Aircraft Lavatory Odor Control via Segmented Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In highly frequented vehicle lavatories, especially aircraft, odors from accumulated particles in the hollow space between the cladding assembly and toilet bowl are not fully suppressed by existing ventilation systems, as increasing air volume flow is not feasible due to energy and noise concerns.
Innovation Solution
A toilet system with a cladding assembly that creates a hollow space between the toilet bowl and the cladding assembly, where a venting device with a suction line is fluidically connected to extract air directly from the source of odors, ensuring continuous air flushing and preventing odor spread into the lavatory without increasing the required air volume flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the air volume flow of the venting device is increased to suppress odors more effectively, then odor suppression is improved, but energy consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into two separate suction lines: one for general lavatory air extraction and another specifically connected to the hollow space between the cladding assembly and toilet bowl. This segmentation allows targeted odor removal from the hollow space without requiring increased overall air volume flow, thereby suppressing odors while maintaining acceptable energy consumption and noise levels.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the air volume flow of the venting device is increased to suppress odors more effectively, then odor suppression is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into two separate suction lines: one for general lavatory air extraction and another specifically connected to the hollow space between the cladding assembly and toilet bowl. This segmentation allows targeted odor removal from the hollow space without requiring increased overall air volume flow, thereby suppressing odors while maintaining acceptable energy consumption and noise levels.
3Productivity
If a vacuum system is used to remove liquids and solids from the toilet bowl, then waste removal is improved, but particles accumulate in the hollow space between cladding assembly and toilet bowl
Solution Approach 1:
A separate suction line is extracted and connected specifically to the hollow space between the cladding assembly and toilet bowl. This extraction mechanism continuously removes accumulated particles and odors from the hollow space, preventing their spread into the lavatory while maintaining the vacuum system's waste removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction line connected to the hollow space performs preliminary action by continuously extracting air and particles from the hollow space before they can accumulate to problematic levels or spread into the lavatory. This continuous preliminary extraction prevents particle accumulation and odor formation.
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
The solution effectively suppresses odors by continuously extracting air from the hollow space, preventing their spread into the lavatory, while maintaining minimal changes to the existing lavatory configuration and avoiding increased energy consumption or noise.
Implementation Method 1
a venting device with at least one suction line for extracting air. At least one of the at least one suction line is fluidically connected with the hollow space between the cladding assembly and toilet bowl
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet system for a lavatory of a vehicle comprises a toilet bowl, a cladding assembly for cladding the toilet bowl, forming a hollow space between the toilet bowl and cladding assembly, and a ventilation device with at least one suction line for extracting air. The cladding assembly extends from an exterior side of the toilet bowl over an edge of the toilet bowl, and thereby partially encases the edge. At least one of the at least one suction lines is fluidically connected with the hollow space.