A system and method for utilizing energy from the toilet flushing cycle.
The system converts the vacuum force of a toilet flushing mechanism into electrical energy to power aircraft lavatory components, addressing the need for efficient power supply without increasing overall aircraft power consumption and eliminating the need for disposable batteries.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
There is a need for a system and method to efficiently supply power to aircraft lavatory components without increasing the overall power consumption of the aircraft and to eliminate or minimize the need for disposable batteries.
A system comprising a toilet with an energy concentrator that converts the vacuum force of the flushing mechanism into electrical energy, which is then used to power components such as motors, pumps, sensors, lights, and chargers, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and reducing power consumption.
The system effectively harnesses the vacuum force of the toilet flushing mechanism to power aircraft lavatory components, reducing the need for batteries and maintaining or lowering overall power consumption.
Smart Images
Figure 2026121290000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001]
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for harnessing energy from the water flow cycle of toilets, such as in the lavatories of vehicles.
Background Art
[0002]
[0002] Vehicles, such as commercial aircraft, are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes an interior cabin having one or more lavatories.
[0003]
[0003] A typical lavatory within a commercial aircraft interior cabin includes a toilet coupled to a powerful vacuum water flow (negative pressure) system. Certain components within the lavatory include disposable batteries used to power motors and pumps. Examples of such components include automatic paper towel dispensers, automatic soap dispensers, automatic waste container flaps, and automatic toilet lids.
[0004]
[0004] As can be appreciated, the batteries for these components are regularly replaced. The used batteries then need to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
[0005]
[0005] As another option, the components can be powered via the main power supply or auxiliary power supply installed on the aircraft. However, such an option necessarily adds to the overall power consumption of the aircraft.
Summary of the Invention
[0006]
[0006] There is a need for a system and method to efficiently and effectively supply power to a specific set of components within an aircraft lavatory. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method to eliminate, minimize, or otherwise reduce the need for batteries to supply power to a specific set of components. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method to provide power to a set of components within an aircraft without increasing the overall power consumption of the aircraft's main and / or auxiliary power sources.
[0007]
[0007] With these needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system comprising a toilet and an energy concentrator coupled to the toilet. The energy concentrator is configured to convert the vacuum force that flushes the contents of the toilet with water into electrical energy. In at least one embodiment, the energy concentrator is further configured to supply electrical energy to one or more components.
[0008]
[0008] The system may also include wired connections between the energy user and one or more components. The one or more components may include one or more of the following: one or more motors, one or more pumps, one or more sensors, one or more lights, one or more chargers, and / or one or more energy storage devices.
[0009]
[0009] In at least one embodiment, the system also includes a vacuum flushing system coupled to a toilet. The vacuum flushing system is configured to generate a vacuum force.
[0010]
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the energy utilization unit includes a fan turbine and a generator coupled to the fan turbine. The energy utilization unit may be located in a conduit fixed to a wall. The energy utilization unit may include a housing fixed to a toilet. In at least one embodiment, the toilet includes a lid which may contain the energy utilization unit.
[0011]
[0011] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a vehicle including an interior cabin and a restroom within the interior cabin. The restroom includes a toilet and an energy concentrator coupled to the toilet. The energy concentrator is configured to convert the vacuum force that flushes the contents from the toilet with water into electrical energy. The energy concentrator is further configured to supply electrical energy to one or more components.
[0012]
[0012] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising using an energy utilization device to convert the vacuum force that flushes the contents of a toilet with water into electrical energy. In at least one embodiment, the method also comprises using an energy utilization device to supply electrical energy to one or more components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0013] [Figure 1]
[0013] A block diagram of a system in the dressing room of the interior cabin of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2]
[0014] A simplified schematic diagram of the system shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. [Figure 3]
[0015] This shows a front view of an energy utilization device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]
[0016] An interior view of a restroom according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 5]
[0017] An interior view of a restroom according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6]
[0018] This diagram shows the interior of a restroom with a toilet lid in the open position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]
[0019] Figure 6 shows an interior view of a restroom with the toilet lid in the closed position. [Figure 8]
[0020] An oblique front view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 9]
[0021] This shows a perspective view of the interior cabin of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]
[0022] An isometric interior view of a restroom according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 11]
[0023] A flowchart of the method according to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0014]
[0024] The above summary, as well as the following specific detailed descriptions, will be better understood by reading with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, as used herein, an element or step described in the singular form following the phrase “a or an” does not necessarily exclude a plural element or step. Furthermore, a reference to “one embodiment” is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that similarly incorporate the described features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, an embodiment “comprising” or “having” one or more elements having certain conditions may include further elements that do not have such conditions.
