Trolley Fluid Container for Separate Liquid Waste Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste collection systems in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face challenges in efficiently separating and compacting solid and liquid waste due to the mixing of waste types, leading to inefficient disposal and storage issues.

Innovation Solution

A fluid receiving container with a check valve and separate collection system is integrated into a trolley, allowing for the separation of liquid waste from solid waste during collection, enabling efficient extraction and storage of liquids, and maintaining the compact shape of the waste enclosure for easier handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If solid waste and liquid waste products are collected in a common garbage bag, then the collection process is simplified, but the waste products require elaborate separation prior to disposal and the fluid content limits compaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste collection processVSAvoidwaste separation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waste collection system is segmented into two separate functional containers: a fluid receiving container for liquid waste and a waste enclosure for solid waste. This segmentation eliminates the need for post-collection separation while maintaining operational simplicity, as each container type handles its designated waste type without mixing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If air is extracted from the garbage bag to increase compaction, then the volume is reduced, but the compaction is still limited by the fluid content of the waste products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste volumeVSAvoidcompaction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting waste into liquid and solid streams, the system allows the solid waste enclosure to be compacted effectively through air extraction without the compaction-limiting fluid content that would be present in a mixed waste bag

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Liquid waste is extracted from the waste stream into a separate fluid receiving container, removing the fluid content that would otherwise prevent effective compaction of solid waste through air extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If waste products are stored aboard the vehicle for disposal at a target location, then disposal fees are reduced, but the storage capacity is insufficient in vehicles with many passenger seats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisposal costVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented container system maximizes storage efficiency by separating liquids and solids, allowing each compartment to be optimized for its specific waste type and enabling more effective use of the limited storage space available in passenger vehicles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state parameters of stored waste by separating liquids from solids, allowing the solid waste to be compacted to a higher density while liquids are stored in their natural state, thereby increasing overall storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the disposal process by allowing for separate collection and storage of liquid waste, preventing mixing, and enhancing the compactibility of solid waste, thereby improving handling and storage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid receiving container comprises a container suction port, by means of which a fluid can be extracted from a bottom region of the interior of the fluid receiving container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3822166B1Fluid receiving container
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3822166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3822166B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3822166B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention pertains a fluid receiving container (14) with an upper container opening (16), wherein the fluid receiving container (14) is arranged in or laterally on a trolley housing (4), and wherein the fluid receiving container (14) comprises a container suction port (18), by means of which a fluidic connection can be produced in order to extract a fluid from the bottom of an interior (32) of the fluid receiving container (14).