Vacuum Waste Compaction Trolley for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste compaction systems in vehicles, particularly in large passenger aircraft, face challenges with heavy and space-consuming electromechanical components, limited mobility, and insufficient reliability, which restricts waste collection capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A movable waste compaction system utilizing a vacuum mechanism with a trolley and docking station, where the trolley features a compaction sleeve and suction ports for efficient air evacuation, minimizing weight and space requirements, and integrating with existing suction lines for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromechanical waste compactors are used, then compaction power is sufficient, but weight increases due to motor, gears, supports and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical compaction system with a pneumatic vacuum-based system. Instead of using motors, gears, and mechanical components to compact waste, the invention uses a vacuum pump to create negative pressure that draws waste into a compact container, eliminating heavy mechanical components while maintaining compaction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum pump to create a pressure differential that moves and compacts waste. The vacuum system uses air pressure differentials to achieve waste compaction without mechanical force, thereby reducing the weight of moving components
2Power
If electromechanical compaction mechanism is installed, then compaction function is provided, but available space in trolley is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-based pneumatic system occupies less space than electromechanical components because it eliminates motors, gear trains, and heavy structural supports. The vacuum pump can be mounted externally or in a compact configuration, freeing up internal trolley volume for waste collection
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the compaction function (vacuum pump) from the waste collection container (trolley). This segmentation allows the pump to be positioned separately, potentially outside the main waste-holding volume, thereby maximizing the space available for collecting waste while maintaining the compaction capability
3Power
If heavy compaction mechanism is used, then compaction is effective, but trolley mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing heavy electromechanical components with a lighter pneumatic vacuum system, the overall weight of the compactor is reduced. This weight reduction directly improves trolley mobility and ease of maneuvering throughout the cabin while preserving the effectiveness of the compaction function through vacuum pressure
4Power
If vacuum pump is integrated in trolley, then compaction is achieved, but trolley weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system design allows the vacuum pump to be segmented from the main trolley body. The pump can be mounted in a separate location (externally or in a different monument) and connected via flexible hoses, enabling the trolley to remain lightweight and mobile while still providing vacuum compaction capability when needed
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 provides a high waste collection capacity with reduced weight and space usage, ensuring efficient compaction and mobility without bulky components, enhancing reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum waste compacting mechanism inside the housing... which comprises a compaction sleeve... that is to be considered a bag, which extends through the whole trolley... The top is delimited by the movable upper frame
Implementation Method 2
the first suction port being couplable with the vacuum waste compacting mechanism... the docking station comprises a second suction portion couplable with a suction line in the vehicle and the first suction port
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
A waste compaction system for a vehicle comprises a moveable trolley (2,3) for storing waste, and a docking station (22) integratable into a cabin monument for inserting the trolley (2,3). The trolley (2,3) comprises a housing (4) having an opening for inserting waste, a vacuum waste compacting mechanism (12) inside the housing (4) and a first suction port (10) accessible from outside the housing (4), the first suction port (10) being coublable with the vacuum waste compacting mechanism (12). The docking station (22) and the trolley (2,3) are adapted to each other such that the trolley (2,3) is engageable with the docking station (22), and wherein the docking station (22) comprises a second suction port (26) couplable with a suction line in the vehicle and the first suction port (10). Resultantly, a lightweight and efficient waste compaction system is provided, which allows moving the trolley (2,3) for collecting waste inside a cabin of the vehicle.