[0015]
[0025] As described herein, multiple embodiments of the present disclosure provide a simple power source that can eliminate, minimize, or otherwise reduce the need for batteries for certain components within an aircraft, while not adding to the overall power consumption of the aircraft's main or auxiliary power source. As another example embodiment, the power source can be configured to charge the batteries of multiple components. The systems and methods described herein utilize the energy generated by a vacuum flush system coupled to a toilet. The energy utilized is used to power one or more components such as one or more lights, one or more motors, one or more pumps, one or more sensors, one or more chargers, one or more energy storage devices, etc. The systems and methods described herein are environmentally friendly (eliminating the need for batteries that would otherwise be disposed of after use, or optionally charging the batteries) and utilize an unused energy source (i.e., the vacuum flush system).
[0016]
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system 100 within a lavatory 102 of an interior cabin 104 of a vehicle 106 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a commercial aircraft. As another example embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a land vehicle such as a bus or train. As another example embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a water vehicle such as a boat or ship. As another example embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a spacecraft. In at least one other example embodiment, the system 100 can be used with a fixed structure such as within a residential or commercial building.
[0017]
[0027] The lavatory 102 includes a toilet 108 coupled to a vacuum flush system 110. When the toilet 108 is flushed with water, the vacuum flush system 110 draws the contents from the toilet bowl of the toilet 108 via a vacuum (negative pressure) force.
[0018]
[0028] System 100 includes an energy utilization device 112 coupled to a toilet 108. The energy utilization device 112 includes a fan turbine 114 coupled to a generator 116. During operation, the generator 116 converts mechanical energy, such as the rotational movement of the fan turbine 114, into electrical energy. As another example, the energy utilization device 112 includes one or more baffles coupled to the generator. As another example, the energy utilization device 112 includes one or more bellows coupled to the generator. As another example, the energy utilization device 112 includes one or more flaps pivotally coupled to the generator. The generator 116 can include one or more magnets, one or more electromagnets, one or more metal brushes, one or more metal fibers, etc., configured to move and generate electrical energy in response to movement caused by the fan turbine 114 or the like.
[0019]
[0029] The generator 116 is then coupled to one or more components 118, such as via a wired or wireless connection. The (one or more) components 118 can be within the bathroom 102. Multiple examples of the multiple components 118 include, without limitation, one or more motors 118a, one or more pumps 118b, one or more sensors 118c, one or more lights 118d, one or more chargers 118e, and / or one or more energy storage devices 118f.
[0020]
[0030] As one example, the motor 118a can be coupled to the lid of the toilet 108 (e.g., a pivoting cover) and configured to automatically open and close the lid. As another example, the motor 118a can be within a paper towel dispenser and configured to automatically dispense paper towels. The energy generated by the energy utilization device 112 is used to provide power to the (one or more) motors 118a.
[0021]
[0031] In one embodiment, the pump 118b may be located within an automatic soap dispenser. In another embodiment, the pump 118b may be located within a water supply or water removal system. The energy generated by the energy utilization unit 112 is used to power (one or more) pumps 118b.
[0022]
[0032] In one embodiment, the sensor 118c may be an infrared or ultrasonic proximity sensor used to detect motion. This motion can be used to operate touchlessly a soap dispenser, a toilet flush, a paper towel dispenser, the opening and closing of a toilet seat / lid, the opening of a waste flap, etc. The energy generated by the energy utilization unit 112 is used to power (one or more) sensors 118c.
[0023]
[0033] In one embodiment, the restroom 102 includes one or more lights 118d used to illuminate the interior of the restroom 102. In another embodiment, the lights 118d may include emergency lighting in the interior cabin 104. In yet another embodiment, the lights 118d can be used to brightly illuminate signs in the restroom 102 and / or interior cabin 104, such as exit signs, position signs, and toilet seat signs. The energy generated by the energy utilization unit 112 may be used to power the (one or more) lights 118d.
