Systems and methods for disinfecting the cabin of an aircraft.

Abstract

To provide a system and method for disinfecting an interior of an aircraft.SOLUTION: An aircraft includes an interior and an environmental system configured to circulate air through the interior. The aircraft also includes at least one disinfectant dispenser configured to dispense a disinfectant in the air circulated through the interior. In one example, a disclosed method for disinfecting the interior of the aircraft includes steps of: (1) circulating air through the interior of the aircraft; (2) dispensing the disinfectant in the air circulated through the interior; and (3) removing the disinfectant from the interior when a predetermined situation is reached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to aircraft, and more particularly to a system and method for disinfecting the interior of an aircraft.

Background Art

[0002] At certain times, it is necessary to disinfect the interior of an aircraft. Disinfectants are typically applied by hand or sprayed using a manually operated spray. Thus, the manual disinfection operation requires a lot of labor and time. In addition, in the manual disinfection operation, a human as an applicator can be exposed to harmful chemicals. Thus, worker protection equipment may be required to protect the human as an applicator. Further, there is a possibility that the disinfectant may be sucked into the functional system by an air circulation fan when applied to the interior of the aircraft, which may damage the components of the functional system. Therefore, those skilled in the art continue to make research and development efforts in the field of disinfecting the interior of an aircraft.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Examples of an aircraft, an aircraft disinfection system, and a method of disinfecting an aircraft are disclosed. The following are non-exhaustive listings of examples according to the present disclosure, and these may or may not be claimed.

[0004]

[0005] In one example, the disclosed aircraft disinfection system including the interior and the environmental system of the aircraft is a disinfectant supply configured to store a disinfectant, ​The system includes at least one disinfectant dispenser that is in fluid communication with a disinfectant supply unit and configured to spray disinfectant into air that is circulated inside the machine by an environmental system.

[0006] In one example, the method for disinfecting the cabin of an aircraft as disclosed is: (1) A step to circulate air inside the aircraft cabin, (2) A step of spraying disinfectant into the air that can be circulated inside the aircraft, (3) Once the specified conditions are met, the step of removing the disinfectant from the aircraft and Includes.

[0007] Other embodiments of the disclosed aircraft, disinfection system, and disinfection method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the accompanying claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an example aircraft. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an example of an aircraft environmental control system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram of an example of an aircraft cabin disinfection system. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an example of an environmental control system and a disinfection system. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating one example of a method for disinfecting the interior of an aircraft. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a spray nozzle for a disinfectant dispenser in a disinfection system. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a swirl nozzle for a disinfectant dispenser in a disinfection system. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a piccolo nozzle for a disinfectant dispenser in a disinfection system. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing and maintenance methods for aircraft. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments described herein. Other embodiments having different structures and processes do not depart from the scope of this disclosure. Similar reference numerals may represent the same features, elements, or components in different drawings.

[0010] Exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments of the subject matter of the invention relating to this disclosure are provided below. These are claimable, but not necessarily claimable. Where the “Example” is used herein, it means that one or more features, structures, elements, components, properties, and / or operating steps described in relation to that example are included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and / or implementation of the subject matter of the invention relating to this disclosure. Thus, expressions such as “one example” and “another example,” and similar wording used throughout this disclosure, may or may not refer to the same example. Furthermore, the subject matter characterizing any one embodiment may or may not include the subject matter characterizing any other embodiment. Furthermore, the subject matter characterizing any one embodiment may or may not be combined with the subject matter characterizing any other embodiment.

[0011] Using examples and referring broadly to Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8, the present disclosure relates to an aircraft 1200 (for example, shown in Figure 1), the aircraft 1200 includes a disinfection system 100 (for example, shown in Figures 3 and 4) for rapidly and efficiently disinfecting the interior 1206 of the aircraft 1200.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, in one or more embodiments, the aircraft 1200 is a fixed-wing aircraft. However, in other embodiments, the aircraft 1200 may be any other type of aircraft. The aircraft 1200 includes a plurality of higher-order systems 1204. Examples of higher-order systems 1204 include one or more of the following: a propulsion system 1208, an electrical system 1210, a hydraulic system 1212, an environmental control (environment) system 1214, and a flight control system 1258. In other embodiments, the aircraft 1200 may include any number of other types of systems, such as a communication system, a guidance system, a melee system, etc.

[0013] The aircraft 1200 includes a fuselage 1202. In one or more embodiments, the fuselage 1202 forms a body 1260, a pair of wings, and a tail. The fuselage 1260 generally defines the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200, which may include a cockpit, a passenger cabin, a cargo hold, and other compartments or service areas. The fuselage 1260 is the body of the aircraft 1200 and includes any suitable central structure configured to hold a crew, one or more passengers, service equipment, and / or cargo.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the propulsion system 1208 includes a turbofan engine mounted on the wing of the aircraft 1200, for example, by a pylon. In other embodiments, the engine may be mounted on the fuselage 1260 or on other aircraft structures, such as the tail of the aircraft 1200. In various other embodiments, the propulsion system 1208 may include more or fewer engines and other types of engines (e.g., turboprop engines) that are available.

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, in one or more embodiments, the environmental system 1214 is configured to circulate air 1224 (for example, shown in Figure 3) within the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200. In this specification, the expression "circulate air through the interior," and other similar expressions, generally refer to a process that includes introducing air from outside the cabin 1206, moving air within the cabin 1206, and expelling air from the cabin 1206. In this specification, the expression "circulate air through the interior," and other similar expressions, generally refer to moving air from one part of the aircraft 1200 (e.g., a compartment or area) to another part of the aircraft 1200 (e.g., a compartment or area) within the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200.

[0016] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the environmental system 1214 includes an air handling device 1218. The air handling device 1218 is configured to generate an airflow 1228 (for example, shown in Figure 3) that circulates air 1224 in the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the environmental system 1214 includes an air intake pipe 1216. The air intake pipe 1216 is in fluid communication with the air handling device 1218. The air intake pipe 1216 is configured to direct the airflow 1228 into the cabin 1206.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, in one or more embodiments, the air intake pipe 1216 is positioned in the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 such that the airflow 1228 (for example, shown in Figure 3) is directed to at least the passenger cabin and cockpit of the aircraft 1200. In other embodiments, the air intake pipe 1216 is positioned so that the airflow 1228 is directed to other areas of the cabin 1206, such as crew rest areas, galleys, lavatories, cargo compartments, personal air vents, etc. As an example, a wide-body commercial aircraft typically includes three to six cabin zones that form the passenger cabin. The air intake pipe 1216 is positioned so that the airflow 1228 is directed to each of the cabin zones.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in one or more embodiments, the supply air duct 1216 includes a plurality of supply air outlets 1226. Each of the supply air outlets 1226 is disposed in the cabin 1206 such that an air flow 1228 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3) is directed to various areas of the cabin 1206. In one or more embodiments, the environmental system 1214 also includes at least one return air inlet 1242 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) disposed in the cabin 1206 such that air in the cabin 1206 circulates through at least one return air duct 1256 (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the environmental system 1214 also includes an outflow valve 1264 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) that is in fluid communication with the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 and in fluid communication with the exterior of the aircraft 1200. The outflow valve 1264 is configured to maintain a predetermined pressure in the cabin 1206. For example, when a certain amount of air (e.g., a certain air volume) is introduced into the cabin 1206 via the supply air outlet 1226, a corresponding amount of air (e.g., air volume is discharged from the cabin 1206 via the outflow valve 1264.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in one or more embodiments of the environmental system 1214, outside air supply 1244 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 4) is drawn into the cabin 1206. In one example, outside air supply 1244 is drawn into the cabin 1206 using an outside air supply fan 1252 that is in fluid communication with an adjustable air duct 1248 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 4). In one or more embodiments, outside air supply fan 1252 is an example of an air handling device 1218 or forms part of the air handling device 1218. In one example, bleed air flowing over one or more engines of the aircraft 1200 is directed into the cabin 1206. In other embodiments, outside air is flowed from various compressor stages within the engine (e.g., air is drawn into a compressor within at least one engine). In these embodiments, outside air supply fan 1252 generally refers to and may be referred to as the engine compressor. In one or more embodiments, outside air supply 1244 is conditioned (e.g., heated or cooled) using an air conditioning unit 1262 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the environmental system 1214, a recirculation air supply 1246 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 4) is drawn out of the cabin 1206 by a recirculation air supply fan 1254 that is in fluid communication with, for example, a return air duct 1256 and in fluid communication with a recirculation air duct 1250 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 4). In one or more embodiments, recirculation air supply fan 1254 is an example of an air handling device 1218 or forms part of the air handling device 1218.

