uncomfortable for women to use and may require additional training to address common issues such as disposal of menstrual fluids. The commercial spacecraft industry requires a relatively easy-to-use and comfortable waste management system for its female passengers and tourists. 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] Disclosed is a human waste collection system for use in zero gravity, the collection system including: a water tank defining a water tank cavity, the water tank having a lower end configured to be positioned against a floor defining a lower plane and an upper end spaced from the lower end and displaced further from the plane than the lower end; a storage bag system disposed within the water tank cavity; a seat disposed at an upper end of the water tank, the seat including a lid pivotably coupled to the seat; a suction system including a first suction conduit extending into the water tank cavity adjacent the upper end of the water tank; and a controller having a user interface including user-interactable features for selecting between operational modes including a first mode for removing menstrual secretions and solid waste and a second mode for removing urine from a person seated in the seat, wherein in the first mode, menstrual secretions and solid waste are collected in the storage bag and in the second mode, the suction system is activated to apply suction to the first suction conduit to aspirate urine.

[0005] In addition or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the seat includes a flexible skirted bowl with a mesh funnel that is deployed during the second mode and is connected to the first suction conduit to urge urine toward the first suction conduit, the flexible skirted bowl configured to be partially or fully deployed over the reservoir and connected to the first suction conduit to prevent liquid waste from flowing into the storage bag.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the seat further includes a mesh funnel that is deployed with the flexible skirted bowl.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the system includes an air mover adjacent an upper end of the reservoir to provide air flow into the reservoir, and the suction system is activated when the lid is open and deactivated when the lid is closed.

[0008] In addition or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the system includes a bidet system including a bidet nozzle below the seat coupled to the seat, and the modes of operation include a third mode for operating the bidet system, wherein the flexible skirted bowl is configured to deploy over the reservoir to block fluid flow to the reservoir cavity when the bidet is activated.

[0009] In addition or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the seat includes a dryer that receives the air flow from the air mover and that operates during the third mode to direct the air flow toward the seat after the bidet is deactivated.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively to one or more aspects of the system, the dryer is configured to heat the airflow.

[0011] In addition or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the system includes a UV light source in the reservoir, lid, or seat, and the modes of operation include a fourth mode for sterilizing the mesh funnel, wherein in the fourth mode, the flexible skirted bowl with the mesh funnel is deployed and the UV light source is activated for a predetermined period of time.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively to one or more aspects of the system, in a fourth mode, the bidet system is activated to clean a flexible skirted bowl with a mesh funnel prior to activating the UV light source.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the system includes a funnel cup separate from the reservoir and the seat, the suction system includes a second suction conduit connected to the funnel cup, and the operating modes include a fifth mode for removing urine from a person utilizing the funnel cup, and in the fifth mode, the suction system is activated to apply suction to the second suction conduit.

[0014] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the system includes a pump fluidly coupled to the bidet nozzle and a liquid supply tank fluidly coupled to the pump for pumping bidet fluid from the liquid supply tank through the bidet nozzle.

[0015] In addition or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the system includes a seat that is removable from the reservoir along with the bidet nozzle and mesh funnel, the seat including a flexible skirted bowl configured to be placed around an upper portion of the reservoir.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the flexible skirted bowl included in the system is one or more of resilient, inflatable, and collapsible.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more embodiments of the system, the system includes a liquid waste storage tank, and the suction system urges the liquid waste, including urine, into the liquid waste storage tank.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more embodiments of the system, the system includes a regeneration system, and the suction system directs the liquid waste to the regeneration system.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the air jet system includes a fan that blows air into the dryer.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the user-interactable features include virtual or tactile buttons or voice control.

[0021] In addition, or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, the user-interactable features are color coded to distinguish between operational modes.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more aspects of the system, in one or more of the operational modes, the system is configured to operate one or more of the bidet and dryer for a user-selectable or predetermined time period.