[0024]
[0034] In one embodiment, the charger 118e may be a charging station for a smartphone or tablet. In another embodiment, the charger 118e can be used to charge one or more other components 118 inside or outside the restroom 102. The energy generated by the energy utilization device 112 is used to power the (one or more) chargers 118e.
[0025]
[0035] In one embodiment, the energy storage device 118f may be one or more batteries in one or more other components 118. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 118f may be for another device other than component 118. The energy storage device 118f may be charged via the energy utilization device 112.
[0026]
[0036] As illustrated, one or more components 118 may be located inside the restroom 102. In another embodiment, one or more components 118 may be located inside the interior cabin 104 but outside the restroom 102.
[0027]
[0037] During operation, when the toilet 108 is flushed with water, the vacuum flushing system 110 generates a vacuum force. This vacuum force draws the contents out of the toilet bowl of the toilet 108 into a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit is in fluid communication with, for example, a waste tank. The fan turbine 114 of the energy utilization unit 112 is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl of the toilet 108, for example, through one or more ducts or open air spaces. The vacuum force generated by the vacuum flushing system 110 rotates the fan turbine 114. The rotation of the fan turbine 114 then causes a generator 116 (which may be directly coupled to the fan turbine 114, for example) to convert the mechanical energy of the rotating fan turbine into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then used to supply energy to (one or more) components 118.
[0028]
[0038] In at least one embodiment, the generator 116 is connected to one or more components 118 via a dedicated wired connection. The wired connection may be fixed or detachable (e.g., via a plug and socket connection). In another embodiment, the generator 116 is connected to one or more components 118 via a wireless connection. The energy generated by the generator 116 is supplied to one or more components 118 via one or more wired or wireless connections.
[0029]
[0039] As described herein, the energy concentrator 112 utilizes the power from the vacuum force of the vacuum toilet flushing cycle generated by the vacuum flushing system 110. In at least one embodiment, the system 100 eliminates, minimizes, or otherwise reduces airborne contaminants that may be caused by the flushing cycle. For example, the energy concentrator 112 may be located within a duct and vent that separates such contaminants from the restroom 102, or may otherwise be in fluid communication with the duct and vent.
[0030]
[0040] As described, in at least one embodiment, the system 100 includes a toilet 108 and an energy concentrator 112 coupled to the toilet 108. The energy concentrator 112 is configured to convert the vacuum force that flushes the contents of the toilet 108 with water into electrical energy. In at least one embodiment, the energy concentrator 112 is further configured to supply electrical energy to one or more components 118. In at least one embodiment, the system 100 also includes a vacuum flushing system 110 coupled to the toilet 108. The vacuum flushing system 110 is configured to generate a vacuum force. In at least one embodiment, the energy concentrator 112 includes a fan turbine 114 and a generator 116 coupled to the fan turbine 114.
[0031]
[0041] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the system 100 of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the generator 116 is connected to one or more of the components 118 via wired connections such as cables. The air vane 120 facilitates the movement of airflow through one side of the fan turbine 112.
[0032]
[0042] The fan turbine 114 includes a plurality of fan blades 122 connected to a hub 124. The hub 124 is in turn connected to a shaft 126 which is operably coupled to a generator 116. When the vacuum water flow system 110 is activated, a vacuum force 128 is generated. The vacuum force 128 causes the fan blades 122 to rotate around the hub 124 in the direction of arc A. The rotation of the hub 124 in turn causes the shaft 126 to rotate. This causes the generator 116 to convert such mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is then supplied to (one or more) components 118.
[0033]
[0043] Figure 3 shows a front view of an energy utilization device 112 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, a generator 116 may be located (or optionally provided) in the hub 124 of the fan turbine 114. The fan turbine 114 and generator 116 may be located in a housing 130, such as a frame, which may be located in a conduit such as a duct or vent.
