Aircraft Lavatory Tower Assembly with Reflected UV Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft lavatory systems fail to effectively sanitize high-touch surfaces and maintain air quality due to inefficiencies in UV light application and air recirculation, which can lead to increased spread of pathogens.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft lavatory monument assembly with integrated touchless hygiene stations, UV sanitization system using reflective surfaces and angled light beams, and an air replenishment system that rapidly removes and filters air after each use, ensuring thorough sanitization and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If UV light sources are positioned farther from surfaces to be sanitized, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sanitization effectiveness decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflective surfaces to change the path of UV light rays from direct linear propagation to reflected angular propagation. This dimensional change in light path allows the UV source to be positioned at optimal angles rather than requiring close proximity to all surfaces, resolving the contradiction between positioning complexity and sanitization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflective surfaces act as intermediaries between the UV light source and the surfaces requiring sanitization. These intermediaries redirect and distribute the UV light to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access directly, maintaining high sanitization effectiveness while allowing greater distance between the light source and target surfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If UV light rays strike surfaces at angles greater than 0°, then the coverage area increases, but the sanitization intensity decreases by approximately 40% at 30° angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflective surfaces with specific angles (e.g., 45-degree angles) to redirect UV light at controlled orientations. By locally optimizing the angle of reflection at specific strategic points, the system achieves both broad coverage and maintained intensity, as the reflected light still strikes target surfaces at relatively favorable angles compared to direct oblique illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms single-direction direct UV illumination into multi-directional reflected illumination by introducing angular reflection. This dimensional change in light propagation allows the same UV source to effectively sanitize a larger three-dimensional space while maintaining adequate intensity through strategic angle selection.
3Reliability
If the air recirculation system operates continuously to maintain fresh air quality, then the pathogen spread is reduced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air replenishment system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating after each lavatory use to replace air and reduce pathogen accumulation. This periodic operation maintains air quality reliability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation, as the system only activates when necessary following user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and responds to lavatory usage events, triggering air replenishment without requiring continuous monitoring or manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures air quality maintenance is tied directly to actual usage patterns, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary operation during idle periods.
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 system provides rapid and effective sanitization of high-touch surfaces and maintains fresh air quality in the lavatory, reducing the risk of pathogen spread and enhancing passenger confidence through automated and visible sanitization processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first light module includes a ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light rays
Implementation Method 2
a first reflective surface that includes a reflective coating thereon
Implementation Method 3
a lens member configured to direct the ultraviolet light rays to the first direct surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lavatory monument assembly that includes an enclosure with a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, an entry door positioned on one of the plurality of walls, and a tower assembly positioned on one of the plurality of walls. A sanitizing recess is defined in a front surface of the tower assembly, and the sanitizing recess includes access to hand sanitizer therein.