[0023] Further disclosed is a toilet for a spacecraft, the toilet including a collection system having one or more of the features disclosed above, and a suction system including a fan that drives an airflow through the water tank from an upper end of the water tank to a lower end of the water tank when the lid is opened.

[0024] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of a human waste collection system for zero gravity, including user-selectable modes for collecting liquid waste, solid waste, and menstrual secretions, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 illustrates the seat with the flexible skirted bowl in a first position (fully retracted), where the bowl does not overlap the seat opening in the toilet seat. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 shows the seat with the flexible skirted bowl in a second position (partially retracted) with the blow extending under the forward portion of the seat opening to form a forward catch. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 shows the seat with the flexible skirted bowl in a third (fully deployed) position, with the bowl extending substantially under the entire seat opening to form a central catch. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a seat for a collection system, the seat having a base and an optional mesh funnel deployed below the base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments will now be addressed with reference to the figures. Aspects in any one figure apply equally to any other figure unless otherwise noted. The aspects illustrated in the figures are intended to support the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments in any way. Any numbering sequence in the figures is for reference purposes only.

[0027] 1, disclosed is a spacecraft 100 including a cabin 110 and a toilet 120 separate from the cabin 110. Disclosed is a human waste collection system (or collection system) 130 for use in zero gravity conditions.

[0028] The collection system 130 includes a reservoir 140 defining a reservoir cavity 150, a lower end 145 defining a lower plane 145 and configured to be placed against a floor (or ground), and an upper end 160 spaced from the lower end 145 and displaced further from the plane 145 than the lower end 145 (an axis 149 extending from the upper end 160 to the lower end 145 defines an up-down direction for the system 130). The reservoir 140 may be an elongated cylindrical canister. A waste storage bag 165 is disposed within the reservoir cavity 150. A seat 170 is disposed at the upper end 160 of the reservoir 140. The seat 170 includes a base 180 and a lid 190 pivotally coupled to the seat 170 (more specifically, the base 180).

[0029] The collection system 130 includes an air jet system 200. The air jet system 200 includes a dryer 350 that extends into the reservoir 140 adjacent the upper end 160 of the reservoir 140.

[0030] The air jet system 200 includes an air mover 220 (which may be a fan 226) that directs an air flow 221 into the reservoir cavity 150 beneath the seat 170. More specifically, the fan 226 directs air from the cabin 110 when the lid 190 is opened (e.g., pivoted open and away from the seat base 180). The fan 226 may be automatically activated when the lid 190 is opened and may be deactivated when the lid 190 is closed (e.g., pivoted closed and relative to the seat base 180). The air jet system 200 includes the fan 226, described below, and / or a dryer 350 that may be used during operation of the bidet system 300.

[0031] The collection system 130 includes a suction system 230. The suction system 230 includes a first suction conduit 235 that extends into the reservoir cavity adjacent an upper end of the reservoir 140. The suction system 230 is activated by opening the lid 190 before sitting on the seat 170.

[0032] The collection system 130 includes a controller 240. The controller 240 has a user interface 245 that includes user-activatable features 250 for selecting between operational modes. The user-activatable features 250 include virtual or tactile buttons. The user-activatable features 250 may be color coded for the operational modes disclosed herein or combinations of such modes. The user interface 245 may also be operated by voice control.

[0033] The modes of operation include a first mode for removing menstrual secretions and solid waste and a second mode for removing urine from a person seated in the seat 170. In the first mode, the suction system 230 is activated to force menstrual secretions and any solid waste into the waste storage bag 165. The flexible skirted bowl 400 is partially deployed (FIG. 2b) but can be fully retracted automatically or manually if desired by the user (FIG. 2a). Retracted means that the entire reservoir 150 (and at least the entire opening 180a in the seat base 180) is free of obstructions. In the second mode, with the bowl 400 partially deployed, the suction system 230 is activated to apply suction to the first suction conduit 235 to force urine away from the person's body into the storage tank 330 or reclaim system 340 with the flexible skirted bowl 400 fully deployed over the reservoir cavity 150.

