Flexible Vacuum Hose Interface for Aircraft Waste Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid suction systems require precise positioning of the trolley relative to the cabin monument for a fluid-tight connection, limiting flexibility in waste compaction and operation.
Innovation Solution
A system with a flexible hose and vacuum interface unit, including a controllable valve and control unit, allows for simple coupling with a trolley without precise positioning, enabling flexible waste management by using a trigger unit to control the fluid valve and providing negative pressure only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed arrangement of fluid connector on cabin monument and counter fluid connector on trolley is used, then a fluid-tight connection can be achieved, but the trolley must be positioned precisely in the receiving space, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed connectors with a flexible hose that can dynamically adapt its position. The hose connects the fluid suctioning source to the trolley, allowing the trolley to be positioned anywhere within the hose's reach rather than requiring precise alignment with a fixed connector. This dynamic connection maintains fluid-tight sealing while providing positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose acts as an intermediary element between the fixed fluid suctioning source and the movable trolley. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the stationary connector and the movable counter connector, enabling fluid transmission while accommodating positional variations and maintaining a reliable fluid-tight connection.
2Productivity
If the trolley is fixed in the receiving space to maintain fluid-tight connection, then suctioning can be conducted effectively, but the options for positioning the trolley or waste bag are limited to fixed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose enables dynamic positioning of the trolley while maintaining effective suctioning. The hose's flexibility allows the trolley to be moved to various positions within its operational range, providing multiple positioning options while ensuring the fluid connection remains intact and suctioning effectiveness is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the positional parameters of the trolley while maintaining the functional parameters of fluid suctioning. The flexible hose accommodates variations in position, distance, and orientation, enabling the trolley to be placed in different locations without compromising the effectiveness of the suctioning operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose with controllable valve and control unit is used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose system integrates multiple functions into a single adaptable connection mechanism. The hose provides both mechanical flexibility for positioning and fluid sealing, while the integrated valve and control unit manage fluid flow and activation. This multi-functional design achieves coupling flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to be operated by the user through simple triggering, allowing the system to self-regulate fluid flow based on user input. The valve automatically controls suction activation when the trigger is pulled, eliminating the need for complex manual valve operation or additional control mechanisms, thus maintaining operational simplicity despite the added components.
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
Facilitates flexible and efficient waste compaction by allowing the trolley to be placed in a broader area around the cabin monument, simplifying operation and reducing the need for precise alignment, while ensuring effective fluid suction and compacting of waste.
Implementation Method 1
providing negative pressure only when needed
Implementation Method 2
system for suctioning a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (2) for suctioning a fluid, wherein in a cabin monument a vacuum source (36) as well as a vacuum interface unit (3) is provided. For connection to the vacuum interface unit (3) at least one flexible hose (6) is provided, comprising at least one first fluid line having a connection element (8). The end connection element (9) is provided for connection to a unit to be evacuated (10, 18, 32). The vacuum interface unit (3) comprises an adapter (3A) for connection to the at least one fluid line as well as a trigger unit (12). At least one controllable valve unit (11) and a control unit (34) for controlling the at least one valve unit (11, 46) are provided in the cabin monument (4). The control unit (34) is designed for controlling the valve unit (11, 46) at least indirectly based on a trigger signal generated by the trigger unit (12). With this system arrangement, it is ensured that a flexible positioning of a unit to be evacuated for the waste compaction is possible. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular an aircraft having such a system (2).