Aircraft Lavatory Ozone Removal via UV-Actuated Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft lavatories face challenges in controlling ozone levels generated by UV light disinfection systems, as existing methods struggle to efficiently ventilate ozone and remove fluids from confined spaces, particularly when UV lights cannot be positioned close to all surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fluid removal system that includes an operative sub-system with an actuator connected to a fluid removal conduit, which is activated to draw in fluids, including ozone, through a vacuum generator, allowing for efficient ventilation and removal of fluids from confined spaces, such as lavatories, without requiring UV lights to be in close proximity to surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light is placed in close proximity to surfaces for disinfection, then ozone production is limited, but various structures cannot be positioned close enough to the UV light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful ozone gas from the confined space by introducing a vacuum system with a vacuum source and conduit that removes ozone during or after UV disinfection cycles, separating the ozone generation function from the disinfection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary vacuum system that mediates between the UV light source and the confined space, using vacuum pressure to actively remove ozone that would otherwise accumulate and create harmful effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light is placed far from surfaces, then ozone can be ventilated more easily, but disinfection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by operating the vacuum system during or immediately after UV disinfection cycles, maintaining continuous ozone removal throughout the disinfection process and immediately thereafter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing ozone during the UV disinfection cycle itself rather than waiting until after, preventing ozone accumulation before it becomes problematic
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate ventilation system is used for ozone removal, then ozone can be effectively ventilated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ozone removal function with the existing vacuum system used for waste evacuation, combining multiple functions (waste removal and ozone ventilation) into a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the vacuum system to perform multiple functions: waste evacuation during normal operation and ozone removal during UV disinfection cycles, eliminating the need for dedicated ozone ventilation equipment
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 reduces ozone levels and removes fluids from aircraft lavatories, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and maintaining a safe environment by quickly and efficiently ventilating ozone and other fluids, without the need for continuous air supply or separate ventilation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum generator generates a vacuum that draws the fluid within the confined space into the fluid removal conduit when the actuator is in the open position
Implementation Method 2
Interaction of UV light with air creates ozone. As the UV light passes through air, the interaction of the UV light with oxygen molecules generates ozone molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid removal system includes an operative sub-system, such as an ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system, that is configured to operate according to an operative cycle, such as a sanitizing cycle, and is configured to output an activation signal during the operative cycle. An actuator is operatively coupled to the operative sub-system and moveably connected to a fluid removal conduit. The fluid removal conduit is closed when the actuator is in a closed position, and opened when the actuator is in an open position. The actuator moves into the open position in response to the operative sub-system outputting the activation signal. Fluid, such as ozone, within a confined space is drawn into the fluid removal conduit when the actuator is in the open position and exhausted through an exhaust port.