[0034] The flexible skirted bowl includes an internal mesh funnel 280 (FIG. 3) that is selectively deployed to a default position, e.g., via a motor 295, or automatically, by a user-interactable feature, e.g., a button on the user interface 245. The mesh funnel 280 is used to capture urine and minimize splashing on the underside of the user. The flexible skirted bowl 400 is connected to the first suction conduit 235 and draws urine into the first suction conduit 235. The mesh funnel 280 may be provided in multiple sections or quadrants 290A-290D. The quadrants 290A-290D may overlap during use to form a cohesive mesh.

[0035] The seat 170, along with the bidet nozzle 310 and the mesh funnel 280, is optionally removable from the reservoir 140. The seat 170 (more specifically, the base 180 of the seat 170) is fully or partially disposed over the reservoir 140 and includes a flexible skirted bowl 400 disposed below the seat opening 180a (FIGS. 2a-2c). The flexible skirted bowl 400 may be formed of a resilient, expandable, and collapsible material (such as an elastomer). As shown in FIG. 2b, the flexible skirted bowl 400 may have an axial portion 400a extending axially along the reservoir 140, parallel to and along the underside of the seat base 180. The flexible skirted bowl 400 may have a radial portion 400R that extends radially inward along the base 180, in a direction away from the seat base 180, and the flexible skirted bowl 400 may form a central catch 400 to prevent access to the cavity 150, as shown below.

[0036] More specifically, in the second mode, a radial portion 400R of the flexible skirted bowl 400 opens from a side (e.g., side wall 140a) of the reservoir 140 to form a central catch 400C that collects urine. Thus, urine does not enter the bag 165. The flexible skirted bowl 400 can be contained (e.g., rolled up or compressed) within the reservoir 140 against the side wall 140a and actuated (e.g., unrolled or unfolded) into position above the bag 165 and below the seat opening 180a. The flexible skirted bowl 400 has a drain 294 that is fluidly coupled to the suction conduit 235 through which urine is delivered. The flexible skirted bowl 400 can be deployed along a horizontal axis (i.e., below and along the seat base 180) to cover the entire bag system (e.g., the entire underside of the seat opening 180a), or it can be positioned only at the front 296 of the bag system (farthest from the seat pivot axis 297) during the first and second modes if the user desires. This gives the user the opportunity to both defecate and urinate simultaneously. In another embodiment, the flexible skirted bowl 400 can be moved along a vertical axis V1 (towards the underside of the seat 180, along the long axis of the reservoir 140) against which the user can seal the upper flexible edge 400b of the bowl 400a prior to urination. Similarly, this can be moved automatically or manually via hand or controller on the interface 245 or another manual controller (e.g., a toggle lever attached to the reservoir 140 or elsewhere). In some embodiments, the position can be programmed based on various user preferences (e.g., a memory seat).

[0037] The operation mode includes a third mode (or bidet mode) for operating the bidet system 300. The bidet system 300 includes one or more bidet nozzle(s) 310 coupled to the seat 170 below the seat 170 (more specifically, below the base 180). A bidet pump 315 is fluidly coupled to the bidet nozzle 310. A liquid supply tank 320 is fluidly coupled to the pump 315 for pumping bidet fluid from the liquid supply tank 320 through the bidet nozzle 310. The bidet water stream is pulsed with suction to prevent water from pooling. The suction system 230 may force liquid waste (e.g., urine and used bidet liquid) into the liquid waste storage tank 330. Alternatively, the suction system 230 may force liquid waste into the regeneration system 340. In the bidet mode, the flexible skirted bowl 400 opens (FIG. 2c) and is fully deployed over the reservoir cavity 150 to collect the flush water from the bidet. Thus, contaminated flush water does not flow into the bag 165. In this mode, the flexible skirted bowl 400 completely covers the reservoir cavity 150 and the seat opening 180a. The flexible skirted bowl 400 is connected to the suction conduit 235. The suction conduit 235 is attached to the front of the flexible skirted bowl 400 so as not to cover the reservoir cavity 165.

