Integrated Aircraft Sink Disposal Unit with Sensor-Activated Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sink systems in passenger transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, are inadequate for disposing of viscous liquids and particulate waste, leading to staining, clogging issues, and environmental concerns, as they are designed primarily for liquid waste and require additional space for disposal systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sink system that combines a standard sink basin with a vent/holding line and a sensor-activated flush valve, allowing for the disposal of liquids and food waste without manual flushing, and delivers waste to the aircraft's waste tank, using existing sink space without the need for additional countertop space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sink systems are used for liquid waste disposal, then liquid waste can be drained to the atmosphere, but viscous liquids and food particles cause clogging and staining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sink basin with a disposal unit featuring a removable basket that collects food particles and debris. This merging allows the system to handle both liquid drainage and solid waste collection in a single integrated unit, preventing clogging of drainage lines while capturing staining materials before they reach the atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposal unit incorporates a removable basket that can be separated from the sink basin. This segmentation allows users to easily remove and empty the basket of collected food particles, preventing buildup and clogging while maintaining continuous operation of the drainage system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum galley waste disposal systems are installed, then liquid and solid waste can be disposed, but additional countertop space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal unit is designed to nest within the existing sink basin footprint. The removable basket fits inside the basin, and the entire assembly occupies the same space envelope as a conventional sink, eliminating the need for additional countertop space while providing both liquid and solid waste disposal capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sink and disposal unit performs multiple functions within a single device: it drains liquids to the atmosphere, collects solid food waste in the removable basket, and can be easily cleaned. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vacuum disposal systems while using existing sink space.
3Productivity
If vacuum flush systems are used, then waste can be flushed, but loud flushing sound is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noisy vacuum flush mechanism from the system and replaces it with passive gravity-based drainage. The removable basket is simply lifted out and emptied into a receptacle, eliminating the loud vacuum activation sounds that plague traditional galley disposal systems while maintaining effective waste removal capability.
4Ease of operation
If manual flush activation is required, then waste disposal can be controlled, but user operation is required for each disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The removable basket design enables self-service operation where users simply lift and empty the basket without requiring complex flush mechanisms. The system serves itself by allowing easy removal and emptying of collected waste, eliminating the need for manual activation of flush systems and reducing operational time and complexity.
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 effectively manages liquid and food waste disposal, preventing staining and clogging, while being environmentally friendly and reducing noise and maintenance costs by using existing sink infrastructure and minimizing additional space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a vent/holding line (18) having a generally constant diameter along its length
Implementation Method 2
The system cooperates with and delivers the received waste material to the waste system on-board the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The system does not require a manual flush, but includes a sensor system that activates drainage of the holding line when the liquid and/or other waste material reaches a certain level therein
Implementation Method 4
a flush valve positioned below the joint
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for disposal of liquid and food into a sink basin. The disclosed system cooperates with and delivers the received waste material to the main waste system on-board the vehicle. This is typically an aircraft waste tank. The system does not require a manual flush, but includes a sensor system that activates drainage of the holding line when the liquid and/or other waste material reaches a certain level therein. The disclosed system combines the functionalities of a common galley sink and a galley waste disposal unit, but occupies only the space envelope of an existing galley sink. The use of an existing galley sink means that no additional space on the countertop is required.