[0034]
[0044] Figure 4 shows an internal view of a restroom 102 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The toilet 108 includes a toilet shroud 140 defining a toilet bowl 142. A lid 144 is rotatably coupled over the toilet seat 146 of the toilet bowl 142. In at least one embodiment, an energy conduit 112 is located in a conduit 150 (such as a duct or vent) formed within the wall 152 of the restroom 102. The conduit 150 is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl 142, either via a direct fluid connection or via an open air connection. As shown, the energy conduit 112 is located upstream of the toilet 108 (i.e., in the airflow ahead of it). A vacuum water flushing system 110 is located downstream of the toilet 108. The toilet bowl 142 of toilet 108 is located within a fluid conduit (e.g., airflow) between the energy utilization unit 112 (upstream from toilet bowl 142) and the vacuum water flow system 110 (downstream from toilet bowl 142). The conduit 150 may be ducted into the wall 152 and coupled to the upper crown of the interior cabin. The conduit 150 ducted into the wall 152 prevents, minimizes, or otherwise reduces the possibility of airborne contaminants escaping into the breathing space of the lavatory 102.
[0035]
[0045] The fan turbine 114 and generator 116 may be covered by panels or the like. Optionally, the fan turbine 114 and generator 116 may not be covered.
[0036]
[0046] When the lid 144 of the toilet 108 is closed, the lid 144 engages with a portion of the toilet 108 (such as the toilet seat 146 and / or toilet shroud 140), thereby forcing vacuum energy to rotate the fan turbine 114.
[0037]
[0047] Figure 5 shows an internal view of a restroom 102 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the energy concentrator 112 includes a housing 160. The housing 160 holds a fan turbine 114 and a generator 116 within a fluid channel 162. The fluid channel 162 is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl 142 of the toilet 108. The housing 160 is an embodiment of the housing 130 shown in Figure 3. The housing 160 is fixed to a portion of the toilet 108. The housing 160 may also include an air inlet 164 that provides a flow path into the fluid channel 162. As shown, the energy concentrator 112 is located upstream of the toilet 108.
[0038]
[0048] Figure 6 shows an internal view of a restroom 102 having a toilet lid 144 in the open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows an internal view of the restroom 102 of Figure 6 having a toilet lid 144 in the closed position. Referring to Figures 1, 6, and 7, in one embodiment the lid 144 may include an energy utilization unit 112. For example, a fan turbine 114 and a generator 116 may be fixed on and / or inside the lid 144.
[0039]
[0049] Figure 8 shows a perspective front view of an aircraft 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 200 is an embodiment of the vehicle 106 shown in Figure 1. The aircraft 200 includes a propulsion system 212, which includes, for example, an engine 214. Optionally, the propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than those shown. The engines 214 are supported by the wings 216 of the aircraft 200. In several other embodiments, the engines 214 may be supported by a fuselage 218 and / or a tail section 220. The tail section 220 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 222 and a vertical stabilizer 224.
[0040]
[0050] The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 200 defines an interior cabin 230, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work areas (e.g., a galley, a crew baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and coach areas), one or more lavatories, etc. The interior cabin 230 is one embodiment of the interior cabin 104 shown in Figure 1.
[0041]
[0051] Alternatively, instead of aircraft, some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with a variety of other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and trains, ships, and spacecraft. In yet another embodiment, some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in fixed structures, such as residential or commercial buildings.
[0042]
[0052] Figure 9 shows a perspective interior view of an interior cabin 230 of an aircraft 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 230 includes an outboard wall 232 and a ceiling 234. A window 236 may be formed within the outboard wall 232. A floor 238 supports rows of seats 240. As shown in Figure 9, a row 242 may include three seats 240 on either side of an aisle 243. However, a row 242 may include more or fewer seats 240 than shown. Furthermore, the interior cabin 230 may include more aisles than shown.
[0043]
[0053] Figure 10 shows an isometric interior view of a restroom 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Restroom 300 is an embodiment of restroom 102 shown in Figure 1. In at least one embodiment, restroom 300 may be located inside the cabin of an aircraft. Optionally, restroom 300 may be installed in various other vehicles. In several other embodiments, restroom 300 may be located in a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. Restroom 300 includes a base floor 301 supporting a toilet 108, one or more cabinets 304, a sink 306 or faucet, and a faucet 307. Restroom 300 may be configured differently from that shown. Restroom 300 may include more or fewer components than those shown.
[0044]
[0054] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 and 11, in 400, a vacuum flushing system 110 coupled to the toilet 108 is activated to remove the contents from the toilet bowl of the toilet 108 via a vacuum force (such as negative pressure). For example, a button or handle on the toilet 108 is engaged to activate the vacuum flushing system 110. In another embodiment, the toilet 108 may include a sensor configured to detect motion in order to activate the vacuum flushing system 110 touchlessly.