[0038] The seat 170, as shown, includes a dryer 350 that operates after the bidet system 300 has completed dispensing liquid from the liquid supply tank 320. The dryer 350 has an optional internal heating element (such as a coil) for heated drying operation. In one embodiment, the cleaning and drying functions may be user-operated via virtual or tactile buttons on the controller interface 245 by using a time-based mechanism.

[0039] The collection system 130 includes a UV light source 370 in the reservoir 140, lid 190, or seat 170. The operation modes include a fourth mode for disinfecting the mesh funnel 280. In the fourth mode, the flexible skirted bowl 400 and mesh funnel 280 are fully deployed (FIG. 2c) and the UV light source 370 is activated for a predetermined time. In the fourth mode, the bidet system 300 may be activated to clean the mesh funnel 280 prior to activating the UV light source 370. The UV light source 370 may also be located under the lid to disinfect the seat 170.

[0040] The collection system 130 includes a funnel cup 380 that is separate from the reservoir 140 and the seat 170. The suction system 230 includes a second suction conduit 390 connected to the funnel cup 380. The operation modes include a fifth mode for removing urine from a person utilizing the funnel cup 380. In the fifth mode, the suction system 230 applies suction to the second suction conduit 390, activated, for example, by a switch associated with a funnel dock 385 in which the funnel cup 380 is housed. The switch 384 may be a toggle switch, a pressure switch, a photosensitive switch, or the like that may sense when the funnel cup 380 is removed from the funnel dock 385.

[0041] Embodiments herein provide an excrement collection system 130 that accommodates different bodily functions for women and men by providing selectable modes of operation. The modes are selected, for example, via a user-activatable feature 250 that is pressed or activated by voice control to indicate what type of excrement is to be removed. One mode of the system is directed to removing menses and solid waste. In this mode, the menses and solid waste are directed into a waste storage bag 165 in a reservoir or canister. This mode also allows the user to simultaneously defecate and urinate through a partially deployed flexible skirted bowl 400 with the connection point furthest from the lid 190. The second mode is to remove urine from a person seated in the seat 170, which is common for women and a percentage of men. In this mode, urine is aspirated through the first suction conduit 235 or hose. A mesh funnel 280 may be deployed under the seat 170 into a flexible skirted bowl 400, which directs urine into the first suction conduit 235 and protects the fecal / menses bag. In a third mode, the bidet system 300 may be utilized to allow a person to wash without the use of consumable wipes and may also be utilized to clean the mesh funnel 280. The mesh funnel 280 may be reused by different people and may be sanitized by a fourth mode (sanitary mode) of the collection system 130. In this mode, the flexible skirted bowl 400 completely covers the reservoir cavity 150, so the only place liquid can be directed is into the suction conduit 235. Finally, in a fifth mode, the funnel cup 380 may be utilized to capture urine from a person who is standing.

[0042] Embodiments eliminate the need for consumable filters and wipes for menstrual fluid. Embodiments also increase female comfort by allowing a person to sit down to urinate. Embodiments also increase user comfort by allowing a person to perform two bodily functions (urination and defecation) at once. Embodiments also provide a relatively easy to operate user interface 245.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is 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 indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps, operations, components, and / or ingredients, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, 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, alterations, substitutions, combinations, subcombinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but which are compatible with the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, although 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 foregoing 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 water tank defining a water tank cavity, the water tank having a lower end defining a lower plane and configured to be positioned against a floor, and an upper end spaced from the lower end and displaced farther from the plane than the lower end; a storage bag system disposed within the reservoir cavity; a sheet disposed on the top end of the water reservoir, the sheet including a lid pivotally coupled to the sheet; a suction system including a first suction conduit extending into the reservoir cavity adjacent the upper end of the reservoir; a controller having a user interface including user interactable features for selecting between operational modes including a first mode for removing menses and solid waste and a second mode for removing urine from a person occupying the seat; In the first mode, menses and solid waste are collected in the storage bag; In the second mode, the suction system is activated to apply suction to the first suction conduit to aspirate urine.