[0022] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the environmental system 1214 includes an environmental controller 1238. The environmental controller 1238 communicates with air handling devices 1218, such as an outside air supply fan 1252 and a recirculating air supply fan 1254, respectively. For example, the environmental controller 1238 is configured to selectively control the outside air supply fan 1252 and the recirculating air supply fan 1254, respectively. As an example, at least one of the outside air supply fan 1252 and the recirculating air supply fan 1254 may be selectively activated or selectively deactivated by instructions from the environmental controller 1238. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the outside air supply fan 1252 and the recirculating air supply fan 1254 includes a variable speed fan 1236 (for example, shown in Figure 3) or takes the form of such a variable speed fan 1236, thereby selectively controlling the speed of at least one of the outside air supply fan 1252 and the recirculating air supply fan 1254 at the direction of the environment controller 1238.

[0023] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the outside air supply 1244 and the recirculated air supply 1246 are directed to the mixing manifold 1232, where they are mixed to form an airflow 1228 (for example, shown in Figure 3). In one or more embodiments, the air supply pipe 1216 is in fluid communication with the mixing manifold 1232, directing the airflow 1228 from the mixing manifold 1232 to various areas of the machine interior 1206.

[0024] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the aircraft 1200 also includes at least one disinfectant dispenser 108. The at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is configured to spray disinfectant 104 (e.g., shown in Figure 3) into the air 1224 (e.g., shown in Figure 3) circulating in the cabin 1206.

[0025] Generally, disinfectant 104 is any chemical agent designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air. When disinfectant 104 is sprayed into the air 1224, a gaseous disinfectant mixture 150 (for example, shown in Figure 3), or a gas mixed with droplets of disinfectant 104, is produced, which can cover multiple contact surfaces 1240 located inside the machine 1206. For example, filling the machine 1206 with disinfectant mixture 150 facilitates the rapid and efficient disinfection of a large number of contact surfaces 1240 and large contact surfaces 1240 compared to other manual disinfection methods. In addition, filling the machine 1206 with disinfectant mixture 150 facilitates the disinfection of parts of the contact surfaces 1240 that might be overlooked during manual disinfection.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, in one or more embodiments, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located in the air supply pipe 1216 (e.g., at least one air supply pipe 1216) of the environmental system 1214 to directly spray the disinfectant 104 into the airflow 1228 in the air supply pipe 1216.

[0027] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes at least one sensor 144 (for example, shown in Figure 3). The at least one sensor 144 is configured to detect one or more conditions in the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 also includes a disinfectant controller 120. The disinfectant controller 120 is configured to selectively control the dispensing of disinfectant 104 from, for example, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 based on one or more conditions detected by the at least one sensor 144.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to monitor one or more states inside the machine 1206 (for example, periodically or continuously) before the disinfectant 104 is introduced into the air 1224, during the introduction of the disinfectant 104 into the air 1224, and after the disinfectant 104 has been introduced into the air 1224.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to selectively control one or more functional components of the environmental system 1214, such as an air handling device 1218, various variable-speed fans 1236, various circulation fans 1222, etc. For example, the disinfectant controller 120 may communicate directly or indirectly with multiple functional components of the environmental system 1214 via the environmental controller 1238. In one example, the disinfectant controller 120 communicates with the environmental controller 1238, thereby allowing the environmental controller 1238 to selectively control the components of the environmental system 1214 under instructions from the disinfectant controller 120.

[0030] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, one or more conditions include at least one of the occupancy rate of the cabin 1206 and the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224. In other embodiments, one or more conditions include other measurable or determinable conditions such as the internal pressure of the cabin 1206 and the circulation rate of the air 1224 flowing through the cabin 1206.

[0031] Continuing to refer to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 comprises a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a disinfectant delivery device 106. The disinfectant delivery device 106 is in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108). The disinfectant delivery device 106 is configured to deliver disinfectant 104 to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108).

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 also includes a distribution manifold 110. The distribution manifold 110 is in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device 106 and with a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The distribution manifold 110 is configured to distribute disinfectant 104 to each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes at least one metering device 142. The metering device 142 is located between the disinfectant delivery device 106 and a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 or each of the disinfectant dispensers 108) and is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device 106 and the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 or each of the disinfectant dispensers 108). The metering device 142 is configured to selectively control the amount of disinfectant 104 delivered to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 or each of the disinfectant dispensers 108).

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the metering device 142 includes, or takes the form of, any mechanism suitable for selectively adjusting and controlling the fluid flow (e.g., mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate), flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate), or other parameters. In one or more embodiments, the metering device 142 communicates with a disinfectant controller 120, thereby controlling the amount of disinfectant 104 transmitted from the disinfectant delivery device 106 to a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 or each disinfectant dispenser 108) based on instructions from the disinfectant controller 120.

[0035] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, at least one metering device 142 comprises a plurality of metering devices 142 (for example, shown in Figure 4). Each of the plurality of metering devices 142 is in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device 106 and is in fluid communication with a corresponding disinfectant dispenser 108 among the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. Each of the plurality of metering devices 142 is configured to selectively control the amount of disinfectant 104 delivered to the corresponding disinfectant dispenser 108 among the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 communicates with the disinfectant delivery device 106. The disinfectant controller 120 is configured to selectively start or terminate the delivery of disinfectant 104 from the disinfectant delivery device 106 to a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 or each of the disinfectant dispensers 108). Selective control of the disinfectant delivery device 106 facilitates selective control of the dispensing of disinfectant 104 from the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 or each of the disinfectant dispensers 108).

[0037] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 (or each of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108) is selectively controllable by the disinfectant controller 120. For example, the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 (e.g., at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 (or each of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108)) are “smart” dispensers and include an operable valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) configured to selectively start, selectively end, or selectively control the flow of disinfectant 104 through the disinfectant dispenser 108 at the instruction of the disinfectant controller 120.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, in one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes an occupancy sensor 112. The occupancy sensor 112 communicates with the disinfectant controller 120. The occupancy sensor 112 is configured to generate an occupancy signal 114 indicating whether the aircraft 1206 is in use. The occupancy sensor 112 is one embodiment of a plurality of sensors 144.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the occupancy sensor 112 is appropriately positioned to detect the presence of a person in the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 is adapted (e.g., programmed) to determine, based on the occupancy signal 114, whether the cabin 1206 is being used by a person. In one or more embodiments, the occupancy sensor 112 includes or takes the form of at least one of the following: an infrared (IR) sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a thermal sensor, etc. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or the aircraft 1200 includes a plurality of occupancy sensors 112.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or the aircraft 1200 includes a concentration sensor 116. The concentration sensor 116 communicates with a disinfectant controller 120. The concentration sensor 116 is configured to generate a concentration signal 118 indicating the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 inside the aircraft 1206. The concentration sensor 116 is one embodiment of a plurality of sensors 144.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, a concentration sensor 116 is appropriately positioned to detect the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224. In one or more embodiments, a disinfectant controller 120 is adapted (e.g., programmed) to determine the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 based on a concentration signal 118. In one or more embodiments, the concentration sensor 116 includes or takes the form of a gas sensor, an optical gas sensor, an electrochemical gas sensor, etc. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a plurality of concentration sensors 116.

