Aircraft Lavatory Dry Floor Assembly With Vacuum Liquid Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial aircraft lavatories are frequently used during flights, leading to compromised cleanliness, with liquids often remaining on the floor, posing health risks and safety hazards due to the lack of effective drying systems during flights.

Innovation Solution

A dry floor assembly with a vacuum layer connected to a vacuum system, an upper hydrophobic layer, and a wicking layer, which automatically dries the floor by drawing liquids away when activated, typically during toilet flushing, and includes ultraviolet light for sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning personnel board the aircraft to clean the lavatory between flights, then the lavatory cleanliness is improved, but the cleaning frequency is insufficient during flights when multiple individuals use the lavatory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelavatory cleanlinessVSAvoidcleaning frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The floor assembly automatically dries itself using a vacuum system integrated into the structure. When activated, the vacuum layer removes liquids from the floor surface through suction channels, eliminating the need for manual cleaning intervention during flights and maintaining cleanliness despite frequent use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary drying action by removing liquids immediately after they are deposited on the floor. The vacuum system can be activated automatically or manually to suction liquids before they can accumulate or create hazardous conditions, preventing rather than just responding to contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the lavatory floor is left wet after cleaning or use, then cleaning efficiency is maintained, but safety hazards increase due to slip risks and unsanitary conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidslip hazard and unsanitary conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful presence of liquid on the floor into a beneficial drying process. The vacuum layer, which could simply be a waste component, is transformed into an active liquid removal mechanism that sucks up spills and moisture, turning potential hazards into an automated safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wiping or mopping with a vacuum-based suction system. The vacuum layer with its suction channels provides a more effective and automated mechanism for liquid removal compared to traditional mechanical cleaning methods, efficiently eliminating liquids without leaving the floor wet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a vacuum system is integrated into the floor assembly, then liquid removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid removal capabilityVSAvoidfloor assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum layer serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support layer for the floor assembly, provides liquid removal through suction channels, and facilitates drying of the floor surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the integration complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum layer utilizes a thin film or shell structure that is flexible yet functional. This thin-film approach allows the vacuum system to be integrated without adding significant bulk or weight, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity through efficient use of space and materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 removes liquids and sterilizes the lavatory floor, enhancing passenger safety and comfort by maintaining a clean and dry environment, reducing germ growth and slip hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum system configured to remove liquid from the dry floor assembly via the vacuum layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The upper layer is formed of and/or coated with a hydrophobic material. The upper layer may include a plurality of openings through which liquid is repelled toward the vacuum layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

The wicking layer is configured to wick liquid away from the upper layer. The liquid is drawn to the vacuum layer through the plurality of pores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWicking: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10065740B2Systems and methods for cleaning a lavatory floor

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system includes a dry floor assembly that is configured to be located within an interior space. The dry floor assembly includes a vacuum layer. A vacuum system is coupled to the vacuum layer. The vacuum system is configured to remove liquid from the dry floor assembly via the vacuum layer.