Commode Processing Unit With Shared Motor and Speed-Reduced Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste processing systems in micro-gravity environments, such as space vehicles, are inefficient due to the high volume, weight, and cost associated with multiple motor-driven components for human waste collection, including fans and separators.
Innovation Solution
A waste processing unit with a common motor driven by a speed reduction device, which rotates both a fan and a liquid-gas separator, reducing the number of required motors and optimizing rotational speeds to minimize size and weight while preventing frothing of urine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple discrete motors are used to drive fans and separators, then each component can operate at its optimal speed, but the system volume, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single motor unit. The motor drives both the fan and liquid-gas separator through a common shaft assembly, eliminating the need for multiple discrete motors while maintaining operational effectiveness in the waste processing system
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - driving both the fan for air movement and the separator for liquid-gas separation. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity and weight while achieving the necessary operational speeds for each component
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete motors are used to drive fans and separators, then each component can operate independently, but the system volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single motor unit with a common shaft. The motor housing and shaft assembly integrate the drive mechanisms for both the fan and separator, reducing system volume while maintaining the ability to drive each component at appropriate speeds
Solution Approach 2:
While using a single motor, the patent segments the drive transmission through separate shafts and coupling mechanisms. This allows each component (fan and separator) to be driven independently at its optimal speed while sharing the common motor power source, reducing volume without sacrificing adaptability
3Speed
If high rotational speed is used for the fan, then air movement efficiency improves, but the separator must also rotate at high speed which causes frothing of urine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a differential speed mechanism where the single motor drives both the fan and separator at different rotational speeds through separate shafts and gear arrangements. The fan operates at high speed for efficient air movement, while the separator operates at lower speed to prevent urine frothing, with each component's speed independently optimized for its function
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational speed parameter for different components based on their specific functional requirements. The motor controller adjusts the speed of each shaft independently - maintaining high speed for the fan to ensure adequate air movement, while reducing speed for the separator to prevent harmful frothing of urine
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 configuration reduces the overall volume, weight, and cost of the system while effectively separating and processing human waste in micro-gravity environments by enabling high-speed fan operation and low-speed separator operation, ensuring efficient air and urine separation.
Implementation Method 1
A speed reduction device is coupled to the first and second members. The speed reduction device is configured to provide a rotational output speed that is less than the rotational input speed.
Implementation Method 2
A motor driven separator pulls in urine and centrifugally separates the urine from the air.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A waste collection unit a motor, 22, supported by a housing, 14. A fan, 29, is coupled to the motor, 22, by a first member, 28, configured to provided a rotational input speed, A liquid-gas separator, 32, is coupled to a second member, 30, configured to provide a rotational output speed. A speed reduction device is coupled to the first and second members. The speed reduction device is configured to provide a rotational output speed that is less than the rotational input speed. In another embodiment, the fan, 29, is arranged in the housing, 14, and is directly coupled to the motor, 22, by the first member, 28. The fan, 29, includes first and second sides, 54, 56, respectively including first and second pumping elements, 64, 66. A first collection line fluidly connects a urinal, 34, to the first side, 54. A second waste collection line fluidly connects a fecal storage container, 62, to the second side, 56.