[0042] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to determine the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 of the aircraft cabin 1206 based on the internal volume 1230 of the cabin 1206 and the circulation rate of the air 1224 flowing through the cabin 1206. In this specification, “circulation rate” refers to the speed at which a certain amount of gas (e.g., air 1224, or a mixture 150 of air 1224 and disinfectant 104) enters and leaves the cabin 1206.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 includes a computing device, which includes a processor and a memory storing instructions to be executed by the processor. The disinfectant controller 120 is adapted (e.g., programmed) to determine (e.g., calculate) the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 (e.g., disinfectant mixture 150) in the chamber 1206 based on a plurality of known and / or controllable variables. In one or more embodiments, the internal volume 1230 of the chamber 1206 and the circulation rate of the air 1224 flowing through the chamber 1206 are examples of the plurality of known and / or controllable variables. In addition, the amount (e.g., flow or rate) of disinfectant 104 sprayed into the airflow 1228 is also an example of known and / or controllable variables, based on, for example, the operating variables of the disinfectant delivery device 106 and / or at least one disinfectant dispenser 108. Furthermore, the amount (e.g., flow or flow rate) of air 1224 (e.g., airflow 1228) directed into the cabin 1206 is also an example of a known and / or controllable variable based on the operating variables of the air handling device 1218.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, in one or more examples of the aircraft 1200, the air handling device 1218 is configured to generate an airflow 1228 (for example, shown in Figure 3) that circulates air 1224 (for example, shown in Figure 3) within the cabin 1206. In one or more embodiments, a disinfectant controller 120 (for example, shown in Figures 3 and 4) communicates with the air handling device 1218, for example, via an environmental controller 1238 (for example, shown in Figures 3 and 4). The disinfectant controller 120 is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the air handling device 1218 by giving commands to the environmental controller 1238, for example.

[0045] In one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the air handling device 1218 includes at least one variable-speed fan 1236 (for example, shown in Figure 3). In one or more embodiments, the variable-speed fan 1236 is at least one of an outside air supply fan 1252 (for example, an engine compressor) (for example, shown in Figures 2 and 4) and a recirculating air supply fan 1254 (for example, shown in Figures 2 and 4).

[0046] In one or more embodiments, an air conditioning unit 1262 (for example, shown in Figure 2) is configured to provide a variable flow of air 1224.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the variable-speed fan 1236 is an additional fan included in the environmental system 1214.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, a variable-speed fan 1236 supplies a variable flow (e.g., a variable airflow 1228) to the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200. The disinfectant controller 120 increases the speed of the variable-speed fan 1236 in accordance with at least one predetermined condition to increase the airflow (e.g., airflow 1228) from the air handling device 1218, for example, to remove the disinfectant 104 from the cabin 1206. Examples of at least one predetermined condition include, but are not limited to, the disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 reaching a predetermined concentration (e.g., an effective concentration), the disinfectant 104 reaching a suitable time to disinfect the contact surface 1240, or the cabin 1206 reaching a predetermined internal pressure. Generally, increasing the speed of a variable-speed fan 1236 (for example, at least one of an outside air supply fan 1252 and a recirculating air supply fan 1254) increases the airflow 1224 passing through the interior 1206 and increases the circulation speed of the air 1224.

[0049] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 to 4, in one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the environmental system 1214 includes a plurality of air intake pipes 1216. The air intake pipes 1216 are in fluid communication with the air handling device 1218. The air intake pipes 1216 are configured to direct the airflow 1228 into the cabin 1206. At least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located in at least one of the air intake pipes 1216 to spray disinfectant 104 directly into the airflow 1228 within the air intake pipes 1216.

[0050] In one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the air intake pipe 1216 includes a plurality of air intake outlets 1226 located in the cabin 1206. At least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located upstream of the plurality of air intake outlets 1226 (for example, as shown in Figure 4). By placing at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 in the air intake pipe 1216 upstream of the air intake outlets 1226, it is made easier to properly mix the disinfectant 104 with the airflow 1228 in the air intake pipe 1216 before the airflow 1228 leaves the air intake outlets 1226 and is introduced into the cabin 1206.

[0051] In one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the air intake pipe 1216 has an inner diameter 1234 (for example, as shown in Figure 3). In one or more embodiments, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located upstream of any of the multiple air intake outlets 1226 at a distance of at least five times the inner diameter 1234. In one or more embodiments, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located upstream of any of the multiple air intake outlets 1226 at a distance shorter than five times the inner diameter 1234. The distance at which at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located upstream of any of the multiple air intake outlets 1226 may depend on the shape of the disinfectant 104. For example, when the disinfectant 104 is in gaseous form, the distance required to ensure sufficient mixing of the disinfectant 104 and air 1224 may be at least five times the inner diameter 1234 of the air intake pipe 1216. In other embodiments, when the disinfectant 104 is in liquid form, the distance required to ensure sufficient mixing of the disinfectant 104 and the air 1224 may be shorter than five times the inner diameter 1234 of the air supply pipe 1216.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 also includes a disinfectant delivery device 106 and a distribution manifold 110 in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The distribution manifold 110 is configured to distribute disinfectant 104 to each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108.

[0053] In one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the air intake pipe 1216 includes a plurality of air intake outlets 1226 located inside the aircraft 1206. At least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 corresponds to one of the plurality of air intake outlets 1226 (for example, shown in Figure 4). At least one of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108 is located in each of the air intake pipes 1216, upstream from the corresponding air intake outlet 1226, to directly spray disinfectant 104 into the airflow 1228 in each of the air intake pipes 1216.

[0054] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 to 4, in one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a mixing manifold 1232. The mixing manifold 1232 is located between the air handling device 1218 and the air intake pipe 1216 and communicates with the air handling device 1218 and the air intake pipe 1216. As shown in Figure 4, in one or more embodiments, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located within the mixing manifold 1232 to directly spray disinfectant 104 into the airflow 1228 within the mixing manifold 1232.

[0055] By placing at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 within the mixing manifold 1232, the number of disinfectant dispensers 108 required to generate the disinfectant mixture 150 (e.g., shown in Figure 3) within the mixing manifold 1232 and to distribute the disinfectant mixture 150 to the multiple air supply pipes 1216 is reduced.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 is located in the mixing manifold 1232, and at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 is located in one or more air supply pipes 1216.

[0057] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the cabin 1206 includes a floor 1220. In one or more embodiments, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 (e.g., at least one of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108) is coupled to the floor 1220 and sprays disinfectant 104 directly into the air 1224 of the cabin 1206 (e.g., shown in Figure 4). Positioning at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 on the floor 1220 of the cabin 1206 allows the disinfectant 104 to mix with the air 1224 as the air 1224 circulates through the cabin 1206.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, in one or more embodiments, at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 is located in the mixing manifold 1232, and at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 is located in at least one of the air supply pipes 1216 or in each air supply pipe 1216, and at least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 is located on the floor 1220.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, in one or more embodiments, the aircraft 1200 includes a plurality of circulating fans 1222 located in the cabin 1206. The circulating fans 1222 are configured to circulate the air 1224 in the cabin 1206. In one example, the circulating fans 1222 are configured to move the air 1224 between different parts of the cabin 1206 (e.g., compartments, areas, cabin zones, etc.) that include at least one air intake outlet 1226 (e.g., shown in Figures 2 and 4). In other embodiments, the circulating fans 1222 are configured to move the air 1224 from one part of the cabin 1206 that includes at least one air intake outlet 1226 to any other part of the cabin 1206 that does not include at least one air intake outlet 1226. For example, electronic components of aircraft 1200 (e.g., components of electrical system 1210, components of flight control system 1258, components of communication system, etc.) may be located in parts of the cabin 1206 that do not have one of the air intake outlets 1226. Therefore, these parts of the cabin 1206 can receive air 1224 via the circulation fan 1222 to cool the electronic components, etc.

