Integrated Aircraft Lavatory Flush Switch for Redundant Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft lavatory units face increased components and reduced assembly efficiency when both contact and non-contact flush switches are installed separately, which can impair flushing function and increase weight.
Innovation Solution
A combined flush switch system with a contact-type and non-contact-type flush switches attached to a single base member and covered by a single cover, ensuring redundancy and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two types of flush switches (contact type and non-contact type) are provided at different locations on the wall surface, then the flushing function can be ensured even when one fails, but the number of components increases, assembly work efficiency decreases, and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both the contact-type flush switch and the non-contact-type flush switch into a single integrated unit mounted on one base member with a common cover. This merging approach maintains the reliability benefit of having both switch types while reducing the number of separate components, simplifying assembly, and decreasing overall weight compared to installing them at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flush switch unit serves multiple functions by incorporating both contact-type and non-contact-type switching mechanisms in a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide both infection prevention (via non-contact operation) and reliable backup (via contact-type operation) without requiring separate installations.
2Reliability
If two types of flush switches are provided at different locations, then flushing function redundancy is achieved, but assembly work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both flush switch types into a single integrated unit with one base member and one cover, the patent enables assembly of both switches simultaneously in one location. This eliminates the need for separate assembly operations at different wall locations, thereby improving assembly work efficiency while maintaining flushing function redundancy.
3Reliability
If two types of flush switches are provided at different locations, then flushing function redundancy is achieved, but weight of the aircraft lavatory unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces weight by combining both flush switch types into a single integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates duplicate mounting hardware, reduces the total amount of structural support material needed, and decreases the overall weight of the lavatory unit compared to installing separate flush switches at different locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design maintains flushing functionality, reduces components, improves assembly efficiency, and decreases weight while preventing infectious disease transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a second flush switch of a non-contact type including a human body sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A flush switch for an aircraft lavatory unit includes a first flush switch of a contact type configured to be actuated by a push button and a second flush switch of a non-contact type including a human body sensor. The first flush switch and the second flush switch are attached to a single base member and covered with a single cover.