2. the seat includes a flexible skirted bowl deployed during the second mode, the flexible skirted bowl being connected to the first suction conduit to bias urine toward the first suction conduit; 10. The collection system of claim 1, wherein the flexible skirted bowl is configured to be partially or fully deployed over the reservoir and connected to the first suction conduit to prevent liquid waste from flowing into the storage bag.

3. The collection system of claim 2 , wherein the seat further comprises a mesh funnel deployed with the flexible skirted bowl.

4. 4. The collection system of claim 3, further comprising an air mover adjacent the top end of the reservoir to provide airflow into the reservoir, the air mover being activated when the lid is open and deactivated when the lid is closed.

5. a bidet system below the seat and coupled to the seat; the operational modes include a third mode for operating the bidet system; 5. The collection system of claim 4, wherein the flexible skirted bowl is configured to deploy over the reservoir to block fluid flow to the reservoir cavity when the bidet is activated.

6. 6. The collection system of claim 5, wherein the sheet includes a dryer that receives the air flow from the air mover and operates during a third mode to direct the air flow toward the sheet after the bidet is deactivated.

7. The collection system of claim 6 , wherein the dryer is configured to heat the air flow.

8. further comprising a UV light source within the reservoir, lid, or seat; The modes of operation include a fourth mode for sterilizing the mesh funnel; 7. The collection system of claim 6, wherein in the fourth mode, the flexible skirted bowl with mesh funnel is deployed and the UV light source is activated for a predetermined period of time.

9. 9. The collection system of claim 8, wherein in the fourth mode, the bidet system is activated to clean the flexible skirted bowl with the mesh funnel prior to activating the UV light source.

10. further comprising a funnel cup separate from said reservoir and said seat; the suction system includes a second suction conduit connected to the funnel cup; The modes of operation include a fifth mode for removing urine from a person utilizing the funnel cup; 10. The collection system of claim 9, wherein in the fifth mode, the suction system is activated to apply suction to the second suction conduit.

11. a pump fluidly coupled to the bidet nozzle; 11. The collection system of claim 10, further comprising: a liquid supply tank fluidly coupled to the pump for pumping bidet fluid from the liquid supply tank through the bidet nozzle.

12. the sheet is removable from the reservoir together with the bidet nozzle and the mesh funnel; The collection system of claim 11 , wherein the sheet includes a flexible skirted bowl configured to be placed around the top of the water reservoir.

13. 13. The collection system of claim 12, wherein the flexible skirted bowl is one or more of resilient, inflatable, and collapsible.

14. further comprising a liquid waste storage tank; The collection system of claim 12 , wherein the suction system forces liquid waste, including urine, into the liquid waste storage tank.

15. Further comprising a playback system; The collection system of claim 14 , wherein the suction system directs liquid waste to the reclamation system.

16. The collection system of claim 15 , wherein the air jet system includes a fan that blows air through the dryer.

17. The collection system of claim 16 , wherein the user-interactable features include virtual or tactile buttons or voice controls.

18. 20. The collection system of claim 17, wherein the user-interactable features are color coded to distinguish the operational modes.

19. 20. The collection system of claim 18, wherein in one or more of the operational modes, the system is configured to operate one or more of the bidet and dryer for a user selectable or predetermined time period.

20. A spacecraft toilet, comprising: The collection system of claim 1, The suction system includes a fan that drives an airflow through the water tank from the upper end of the water tank to the lower end of the water tank when the lid is open.

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