[0060] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, the disinfectant controller 120 communicates with a plurality of circulating fans 1222. For example, the disinfectant controller 120 can communicate directly or indirectly with the plurality of circulating fans 1222 via an environmental controller 1238. The disinfectant controller 120 is configured to selectively activate or deactivate each of the plurality of circulating fans 1222. For example, the disinfectant controller 120 can deactivate one or more circulating fans 1222 while the disinfectant 104 is present in the aircraft cabin 1206 to prevent the disinfectant 104 from coming into contact with (e.g., on) unwanted surfaces, equipment, filters, etc.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a disinfectant supply unit 102. The disinfectant supply unit 102 is configured to store a disinfectant 104. The disinfectant supply unit 102 is in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device 106. The disinfectant supply unit 102 includes or takes the form of any container (e.g., a storage unit or tank) suitable for holding a certain amount of disinfectant 104, depending on the form of the disinfectant 104.

[0062] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, the disinfectant supply unit 102 is located inside the aircraft 1206. In these embodiments, the disinfectant supply unit 102 can be refilled.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a disinfectant connection port 148. The disinfectant connection port 148 is in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device 106. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant connection port 148 is located outside the aircraft 1206, and the disinfectant supply unit 102 is located outside the aircraft 1206. The disinfectant supply unit 102 is configured to be fluidly connected to the disinfectant connection port 148. In these examples, the disinfectant supply unit 102 is portable when located outside the aircraft 1200 and is detachably connected to the disinfectant delivery device 106 via the disinfectant connection port 148 before the commencement of disinfection work.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200 includes a disinfectant filling port 146. The disinfectant filling port 146 is in fluid communication with a disinfectant supply unit 102 and is configured to allow a certain amount of disinfectant 104 to be supplied to the disinfectant supply unit 102 (for example, into the disinfectant supply unit 102).

[0065] Referring to Figure 3, in one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, the disinfectant 104 is gas 128. The disinfectant delivery device 106 includes a fan 124. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant 104 includes any suitable gaseous disinfectant material, such as at least one of a chemical-based gas, ionized air gas, ozone, etc. In one or more embodiments, the fan 124 includes any suitable gas transfer device.

[0066] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, in one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 includes or takes the form of a piccolo nozzle 126, also referred to as a piccolo tube nozzle. In one or more embodiments, the piccolo nozzle 126 includes or takes the form of a closed tube or pipe having a plurality of outlets through which gas is sprayed. In the above embodiments, the piccolo nozzle 126 facilitates the spraying of a gaseous disinfectant 104 (e.g., gas 128) into the air 1224 to form a mixture 150.

[0067] In other embodiments, different types of suitable gas dispensing nozzles or gas spraying nozzles may also be considered.

[0068] In one or more embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the disinfectant 104 (e.g., gas 128) includes or takes the form of ozone 140. In one or more embodiments, the aircraft 1200 includes a catalytic converter 138. The catalytic converter 138 is configured to convert the disinfectant 104 (e.g., ozone 140) in the air 1224 of the cabin 1206 to oxygen. By utilizing the catalytic converter 138, the rate at which the disinfectant 104 is removed from the cabin 1206 can be increased.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, in one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, the disinfectant 104 is a liquid 130. The disinfectant delivery device 106 includes or takes the form of a pump 132. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant 104 includes any suitable liquid disinfectant substance, such as at least one of a chemical liquid disinfectant, a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant, a bleach-based disinfectant, etc. In one or more embodiments, the pump 132 includes any suitable liquid transfer device.

[0070] Referring to Figures 3 and 6, in one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 includes or takes the form of a spray nozzle 134, also referred to as an atomizer nozzle or aspirator nozzle. In one or more embodiments, the spray nozzle 134 is configured to atomize a liquid (e.g., disinfectant 130) by generating a fine mist. In the above example, the spray nozzle 134 facilitates the dispersal of a liquid disinfectant 104 (e.g., liquid 130) into the air 1224 to form a mixture 150. For example, a liquid disinfectant 104 (e.g., liquid 130) and compressed air may be used to generate a mist of the liquid to be sprayed at low pressure.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, in one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and / or aircraft 1200, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 includes or takes the form of a swirl nozzle 136, also referred to as a pressure swirl nozzle. In one or more embodiments, the swirl nozzle 136 includes a fixed core configured to produce droplets of small particle size and causing rotational movement of the liquid, thereby swirling the liquid disinfectant 104 (e.g., liquid 130) within the swirl chamber. The atomized disinfectant is released from the outer circumference of the outlet, which produces a characteristic hollow conical spray pattern. Air, or other ambient gas, is drawn into the swirl chamber, forming an air core in the swirling liquid. Depending on the nozzle volume and the material of the structure, numerous configurations of the liquid inlet can be used to produce the hollow conical spray pattern. In the above example, the swirl nozzle 136 facilitates the dispersal of the liquid disinfectant 104 (e.g., liquid 130) into the air 1224 to form the mixture 150.

[0072] In other embodiments, different types of suitable liquid dispensing nozzles or liquid spray nozzles may also be considered.

[0073] Referring broadly to Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8 by example, this disclosure relates to a disinfection system 100 for rapidly and efficiently disinfecting the cabin 1206 of an aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 is located within, integrated with, or forms part of a portion of the aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 is located within, integrated with, or forms part of an environmental system 1214. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 is a standalone system appropriately positioned within the aircraft 1200 and / or environmental system 1214 for performing disinfection work.

[0074] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, in one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a disinfectant supply unit 102 configured to store a disinfectant 104. The disinfection system 100 also includes at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply unit 102, configured to spray the disinfectant 104 into air 1224 that is circulated through the interior 1206 by an environmental system 1214.

[0075] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located within the air intake pipe 1216 of the environmental system 1214 to spray disinfectant 104 directly onto the airflow 1228 within the air intake pipe 1216. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes at least one sensor 144 configured to detect one or more conditions in the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200. The disinfection system 100 also includes a disinfectant controller 120 configured to selectively control the spraying of disinfectant 104 from at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 based on one or more conditions detected by the at least one sensor 144.

[0076] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, one or more states include at least one of the occupancy rate of the chamber 1206 and the concentration of the disinfectant 104 in the air 1224. In other embodiments, one or more states include any other measurable or determinable states such as the internal pressure of the chamber, the circulation rate of the air 1224 flowing through the chamber 1206, etc.

[0077] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 comprises a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The disinfection system 100 includes a disinfectant delivery device 106 that is in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The disinfection system 100 also includes a distribution manifold 110 that is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device 106 and the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The distribution manifold 110 is configured to distribute disinfectant 104 to each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a disinfectant delivery device 106 that is in fluid communication with a disinfectant supply unit 102 and at least one disinfectant dispenser 108. The disinfectant delivery device 106 is configured to deliver disinfectant 104 to at least one disinfectant dispenser 108.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a metering device 142 positioned between a disinfectant delivery device 106 and at least one disinfectant dispenser 108, and in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device 106 and at least one disinfectant dispenser 108. The metering device 142 is configured to selectively control the amount of disinfectant 104 delivered to at least one disinfectant dispenser 108.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a disinfectant controller 120 that communicates with a disinfectant delivery device 106, and is configured to selectively start or stop the delivery of disinfectant 104 from the disinfectant delivery device 106 to at least one disinfectant dispenser 108.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes an occupancy sensor 112 that communicates with a disinfectant controller 120 and is configured to generate an occupancy signal 114 indicating whether the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 is in use.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a concentration sensor 116 that communicates with a disinfectant controller 120 and is configured to generate a concentration signal 118 indicating the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 inside the cabin 1206 of an aircraft 1200.

[0083] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to determine the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air inside the aircraft 1206 of the aircraft 1200 based on the internal volume 1230 of the cabin 1206 and the circulation rate of the air 1224 flowing through the cabin 1206.

[0084] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to communicate with the air handling device 1218 of the environmental system 1214, generate an airflow 1228 that circulates the air 1224 flowing through the interior 1206, and selectively activate or deactivate the air handling device 1218.

[0085] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located in at least one of the plurality of air supply pipes 1216 of the environmental system 1214, which is in fluid communication with the air handling device 1218, in order to directly spray disinfectant 104 into the airflow 1228 in at least one of the plurality of air supply pipes 1216.