[0045]
[0055] In 402, the vacuum force generated by the vacuum water flow system rotates the fan turbine 114 of the energy utilization unit 112. In 404, the mechanical energy (rotation) of the fan turbine 114 is converted into electrical energy by a generator 116 coupled to the fan turbine 114. In 406, the electrical energy generated by the generator 116 is then supplied to one or more components 118.
[0046]
[0056] Furthermore, this disclosure includes several embodiments as defined below.
[0047]
[0057] Article 1. It is a system, Toilets, and A system comprising an energy utilization device coupled to the toilet, the energy utilization device configured to convert the vacuum force that flushes the contents of the toilet with water into electrical energy.
[0048]
[0058] Article 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the energy utilization device is further configured to provide the electrical energy to one or more components.
[0049]
[0059] Article 3. The system according to Clause 2, further comprising a wired connection between the energy utilization device and the one or more components.
[0050]
[0060] Article 4. The one or more components mentioned above are: One or more motors, One or more pumps, One or more sensors, 1 or more lights, One or more chargers, A system as described in Clause 2 or 3, comprising one or more energy storage devices.
[0051]
[0061] Article 5. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 4, comprising a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet, further comprising a vacuum flushing system configured to generate the vacuum force.
[0052]
[0062] Article 6. The aforementioned energy utilization device is Fan turbine, and The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a generator coupled to the fan turbine.
[0053]
[0063] Article 7. The energy utilization device is a system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6, located within a conduit fixed to a wall.
[0054]
[0064] Article 8. The energy utilization device is a system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6, comprising a housing fixed to the toilet.
[0055]
[0065] Article 9. The toilet is provided with a lid, and the lid is provided with the energy utilization device, according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6.
[0056]
[0066] Article 10. It is a vehicle, Interior cabin and The interior cabin is equipped with a restroom, and the restroom is, Toilets, and A vehicle comprising an energy utilization device coupled to the toilet, configured to convert the vacuum force that flushes the contents of the toilet with water into electrical energy, and further configured to provide the electrical energy to one or more components.
[0057]
[0067] Article 11. The vehicle according to Clause 10, further comprising a wired connection between the energy utilization device and the one or more components.
[0058]
[0068] Article 12. The one or more components mentioned above are: One or more motors, One or more pumps, One or more sensors, 1 or more lights, One or more chargers, A vehicle as described in Clause 10 or 11, comprising one or more energy storage devices.
[0059]
[0069] Article 13. The vehicle according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, further comprising a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet, the vacuum flushing system configured to generate the vacuum force.
[0060]
[0070] Article 14. The aforementioned energy utilization device is Fan turbine, and The vehicle according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising a generator coupled to the fan turbine.
[0061]
[0071] Article 15. The energy utilization device is located in a conduit fixed to the wall of the restroom, in the vehicle according to any one of the clauses 10 to 14.
[0062]
[0072] Article 16. The energy utilization device is a vehicle according to any one of the clauses 10 to 14, comprising a housing fixed to the toilet.
[0063]
[0073] Article 17. The vehicle according to any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein the toilet is provided with a lid, and the lid is provided with the energy utilization device.
[0064]
[0074] Article 18. A method for a system, wherein the system is Toilets, and The toilet is equipped with an energy utilization device, The aforementioned method, A method comprising using the energy utilization device to convert the vacuum force used to flush the contents of the toilet with water into electrical energy.
[0065]
[0075] Article 19. The method according to clause 18, further comprising providing the electrical energy to one or more components using the energy utilization device.
[0066]
[0076] Article 20. The method according to clause 18 or 19, further comprising generating the vacuum force by a vacuum water flushing system coupled to the toilet.
[0067]
[0077] As described herein, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for efficiently and effectively supplying power to multiple components, such as aircraft lavatories. Furthermore, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for eliminating, minimizing, or otherwise reducing the need for batteries to supply power to specific multiple components. Furthermore, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for supplying power to multiple components within an aircraft without increasing the overall power consumption of the aircraft's main and / or auxiliary power sources.
[0068]
[0078] For the purposes of describing the embodiments of this disclosure, various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, downward, center, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and forward may be used, but it should be understood that such terms are used only to refer to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered, such as top becoming bottom or vice versa, or horizontal becoming vertical.
