Aircraft Flush Valve Magnetic Sensing for Absolute Plate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum toilet flush valves in aircraft, particularly those using reed switches, are limited in their ability to accurately detect the precise alignment of the flush valve plate, suffer from fragility, and can only distinguish between open and closed positions, leading to reliability issues and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic position sensor system is integrated with a flush valve plate, where a magnet is positioned on the rotational shaft, and a magnetic position sensor, mounted on a printed circuit board, senses the magnet's position to provide absolute alignment information, allowing for precise detection of the port's location with respect to the waste opening, eliminating manufacturing tolerances and enabling continuous position monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reed switches are used to detect valve position, then the system can distinguish between open and closed positions, but the reed switches are fragile and subject to damage during shipping and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed switch system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is mounted on the rotating shaft, and a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or magnetoresistive sensor) detects the magnet's position without mechanical contact. This eliminates the fragility of reed switches while maintaining the ability to detect valve position, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and susceptibility to physical damage.
2Reliability
If electro-mechanical switches are used, then the system can identify open and closed status, but the switches are bulky, expensive, and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky electro-mechanical switches with compact magnetic sensors that can be mounted on a printed circuit board. The magnet on the shaft interacts with the magnetic sensor through a non-magnetic barrier, enabling precise position detection without the size and adjustment complexity of traditional switches. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic barrier as an intermediary between the magnet and the magnetic sensor. This barrier allows the magnetic field to pass through while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to magnetic forces and environmental factors. The intermediary enables precise position detection without requiring complex mechanical linkages or adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If reed switches are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the switches can only distinguish between open and closed positions, not absolute alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reed switches with magnetic sensors that provide continuous position information rather than binary open/closed states. The magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position at any point during rotation, enabling precise measurement of absolute alignment while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This substitution resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static binary detection (open/closed only) to dynamic continuous position sensing. The magnetic sensor continuously monitors the magnet's position throughout the rotation cycle, providing real-time data on absolute alignment and intermediate positions. This dynamic approach enables precise alignment detection while keeping the system simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable detection of the flush valve plate's position, velocity, and acceleration, optimizing motor control, reducing clogging, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities, thereby improving the functional reliability and customer experience.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic position sensor positioned adjacent to the magnet and configured to sense the position of the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Vacuum toilet flush valves. The disclosure uses a precise positioning of a magnet with respect to a flush valve plate in order to identify absolute alignment accurately.