Aircraft Water Buffer Tank Backflow Separation Using User Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water supply systems in aircraft require large installation space for separation elements to prevent backflow, which are prone to clogging and bacterial growth, and these issues are difficult to detect and address.
Innovation Solution
The separation element is defined by user equipment such as sinks and faucets, which are regularly used and cleaned, reducing the risk of clogging and bacterial growth, and allowing for a larger separation distance without additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional separation element with air gap and funnel is used to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is achieved, but installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separation element functionality with the user equipment (sink, faucet, shower head) that is already present in the aircraft. The outlet of the user equipment serves dual purposes: as the functional outlet for water delivery and as the separation element outlet that prevents backflow into the buffer tank, eliminating the need for separate funnel and air gap components
Solution Approach 2:
The user equipment outlet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: delivering water to users, providing air gap for backflow prevention, and serving as the separation element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and space requirements while maintaining reliable backflow prevention
2Reliability
If a large separation element with funnel is installed to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention capacity increases, but risk of clogging and bacterial growth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic funnel component from the separation element design and eliminates it entirely. By using the user equipment outlet directly as the separation element outlet, the design removes the stagnant water reservoir that caused clogging and bacterial growth, while maintaining backflow prevention through the air gap principle
Solution Approach 2:
The user equipment that is already part of the system serves the additional function of being the separation element. Since user equipment is regularly used and cleaned during normal aircraft operations, the separation element benefits from this regular maintenance, reducing the risk of clogging and bacterial accumulation
3Reliability
If a separation element is installed in the relief line, then backflow prevention is achieved, but detection and addressing of clogging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a feedback mechanism where the user equipment serves as both the functional outlet and the separation element. Any clogging or bacterial issues in the separation element are directly visible and detectable during normal use of the user equipment, providing immediate feedback to maintenance personnel without requiring separate inspection procedures
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 minimizes space usage and enhances the visibility of blockages and bacterial issues, ensuring regular maintenance addresses these problems effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a separation element comprising a separation element inlet positioned above a separation element outlet and separated therefrom by a separation distance such that water flowing in a forwards direction therethrough flows from the inlet to the outlet across the separation distance, and water flowing in a reverse direction therethrough is retained within the separation element outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A water supply system for an aircraft and a method for draining water from or passing air into or out of a buffer tank of a water supply system in an aircraft. The system includes a water buffer tank having a fluid inlet and outlet, a supply arrangement for selective flow from the fluid outlet to a user equipment, and a relief arrangement for permitting fluid flow from the fluid outlet. The relief arrangement includes a relief conduit having a separation element with a separation element inlet positioned above a separation element outlet and separated therefrom by a separation distance such that water flowing in a forwards direction therethrough flows from the inlet to the outlet across the separation distance, and water flowing in a reverse direction therethrough flows into the separation element outlet and is retained therein, and wherein the separation element is defined by the user equipment.