[0086] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is positioned upstream from a plurality of air outlets 1226 of a plurality of air supply pipes 1216.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the environmental system 100 includes a plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The disinfection system 100 also includes a disinfectant delivery device 106 and a distribution manifold 110 that is in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108. The distribution manifold 110 is configured to distribute disinfectant 104 to each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers 108.

[0088] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, each of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 corresponds to one of the multiple air outlets 1226 of the multiple air supply pipes 1216. At least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers 108 is located in each of the multiple air supply pipes 1216, upstream from the corresponding air outlet 1226, in order to directly spray the disinfectant 104 into the airflow 1228 in each of the multiple air supply pipes 1216.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a mixing manifold 1232 positioned between an air handling device 1218 and a plurality of air supply pipes 1216, and in fluid communication with the air handling device 1218 and the plurality of air supply pipes 1216. At least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is located within the mixing manifold 1232 to spray disinfectant 104 directly onto the airflow 1228 within the mixing manifold 1232.

[0090] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 is coupled to the floor 1220 of the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 and sprays disinfectant 104 directly into the air 1224 of the cabin 1206.

[0091] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to communicate with a plurality of circulation fans 1222 of the aircraft 1200 and to selectively activate or deactivate each of the plurality of circulation fans 1222.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a disinfectant supply unit 102 configured to store disinfectant 104 and to be in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device 106. In one or more embodiments, a regulator 152 (for example, shown in Figure 4) is connected between the disinfectant supply unit 102 and the disinfectant delivery device 106 and is in fluid communication with both the disinfectant supply unit 102 and the disinfectant delivery device 106. The regulator 152 is configured to selectively control the flow of disinfectant 104 from the disinfectant supply unit 102. In one or more embodiments, a disinfectant controller 120 communicates with the regulator 152 to selectively control the flow of disinfectant 104. In one or more embodiments, additional components such as pumps, valves, limiters, etc., may be used to move the disinfectant 104.

[0093] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant supply unit 102 is located inside the aircraft 1206 of the aircraft 1200.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a disinfectant connection port 148, which is connected to the aircraft 1200 outside the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 and is in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device 106. The disinfectant supply unit 102 is located outside the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 and is in fluid communication with the disinfectant connection port 148.

[0095] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant 104 is a gas 128. The disinfectant delivery device 106 includes or takes the form of a fan 124.

[0096] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 includes or takes the form of a piccolo nozzle 126.

[0097] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant 104 contains or takes the form of ozone 140.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 includes a catalytic converter 138 configured to convert a disinfectant 104 (e.g., ozone 140) in the air 1224 inside the machine 1206 into oxygen.

[0099] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, the disinfectant 104 is a liquid 130. The disinfectant delivery device 106 includes or takes the form of a pump 132.

[0100] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 includes or takes the form of a spray nozzle 134.

[0101] In one or more embodiments of the disinfection system 100, at least one disinfectant dispenser 108 includes or takes the form of a swirl nozzle 136.

[0102] Referring broadly to Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8, and in particular Figure 5, the present disclosure also relates to a method 1000 for disinfecting the cabin 1206 of an aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the method 1000 is implemented and carried out using a disinfection system 100.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, Method 1000 includes the step of circulating air 1224 in the cabin 1206 of an aircraft 1200 (block 1002). Method 1000 also includes spraying disinfectant 104 into the air 1224 being circulated in the cabin 1206 (block 1004). Method 1000 further includes the step of removing the disinfectant 104 from the cabin 1206 once a predetermined condition has been reached (block 1006).

[0104] In one or more embodiments, according to Method 1000, the step of circulating air 1224 in the cabin 1206 (block 1002) includes, or is achieved by, the steps of generating an airflow 1228 (block 1008) and directing the airflow 1228 into the cabin 1206 (block 1010).

[0105] In one or more embodiments, method 1000 includes the step (block 1012) of mixing disinfectant 104 with air 1224 to form a mixture 150.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, according to Method 1000, the step of spraying disinfectant 104 into the air 1224 (block 1004) includes the step of spraying disinfectant 104 directly into the airflow 1228. According to Method 1000, the step of mixing disinfectant 104 (block 1012) includes the step of mixing disinfectant 104 with the airflow 1228 before directing the airflow 1228 into the cabin 1206.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, according to Method 1000, the step of spraying disinfectant 104 into the air 1224 (block 1004) includes directing the airflow 1228 into the cabin 1206 and then spraying the disinfectant 104 in the cabin 1206. According to Method 1000, the step of mixing disinfectant 104 (block 1012) includes directing the airflow 1228 into the cabin 1206 and then mixing the disinfectant 104 with the airflow 1228.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, method 1000 includes a step (block 1014) of determining the occupancy rate of the aircraft 1200, such as determining that the cabin 1206 is not being used before spraying the disinfectant 104 into the air 1224.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, method 1000 includes the step (block 1016) of determining the concentration of disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 inside the machine 1206.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, according to method 1000, a predetermined state includes the disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 reaching a predetermined concentration.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, according to method 1000, a predetermined state includes reaching a predetermined pressure inside the machine 1206.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, according to method 1000, a predetermined state includes reaching a predetermined period of time.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the step of removing the disinfectant 104 from the machine interior 1206 when a predetermined condition is reached (block 1006) includes detecting the predetermined condition and, in response to the detection of the predetermined condition, removing the disinfectant 104 from the machine interior 1206.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, Method 1000 includes the step of ending the internal circulation of air 1224 in the cabin 1206 before spraying the disinfectant 104 into the air 1224. For example, one or more circulation fans 1222 can be stopped to prevent the disinfectant 104 from entering undesirable areas of the cabin 1206.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, according to Method 1000, the step of removing the disinfectant 104 from the chamber 1206 (block 1006) includes the steps of ending the spraying of the disinfectant 104 and continuing the circulation of air 1224 in the chamber 1206. By directing the airflow 1228 into the chamber 1206 in the absence of the disinfectant 104, the chamber 1206 is filled with air 1224, and thus the concentration of the disinfectant 104 decreases, and / or the disinfectant mixture 150 is pushed out of the chamber 1206 as the air 1224 fills the chamber 1206. The removal of the disinfectant 104 is continued until the concentration of the disinfectant 104 in the area decreases to below a predetermined threshold.

[0116] Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosed aircraft 1200, disinfection system 100, and method 1000 facilitate the direct injection of disinfectant 104 (e.g., gas or liquid) into the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 via air supply by the environmental control system 1214. In one or more examples, the disinfection process is automated. For example, a number of sensors 144 detect whether the cabin 1206 is empty and whether there is enough disinfectant 104 in the air 1224 to properly disinfect the contact surfaces 1240. The disinfection system 100 fills at least a portion of the cabin 1206 with disinfectant mixture 150 (a gaseous mixture of disinfectant 104 and air 1224). The disinfection system 100 then removes the disinfectant mixture 150 from the cabin 1206. Multiple sensors 144 also detect that the disinfectant mixture 150 has been removed from the aircraft cabin 1206 and generate a sign indicating that the aircraft cabin 1206 is safe for re-entry.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 is configured to control all or some of the aircraft's circulating fans 1222 to ensure that the cabin 1206 is properly filled with disinfectant 104, that the disinfectant 104 is not directed towards areas of the cabin 1206 housing electronic systems, and that the disinfectant 104 does not enter equipment racks. In one or more embodiments, the disinfectant controller 120 is also configured to control other fans for filters to prevent the disinfectant 104 from accumulating on the filters.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection system 100 is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) component of the aircraft 1200. In one or more embodiments, the aircraft 1200 is modified to include the disinfection system 100.

[0119] Referring here to Figures 1 and 9, embodiments of the disinfection system 100 and method 1000 may be used in relation to or in connection with the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1100 shown in the flowchart of Figure 9, and the aircraft 1200 schematically shown in Figure 1.