[0069]
[0079] When used herein, any structure, limitation, or element “configured to perform a work or action” is structurally formed, configured, or adapted in particular to correspond to the work or action. For clarity and to avoid misunderstanding, any object that can be modified to perform a work or action is not “configured / set up to perform a work or action” as used herein.
[0070]
[0080] The above description should be understood as illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and / or their forms) described above can be used in combination with one another. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt the teachings of the various embodiments of this disclosure to specific situations or materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are for the purpose of defining the parameters of the various embodiments of this disclosure, but these embodiments are not restrictive in any way and are illustrative. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reviewing the above description. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by referring to the appended claims and the entire scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the forms for carrying out the invention herein, the words “including” and “in which” are used as plain English synonyms for “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those objects. Moreover, the following limitations on the claims are not written in means-plus-function form and are not intended to be interpreted under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless or not explicitly used with the phrase “means for” followed by a description of a function lacking further structure.
[0071]
[0081] This specification discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, using examples, and enables a person skilled in the art to implement various embodiments of the disclosure, including the creation and use of any device or system, and the execution of any integrated method. The patentability of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive. Such other examples are intended to be included in the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that differ only slightly from the language of the claims.
Claims
1. System (100), Toilets (108), and A system (100) comprising an energy utilization device (112) coupled to the toilet (108), the energy utilization device (112) configured to convert the vacuum force (128) that flushes the contents of the toilet (108) with water into electrical energy.
2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the energy utilization device (112) is further configured to provide the electrical energy to one or more components (118).
3. The system (100) according to claim 2, further comprising a wired connection between the energy utilization device (112) and the one or more components (118).
4. The one or more components (118) mentioned above are, One or more motors (118a), One or more pumps (118b), One or more sensors (118c), One or more lights (118d), One or more chargers, The system (100) according to claim 2, comprising one or more energy storage devices (118f).
5. The system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum flushing system (110) coupled to the toilet (108), the vacuum flushing system (110) configured to generate the vacuum force (128).
6. The aforementioned energy utilization device (112) is Fan turbine (114), and The system (100) according to claim 1, comprising a generator (116) coupled to the fan turbine (114).
7. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the energy utilization device (112) is located inside a conduit (150) fixed to a wall (152).
8. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the energy utilization device (112) comprises a housing (130) fixed to the toilet (108).
9. The toilet (108) is provided with a lid (144), and the lid (144) is provided with the energy utilization device (112), the system (100) according to claim 1.
10. Vehicle (106), Interior cabin (104, 230) and The interior cabin (104, 230) is equipped with a restroom (102, 300), and the restroom (102, 300) is Toilets (108), and A vehicle (106) comprising an energy utilization device (112) coupled to the toilet (108), the energy utilization device (112) being configured to convert the vacuum force (128) that flushes the contents from the toilet (108) with water into electrical energy, and further configured to provide the electrical energy to one or more components (118).
11. The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, further comprising a wired connection between the energy utilization device (112) and the one or more components (118).
12. The one or more components (118) mentioned above are, One or more motors (118a), One or more pumps (118b), One or more sensors (118c), One or more lights (118d), One or more chargers, The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, comprising one or more energy storage devices (118f).
13. The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, further comprising a vacuum flushing system (110) coupled to the toilet (108), the vacuum flushing system (110) configured to generate the vacuum force (128).
14. The aforementioned energy utilization device (112) is Fan turbine (114), and The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, comprising a generator (116) coupled to the fan turbine (114).
15. The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, wherein the energy utilization device (112) is located in a conduit (150) fixed to the wall (152) of the restroom (102, 300).
16. The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, wherein the energy utilization device (112) comprises a housing (130) fixed to the toilet (108).
17. The vehicle (106) according to claim 10, wherein the toilet (108) is provided with a lid (144), and the lid (144) is provided with the energy utilization device (112).
18. A method for a system (100), wherein the system (100) is Toilets (108), and The toilet (108) is equipped with an energy utilization device (112) connected to it, The aforementioned method, A method comprising using the energy utilization device (112) to convert the vacuum force (128) that flushes the contents from the toilet (108) with water into electrical energy.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising providing the electrical energy to one or more components (118) by the energy utilization device (112).
20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising generating the vacuum force (128) by a vacuum water flushing system (110) coupled to the toilet (108).