Manual Trash Compactor Assembly for Aircraft Lavatories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft lavatories lack a compact and efficient trash compactor, leading to overflowing trash containers and the need for manual compaction by flight staff, as existing compactors are too large for the confined space.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated trash compactor assembly with a receptacle, compaction plate, and pulley system that allows upward compaction within the same volume as a standard trash bin, using rails and pulleys to facilitate compacting trash without a motorized drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motorized compactor is used to compact trash, then compaction efficiency is improved, but device size and weight increase making it unsuitable for lavatory spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motorized drive system from the compactor, retaining only the essential mechanical compaction components (plate, rails, pulleys). This removal of the motor while preserving the core compaction function resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient trash compaction in a compact, manually-operated device suitable for lavatory installation.
2Device complexity
If manual compaction by flight staff is used, then device complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compactor is designed to be easily operated by flight staff through a simple cord-pulling action that automatically moves the compaction plate via pulleys and rails. This self-service design minimizes the time and effort required for compaction while maintaining system simplicity, as the mechanical components perform the work once activated.
3Area of stationary object
If a standard trash container volume is used, then space utilization is optimized, but trash capacity is limited leading to frequent emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the trash by applying mechanical compaction force through the compaction plate. By increasing trash density through compaction, the same physical volume of the container can hold a greater quantity of trash, effectively doubling or tripling capacity without requiring additional installation space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a compacted design is used to fit lavatory space, then installation flexibility is improved, but compaction force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compaction plate is designed to be manually lowered onto the trash, utilizing the operator's body weight as a counterweight to apply significant compaction force. This approach enables the compact device to generate sufficient compaction force despite its small size and lack of motorized assistance.
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
Provides a hygienic and efficient compaction system that is lighter and more compact than traditional motorized compactors, fitting within the limited space of an aircraft lavatory without requiring aircraft modifications, effectively managing trash volume during flights.
Implementation Method 1
A first pulley is coupled to the receptacle. The first pulley moveably couples to a cord that is coupled to the compaction plate. A second pulley may couple to the compaction plate. The second pulley may also be moveably coupled to the cord.
Implementation Method 2
The compaction plate is configured to be manually moved in an upward direction from the base towards the upper edge to compact trash within the retaining chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A trash compactor assembly includes a receptacle including a base connected to at least one wall having an upper edge. A retaining chamber is defined between the wall(s) and the upper edge. A compaction plate is disposed within the retaining chamber. The compaction plate is configured to be manually moved in an upward direction from the base towards the upper edge to compact trash within the retaining chamber.