[0120] As shown in Figure 9, in the pre-manufacturing stage, Method 1100 includes the specification and design of the aircraft 1200 (block 1102) and material procurement (block 1104). In the manufacturing stage of the aircraft 1200, the components and subassemblies of the aircraft 1200 are manufactured (block 1106) and system integration is performed (block 1108). Subsequently, the aircraft 1200 is licensed and delivered (block 1110) and put into operation (block 1112). Periodic maintenance and upkeep (block 1114) includes the modification, reconfiguration, and refurbishment of one or more systems of the aircraft 1200.

[0121] Each process of Method 1100 shown in Figure 9 may be carried out or performed by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this specification, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military organization, service organization, etc.

[0122] The aircraft 1200, disinfection system 100, and method 1000 illustrated or described herein may be used at one or more arbitrary stages of the manufacturing and maintenance method 1100 shown in the flowchart in Figure 9. For example, embodiments of the disclosed aircraft 1200, disinfection system 100, and method 1000 may form part of the manufacturing of components and subassemblies (block 1106) and / or system integration (block 1108). For instance, using embodiments of the disclosed disinfection system 100 and method 1000 to disinfect the cabin 1206 of the aircraft 1200 and / or components of the aircraft 1200 may correspond to the manufacturing of components and subassemblies (block 1106) and may be used in a similar manner to components or subassemblies prepared during the operation of the aircraft 1200 (block 1112). Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed disinfection system 100 and method 1000 may be used during system integration (block 1108) and authorization and delivery (block 1110). Similarly, embodiments of the disclosed disinfection system 100 and method 1000 may, for example, be used during the operation (block 1112) and maintenance and servicing (block 1114) of an aircraft 1200, but are not limited to these applications.

[0123] While examples from the aerospace industry are provided, the embodiments and principles disclosed herein may also be applicable to the automotive, space, construction, and other design and manufacturing industries. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft, the embodiments and principles disclosed herein may also be applicable to other types of vehicles (e.g., land vehicles, marine vessels, spacecraft, etc.) and standalone structures.

[0124] In this specification, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a particular function is, in fact, capable of performing that particular function without any modification, rather than merely having the potential to perform that particular function after further modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a particular function is specifically selected, created, implemented, used, programmed and / or designed for the purpose of performing that particular function. In this specification, the expression "configured to" indicates an existing characteristic of the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enables it to perform a particular function without further modification. For the purposes of this disclosure, any system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as “configured to” perform a particular function may be described as “adapted to” and / or “operable to” additionally or alternatively to perform such function.

[0125] Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used solely as symbols in this specification and are not intended to impose any sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items they refer to. Furthermore, the reference to an item “second,” for example, does not necessitate or exclude the existence of an item, for example, “first” or a smaller number, and / or an item, for example, “third” or a larger number.

[0126] In this specification, the expression "at least one of" used with an enumerated item means that one or more different combinations of the enumerated items may be used, and only one of the enumerated items may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may include, but is not limited to, "item A" or "item A and item B". This example may also include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, "at least one of" may include, for example, "two items A, one item B, and ten items C", "four items B, and seven items C", and other preferred combinations, but is not limited to these.

[0127] For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, connected, fastened, bonded, connected, communicated, or otherwise related to one another (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, or electromagnetically). In various embodiments, these elements may be related directly or indirectly. For example, element A may be directly related to element B. In another example, element A may be related to element B, for example, via another element C. It should be understood that not all relationships between the various elements disclosed are necessarily represented. Accordingly, other couplings not shown in the drawings may also exist.

[0128] In this specification, the term “approximately” refers to or represents a state that is close to, but not strictly, a specified state in which the desired function is still performed or the desired result is achieved. For example, the term “approximately” refers to a state that is within a given acceptable tolerance or precision range, such as being within 10% of the specified state. However, the term “about” does not strictly exclude a state that is in a specified condition. In this specification, the term “about” basically refers to a state that is in a specified condition that performs a desired function or achieves a desired result.

[0129] In Figures 3 and 4 described above, the blocks may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof, and the lines connecting the various blocks do not necessarily suggest any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions, and / or omissions may be made to the illustrated structures. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will see that not all elements described and illustrated in Figures 1-4 and 6-8 described above are required to be included in all embodiments, and not all elements described herein are necessarily shown in each exemplary embodiment. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic diagrams of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4 and 6-8 described above do not suggest any structural limitations relating to the exemplary embodiments. Rather, even if an exemplary structure is shown, it should be understood that the structure may be modified as needed.

[0130] In Figures 5 and 9, referenced earlier, blocks can represent operations, steps, and / or parts thereof, and the lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of operations or parts thereof. It should be understood that not all dependencies between the various processes disclosed are necessarily represented. Figures 5 and 9, and the accompanying disclosures describing the steps of the methods of this disclosure as described herein, should not be interpreted as necessarily determining the sequence in which the steps are performed. Rather, it should be understood that even if an exemplary order is shown, the sequence of operations can be changed as needed. Thus, modifications, additions, and / or omissions can be made to the illustrated steps, and certain steps may be performed in different orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will see that it is not necessary to perform all the steps described.

[0131] Furthermore, references to features, advantages, or similar terms used herein do not imply that all features and advantages that can be realized by the embodiments disclosed herein should or are present in any single embodiment. Rather, any references to features or advantages should be understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in relation to a particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Accordingly, references to features, advantages, and similar terms used throughout this disclosure may, but not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0132] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments relating to the following provisions.

[0133] Article 1. Aircraft, Inside the plane, An environmental system configured to circulate air throughout the cabin, At least one disinfectant dispenser configured to spray disinfectant into the air circulating within the cabin, An aircraft equipped with [the following features].

[0134] Clause 2. An aircraft as described in Clause 1, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located in the air intake of the environmental system to spray disinfectant directly into the airflow within the air intake.

[0135] Clause 3. At least one sensor configured to detect one or more conditions inside the aircraft, A disinfectant controller configured to selectively control the dispensing of disinfectant from at least one disinfectant dispenser based on one or more states detected by at least one sensor, and An aircraft as described in Clause 1 or 2, further comprising the features described in Clause 1 or 2.

[0136] An aircraft as described in Clause 4.1, in which one or more conditions include at least one of the cabin occupancy rate and the concentration of disinfectant in the air.

[0137] Clause 5. At least one disinfectant dispenser includes multiple disinfectant dispensers. The aircraft A disinfectant delivery device that is in fluid communication with multiple disinfectant dispensers, Disinfectant delivery device and distribution manifold with fluid communication between multiple disinfectant dispensers and Furthermore, An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the distribution manifold is configured to distribute disinfectant to each of the disinfectant dispensers of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers.

[0138] Clause 6. An aircraft according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, further comprising a disinfectant delivery device in fluid communication with at least one disinfectant dispenser, wherein the disinfectant delivery device is configured to deliver disinfectant to at least one disinfectant dispenser.

[0139] Clause 7. Further comprising a metering device located between the disinfectant delivery device and at least one disinfectant dispenser, and in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device and at least one disinfectant dispenser, The aircraft according to Clause 6, wherein the dispensing device is configured to selectively control the amount of disinfectant delivered to at least one disinfectant dispenser.

[0140] Clause 8. The aircraft according to Clause 6 or 7, further comprising a disinfectant controller communicating with a disinfectant delivery device, the disinfectant controller configured to selectively start or terminate the delivery of disinfectant from the disinfectant delivery device to at least one disinfectant dispenser.

[0141] Clause 9. An aircraft according to Clause 8, further comprising an occupancy sensor that communicates with a disinfectant controller and is configured to generate an occupancy signal indicating whether the cabin is in use.

[0142] Clause 10. The aircraft according to Clause 8 or 9, further comprising a concentration sensor that communicates with a disinfectant controller and is configured to generate a concentration signal indicating the concentration of disinfectant in the air inside the aircraft.

[0143] Clause 11. An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to determine the concentration of disinfectant in the air based on the internal volume of the aircraft and the circulation rate of the air flowing through the aircraft.

