Modular Vacuum Waste System for Aircraft Without Hull Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing a centralized vacuum waste system in aircraft without a pre-existing structure is expensive and difficult, as it requires hull penetrations for odor discharge, and existing systems may not function at intermediate altitudes or on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A modular vacuum waste system integrating a vacuum cell, flexible waste container, and vacuum source, which uses a pulsating pump to create vacuum without discharging odorous air, and includes valves for pressure management and odor containment, allowing operation within the aircraft without direct atmospheric discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized vacuum waste system is installed in aircraft without pre-existing structure, then vacuum waste function is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to required hull penetrations
Solution Approach 1:
The waste system is divided into separate modular components: a waste tank module and a vacuum generation module. This segmentation eliminates the need for centralized hull penetrations, as each module can be independently installed and sealed within the aircraft structure, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining vacuum waste functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible bellows structure serves as an intermediary between the waste tank and the vacuum source. This flexible connection allows the system to operate without rigid hull penetrations, enabling the vacuum system to function while maintaining the integrity and sealing of the aircraft hull, thus reducing installation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum blower is used to create vacuum on the ground, then vacuum function is achieved, but the system cannot operate at intermediate altitudes or in flight
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is designed with multi-functionality to operate across different altitude regimes. The system can switch between using the flexible bellows for vacuum generation at intermediate altitudes and utilizing the aircraft's existing vacuum infrastructure during flight, ensuring reliable vacuum function throughout the entire operational altitude range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation based on altitude conditions. The flexible bellows structure can expand and contract to maintain vacuum effectiveness at varying altitudes, and the system can dynamically switch between different vacuum generation modes (bellows-based vs. aircraft vacuum system) depending on the operational phase, ensuring continuous reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If hull penetrations are made for waste discharge, then vacuum waste system can be installed, but aircraft structure integrity and air quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful odor generation and discharge processes are extracted and isolated within the sealed waste tank module. The flexible bellows connection allows waste to be contained and processed without requiring open hull penetrations, thereby maintaining aircraft interior air quality while still enabling waste discharge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible bellows structure is used to create a sealed yet expandable connection between the waste tank and discharge system. This flexible membrane allows the system to operate without rigid hull penetrations, maintaining the integrity of the aircraft structure and preventing odor leakage into the cabin while enabling waste discharge.
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
Enables efficient vacuum creation and waste management within aircraft without the need for hull penetrations, maintaining interior air quality and functioning across various altitudes, including intermediate altitudes and on the ground.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum source may be configured to remove air from the vacuum cell to generate a negative pressure in the vacuum cell. The negative pressure in the vacuum cell acts on the flexible cell to generate a negative pressure in the flexible cell.
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum source may be configured to suction air out of the vacuum cell to generate a negative pressure in the vacuum cell.
Data Source
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AI summary
A waste system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the waste system includes a vacuum cell (104), a flexible waste container (112), and a vacuum source (102). The flexible waste container may have at least one flexible membrane at an interface between the flexible waste container and the vacuum cell. The vacuum source may be configured to suction air out of the vacuum cell to generate a negative pressure in the vacuum cell. The vacuum source discharge is generally odorless as it is separated from the waste. This odorless discharge can enter occupied aircraft compartments. The negative pressure in the vacuum cell acts on the flexible waste container to generate a (second) negative pressure in the flexible waste container. The negative pressure in the flexible waste container acts on an interface between a toilet and the flexible waste container to pull waste from the toilet into the flexible waste container.