[0144] Clause 12. The environmental system includes an air handling device configured to generate an airflow that circulates air within the cabin. The aircraft according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to communicate with an air handling device and to selectively activate or deactivate the air handling device.

[0145] Clause 13. The air handling device is equipped with a variable-speed fan. An aircraft as described in Clause 12, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to increase the speed of a variable-speed fan to remove disinfectant from the aircraft depending on a predetermined condition.

[0146] Clause 14. The environmental system further comprises an air intake pipe configured to communicate fluidly with the air handling device and direct airflow into the aircraft, An aircraft according to Clause 12 or 13, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located in at least one of the air intakes to spray disinfectant directly into the airflow within the air intakes.

[0147] Clause 15. The air intake pipe includes multiple air intake outlets located inside the aircraft. The aircraft according to Clause 14, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located upstream of a plurality of air intake outlets.

[0148] Article 16. The air supply pipe has an inner diameter, The aircraft described in Clause 15, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located at a distance of at least five times the inner diameter upstream from any of the multiple air intake outlets.

[0149] Clause 17. Multiple disinfectant dispensers, Disinfectant delivery device and distribution manifold with fluid communication between multiple disinfectant dispensers and Furthermore, An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 14 to 16, wherein the distribution manifold is configured to distribute disinfectant to each of the disinfectant dispensers of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers.

[0150] Clause 18. The air intake pipe includes multiple air intake outlets located inside the aircraft. At least one of the multiple disinfectant dispensers corresponds to one of the multiple air inlets, The aircraft as described in Clause 17, wherein each disinfectant dispenser of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers is located in each of the air intakes, upstream from the corresponding air intake outlet of a plurality of air intakes, in order to directly spray disinfectant into the airflow within each air intake.

[0151] Clause 19. Further comprising a mixing manifold located between the air handling device and the air supply pipe, and in fluid communication with the air handling device and the air supply pipe, An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 14 to 18, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located within the mixing manifold to spray disinfectant directly into the airflow within the mixing manifold.

[0152] Clause 20. The aircraft cabin includes the floor, An aircraft as described in Clause 12 or 13, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is coupled to the floor for direct spraying of disinfectant into the cabin air.

[0153] Clause 21. Further includes multiple circulating fans located inside the aircraft, An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 8 to 20, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to communicate with multiple circulating fans and to selectively activate or deactivate each of the multiple circulating fans.

[0154] Clause 22. An aircraft according to any one of Clauses 6 to 21, further comprising a disinfectant supply unit configured for storing disinfectants and in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device.

[0155] Clause 23. An aircraft as described in Clause 22, in which a disinfectant supply unit is located inside the aircraft.

[0156] Clause 24. Further comprising a disinfectant connection port located outside the aircraft and in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device, The aircraft described in Clause 22, wherein the disinfectant supply unit is located outside the aircraft and is configured to be fluidly connected to a disinfectant connection port.

[0157] Clause 25. An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 6 to 24, wherein the disinfectant is a gas and the disinfectant delivery device includes a fan.

[0158] Clause 26. An aircraft as described in Clause 25, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser includes a piccolo nozzle.

[0159] Clause 27. Aircraft as described in Clause 25 or 26, whose disinfectant contains ozone.

[0160] Clause 28. An aircraft as described in Clause 27, further comprising a catalytic converter configured to convert disinfectants in the cabin air into oxygen.

[0161] Clause 29. An aircraft as described in any one of Clauses 6 to 24, wherein the disinfectant is a liquid and the disinfectant delivery device includes a pump.

[0162] Clause 30. An aircraft as described in Clause 29, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser includes a spray nozzle.

[0163] Clause 31. An aircraft as described in Clause 29 or 30, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser includes a swirl nozzle.

[0164] Article 32. Aircraft disinfection system, Inside the plane, Including environmental systems, The disinfection system A disinfectant supply unit configured to store disinfectants, A disinfectant dispenser is configured to be in fluid communication with the disinfectant supply unit and to spray disinfectant into the air circulated inside the machine by the environmental system, and An aircraft disinfection system equipped with the following features.

[0165] Clause 33. The disinfection system according to Clause 32, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located in the air intake pipe of the environmental system to spray the disinfectant directly into the airflow within the air intake pipe.

[0166] Clause 34. At least one sensor configured to detect one or more conditions inside the aircraft, A disinfectant controller configured to selectively control the dispensing of disinfectant from at least one disinfectant dispenser based on one or more states detected by at least one sensor, and A disinfection system as described in Clause 32 or 33, further comprising the above.

[0167] A disinfection system as described in Clause 34, wherein one or more conditions include at least one of the occupancy rate inside the aircraft and the concentration of disinfectant in the air.

[0168] Clause 36. At least one disinfectant dispenser comprises multiple disinfectant dispensers, The disinfection system A disinfectant delivery device that is in fluid communication with multiple disinfectant dispensers, Disinfectant delivery device and distribution manifold with fluid communication between multiple disinfectant dispensers and Furthermore, A disinfection system according to any one of clauses 32 to 35, wherein a distribution manifold is configured to distribute disinfectant to each of the disinfectant dispensers of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers.

[0169] Clause 37. A disinfection system according to any one of Clauses 32 to 36, further comprising a disinfectant supply unit and a disinfectant delivery device in fluid communication with at least one disinfectant dispenser, wherein the disinfectant delivery device is configured to deliver disinfectant to at least one disinfectant dispenser.

[0170] Clause 38. A metering device located between a disinfectant delivery device and at least one disinfectant dispenser, further comprising a metering device that is in fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device and at least one disinfectant dispenser, The disinfection system according to Clause 37, wherein the dispensing device is configured to selectively control the amount of disinfectant delivered to at least one disinfectant dispenser.

[0171] Clause 39. The disinfection system according to Clause 37 or 38, further comprising a disinfectant controller communicating with a disinfectant delivery device, the disinfectant controller configured to selectively start or terminate the delivery of disinfectant from the disinfectant delivery device to at least one disinfectant dispenser.

[0172] Clause 40. The disinfection system according to Clause 39, further comprising an occupancy sensor communicating with a disinfectant controller, the occupancy sensor configured to generate an occupancy signal indicating whether the cabin of an aircraft is in use.

[0173] Clause 41. The disinfection system according to Clause 39 or 40, further comprising a concentration sensor that communicates with a disinfectant controller and is configured to generate a concentration signal indicating the concentration of disinfectant in the air inside the machine.

[0174] Clause 42. A disinfection system according to any one of Clauses 39 to 41, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to determine the concentration of disinfectant in the air inside the aircraft based on the internal volume of the aircraft and the circulation rate of the air flowing through the aircraft.

[0175] Clause 43. The disinfection system according to any one of Clauses 39 to 42, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to communicate with an air handling device of the environmental system and to generate an airflow that circulates the air in the cabin, and to selectively activate or deactivate the air handling device.

[0176] Clause 44. The disinfection system according to Clause 43, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located in at least one of a plurality of air supply pipes of the environmental system and is in fluid communication with an air handling device in order to spray a disinfectant directly into the airflow in at least one of the plurality of air supply pipes.

[0177] Clause 45. The disinfection system according to Clause 44, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located upstream from multiple air outlets of multiple air supply pipes.

[0178] Article 46. Multiple disinfectant dispensers, Disinfectant delivery device and distribution manifold with fluid communication between multiple disinfectant dispensers and Furthermore, The disinfection system according to Clause 44 or 45, wherein the distribution manifold is configured to distribute disinfectant to each of the disinfectant dispensers of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers.

[0179] Clause 47. Each disinfectant dispenser of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers corresponds to one of the plurality of air outlets of a plurality of air supply pipes. The disinfection system according to Clause 46, wherein at least one of a plurality of disinfectant dispensers is located in each of the air inlets, upstream from the corresponding air outlet of a plurality of air outlets, in order to directly spray disinfectant into the airflow in each of the air inlets.

[0180] Clause 48. Further comprising a mixing manifold located between the air handling device and a plurality of air supply pipes, and in fluid communication with the air handling device and the plurality of air supply pipes, A disinfection system according to any one of the clauses 44 to 47, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is located within the mixing manifold to spray the disinfectant directly into the airflow within the mixing manifold.

[0181] Clause 49. The disinfection system described in Clause 43, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser is coupled to the floor of the aircraft cabin to spray disinfectant directly into the cabin air.

[0182] Clause 50. A disinfection system according to any one of Clauses 39 to 49, wherein the disinfectant controller is configured to communicate with multiple circulating fans of an aircraft and to selectively activate or deactivate each of the multiple circulating fans.

[0183] Clause 51. A disinfection system according to any one of Clauses 37 to 50, further comprising a disinfectant supply unit configured for storing disinfectants and in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device.

[0184] Clause 52. A disinfection system as described in Clause 51, wherein the disinfectant supply unit is located inside the aircraft.

[0185] Clause 53. Further comprising a disinfectant connection port located outside the aircraft cabin, connected to the aircraft, and in fluid communication with a disinfectant delivery device, The disinfection system according to Clause 51, wherein the disinfectant supply unit is located outside the aircraft cabin and is configured to be in fluid communication with a disinfectant connection port.

[0186] Clause 54. A disinfection system according to any one of Clauses 37 to 53, wherein the disinfectant is a gas and the disinfectant delivery device includes a fan.

[0187] Clause 55. The disinfection system according to Clause 54, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser includes a piccolo nozzle.

[0188] Clause 56. A disinfection system as described in Clause 54 or 55, wherein the disinfectant contains ozone.

[0189] Clause 57. The disinfection system described in Clause 56, further comprising a catalytic converter configured to convert disinfectant in the air inside the aircraft into oxygen.

[0190] Clause 58. A disinfection system according to Clauses 37 to 53, wherein the disinfectant is a liquid and the disinfectant delivery device includes a pump.

[0191] Clause 59. The disinfection system according to Clause 58, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser includes a spray nozzle.

[0192] Clause 60. The disinfection system according to Clause 58 or 59, wherein at least one disinfectant dispenser includes a swirl nozzle.

[0193] Article 61. A method for disinfecting the interior of an aircraft, To circulate air inside the aircraft cabin, Disinfectant is sprayed into the air that can be circulated inside the aircraft, Once the specified conditions are met, remove the disinfectant from the aircraft. Methods that include...

[0194] Clause 62. Circulating air within the cabin is permitted. To generate airflow, Directing airflow into the aircraft The method described in Article 61, including the method described in Article 61.

[0195] Clause 63. Dispersing a disinfectant into the air is the method described in Clause 62, which includes dispersing a disinfectant directly into an airflow.

[0196] Clause 64. The method of Clause 63, further comprising mixing the disinfectant with the airflow before directing the airflow into the aircraft.

[0197] Clause 65. Dispersing disinfectant into the air is the method of Clause 62, which includes dispersing disinfectant inside the aircraft after directing the airflow into the aircraft.

[0198] Clause 66. The method of any one of Clauses 61 to 65, further comprising determining that the aircraft is not in use before the disinfectant is sprayed into the air.

[0199] Clause 67. The method according to any one of Clauses 61 to 66, wherein the specified condition includes the disinfectant in the air reaching a specified concentration.

[0200] Clause 68. The method described in any one of Clauses 61 to 66, which includes the condition being met by reaching a specified pressure inside the aircraft.

[0201] Clause 69. The method of any one of Clauses 61 to 66, including the occurrence of a specified condition over a specified period of time.

[0202] Clause 70. The method according to any one of Clauses 61 to 69, further comprising ending the internal circulation of the air inside the aircraft before spraying the disinfectant into the air.

[0203] Article 71. Removing disinfectants from the aircraft is permitted. To end the spraying of disinfectant, Continuously circulating air within the cabin The method described in any one of the clauses 61 to 70, including the method described in any one of the clauses 61 to 70.

[0204] The features, advantages, and characteristics described in one embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will see that the embodiments described herein may be implemented even without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, further features and advantages may be recognized in a particular embodiment but not in all embodiments. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the aircraft 1200, the disinfection system 100, and the method 1000 have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of modifications by reading this specification. This application includes such modifications and is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. An aircraft (1200), Inside the aircraft (1206), An environmental system (1214) configured to circulate air (1224) inside the aircraft (1206), Multiple air intake pipes (1216), each having an air intake outlet (1226) located inside the machine (1206), and A mixing manifold (1232) connected to an outside air supply (1244) and a recirculated air supply (1246) drawn from the inside of the machine (1206), the mixing manifold (1232) having fluid communication with each of the air inlets of the plurality of air supply pipes (1216). An environmental system (1214) equipped with, A plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108) configured to spray disinfectant (104) into the air (1224) circulating inside the machine (1206), the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108) comprising a first disinfectant dispenser located in the mixing manifold (1232), and a plurality of second disinfectant dispensers, each located in a corresponding air supply pipe (1216) among the plurality of air supply pipes (1216), A disinfectant controller (120) is configured to selectively start, selectively end, or selectively control the dispensing of the disinfectant (104) from each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108). An aircraft (1200) equipped with [a certain feature].

2. The aircraft (1200) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108) further comprises at least one third disinfectant dispenser located inside the aircraft (1206).

3. The machine further comprises at least one sensor (144) configured to detect one or more states inside the machine (1206), The aircraft (1200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfectant controller (120) is configured to selectively start, selectively end, or selectively control the dispensing of the disinfectant (104) from each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108) based on one or more states detected by the at least one sensor (144).

4. The aircraft (1200) according to claim 3, wherein one or more of the conditions include at least one of the occupancy rate of the cabin (1206) and the concentration of the disinfectant (104) in the air (1224).

5. The aircraft (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disinfectant delivery device (106) in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108), wherein the disinfectant delivery device (106) is configured to deliver the disinfectant (104) to the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108).

6. The aircraft (1200) according to claim 5, further comprising a metering device (142) located between the disinfectant delivery device (106) and the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108), and having fluid communication with the disinfectant delivery device (106) and the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108), wherein the metering device (142) communicates with the disinfectant controller (120) and is configured to selectively control the amount of disinfectant (104) delivered to each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108).

7. The aircraft (1200) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the disinfectant controller (120) communicates with the disinfectant delivery device (106) and is configured to selectively start or terminate the delivery of the disinfectant (104) from the disinfectant delivery device (106) to each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108).

8. The aircraft (1200) according to claim 7, wherein the disinfectant controller (120) is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the generation of an airflow (1228) to be circulated inside the aircraft (1206).

9. The device further comprises a disinfectant delivery device (106) and a distribution manifold (110) that is in fluid communication with the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108), The aircraft (1200) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the distribution manifold (110) is configured to spray the disinfectant (104) into each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108).

10. The aircraft (1200) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the disinfectant (104) is a gas (128) and the disinfectant delivery device (106) includes a fan (124).

11. The aircraft (1200) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the disinfectant (104) is a liquid (130) and the disinfectant delivery device (106) includes a pump (132).

12. A system for disinfecting the interior (1206) of an aircraft (1200), An environmental system (1214) configured to circulate air (1224) inside the aircraft (1206), Multiple air intake pipes (1216), each having an air intake outlet (1226) connected to the interior of the aircraft (1206), and A mixing manifold (1232) connected to an outside air supply (1244) and a recirculated air supply (1246) drawn from the inside of the machine (1206), the mixing manifold (1232) having fluid communication with each of the air inlets of the plurality of air supply pipes (1216). An environmental system (1214) equipped with, A plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108) configured to spray a disinfectant (104), comprising a first disinfectant dispenser located in the mixing manifold (1232), and a plurality of second disinfectant dispensers, each located in a corresponding air supply pipe (1216) among the plurality of air supply pipes (1216), A disinfectant controller (120) is configured to selectively start, selectively end, or selectively control the dispensing of the disinfectant (104) from each of the plurality of disinfectant dispensers (108). A system equipped with these features.

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