U.S. patent application number 14/705216 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for modular lavatory wall with quiet flush plenum.
The applicant listed for this patent is MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC. Invention is credited to Razmik B. Boodaghians, Christoph Goeschel, Kevin Huang, Christina Ortolan, Nguyen Tram.
Application Number | 20150322656 14/705216 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53181358 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150322656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Kevin ; et
al. |
November 12, 2015 |
MODULAR LAVATORY WALL WITH QUIET FLUSH PLENUM
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to
passenger transport vehicle-based lavatories. Specifically, this
disclosure provides improved lavatory walls and configurations for
venting and noise reduction. The walls may include a plenum forming
a chamber with one or more openings, in order to help remove odors
from the laboratory environment via venting.
Inventors: |
Huang; Kevin; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Tram; Nguyen; (Chino Hills, CA) ;
Goeschel; Christoph; (Seattle, WA) ; Ortolan;
Christina; (Long Beach, CA) ; Boodaghians; Razmik
B.; (Glendale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC |
Carson |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53181358 |
Appl. No.: |
14/705216 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61989045 |
May 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/209R |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/14 20130101; E03D
9/04 20130101; B64D 11/02 20130101; B64D 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/04 20060101
E03D009/04 |
Claims
1. A venting system for a closed environment, comprising: a plenum
comprising an interior chamber; a plurality of openings formed
along an outer surface of the plenum; and a valve connection area
on the plenum for fluidly connecting the plenum to a vacuum
source.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum is installed along a
wall in an aircraft lavatory.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum forms an aircraft
lavatory wall.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum comprises a flattened,
curved tube.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are
generally uniformly spaced across the plenum.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a valve leading to the
vacuum source, wherein opening of the valve applies vacuum to the
interior chamber of the plenum and pulls air from the closed
environment into the plenum.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the air pulled from the closed
environment into the plenum is directed to a transient holding
tank.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the air pulled from the closed
environment into the plenum is directed to a vacuum waste tank.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum is formed of a foam
core material.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum is shared by two
spaces to be vented.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plenum is shared by first
and second lavatory spaces.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum further comprises a
wall formed with an internal space on an outer portion of the wall,
wherein the internal space is designed to house one or more
components.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the one of more components
comprise a video screen, a cabinet, or a non-load bearing
facade.
14. A method of venting an environment, comprising: providing a
plenum comprising a plurality of openings for receiving airflow,
the plenum further comprising a valve connection area that
cooperates with a valve leading to a vacuum source; opening the
valve in order to apply vacuum to the plenum.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/989,045, filed May 6, 2014, titled "Modular
Lavatory Wall with Quiet Flush Plenum," the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to
passenger transport vehicle-based lavatories. Specifically, this
disclosure provides improved lavatory walls and configurations for
venting and noise reduction. The walls may include a plenum forming
a chamber with one or more openings, in order to help remove odors
from the laboratory environment via venting.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many types of passenger transport vehicles (such as
aircraft, ships, buses, trains, and any other passenger transport
vehicles) use vacuum toilets in order to flush septic waste, which
is then delivered to a septic holding tank on board the vehicle.
Such septic holding tanks are typically fluidly connected to the
vacuum toilet system via a series of conduits, valves, and vacuum
pumps in order to flush and route septic waste to the holding
tanks. The vacuum created for the flushing action may either be via
one or more vacuum pumps, or, in the case of an aircraft in flight,
via a pressure differential. For example, aircrafts typically have
a vacuum disposal system that applies a vacuum to pull waste media
and flush water/spent water from toilets and/or sinks into an
on-board waste water storage tank. The suction is generated either
by the pressure differential between the pressurized cabin and the
reduced pressure outside of an aircraft at high flight altitudes or
by a vacuum generator at ground level or at low flight
altitudes.
[0004] Although efficient, vacuum toilets create a loud noise level
during the flush cycle, due to the amount of vacuum that needs to
be applied in order to cause the septic waste to travel from the
toilet basin to the holding tank. A loud flushing sound is created
when the flush valve opens. The differential pressure is what
forcefully draws the waste down the drain, and the pressure
differential must be large enough to cause the waste to flow the
entire distance from the toilet basin to the septic holding tank,
which can be located quite far from the lavatory.
[0005] The passenger complaints most often observed regarding use
of lavatories on-board passenger transport vehicles (aside from
their small size) relate to the residual odors present in
laboratories and the loud sounds associated with a vacuum flush.
The assignee of the present application has thus accordingly
developed various technologies seeking to address these complaints.
For example, co-pending U.S. application Publication No.
2013/0305444 describes a two-stage flush and gray water flush
system. One of the aspects described in addressing the noise of a
vacuum flush, as well as the airborne smells that develop inside
the lavatory space, is the temporal separation of toilet bowl
evacuation and waste transport. This technology provides a
transient tank located in between the vacuum toilet bowl in the
main aircraft waste tank. This has been found to reduce the noise
level associated with the flush process because a lesser vacuum is
demanded for the first stage of the flush, in order to deliver
waste to the transient tank. This technology also describes a
venting system that seeks to reduce lavatory odors.
[0006] The assignee has also sought to provide lavatories with a
modular design, utilizing a flexible assortment of major components
to outfit various lavatory configurations with standardized inserts
in a more inexpensive manner. Standardization of lavatory
structures can help to minimize manufacturing cost, but without
sufficient flexibility and modularity, standardization may stifle
creativity needed to optimize a cabin layout and maximize
seating.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments of the invention described herein thus seek to
provide an improved lavatory wall. In specific embodiments, the
lavatory wall may be provided as a modular lavatory wall.
Embodiments further seek to provide a lavatory wall that forms a
plenum with a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may
be used for venting air from a closed environment (such as the
interior of the lavatory) into the vacuum waste tank. This can help
alleviate odors and can also help reduce the loud sound of a vacuum
being applied to a single vent opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows plan view of a lavatory with one embodiment of
a quiet flush plenum.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a side plan view of one embodiment of a quiet
flush plenum wall.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the wall of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a lavatory with one
embodiment of a plenum vent positioned along the lavatory wall.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the plenum vent of FIG.
4.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustrating possible air flow
through one embodiment of a venting system described.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of openings through a
plenum.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of angled openings
through a plenum.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of angled openings through
a plenum.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows a side plan view of a lavatory with an
alternate embodiment of a quiet flush plenum floor.
[0018] FIG. 11 shows a lavatory space with a plenum having an
internal space for receiving one or more components.
[0019] FIG. 12 shows first and second lavatory spaces, sharing a
single plenum.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved
lavatory wall 10. In a specific embodiment, the lavatory wall 10
may be configured to be modular. For example, the lavatory wall may
be designed to be used in connection with a modular,
multi-configuration environment. Certain embodiments may be
designed to consider the challenges of economically manufacturing
vehicular-based lavatory structures in a multi-configuration
environment, such as on a commercial aircraft. The variability of
layouts in a vehicle's cabin can pose an optimization challenge for
minimizing floor space dedicated to the lavatory, maximizing class
differentiation through amenities, and minimizing manufacturing
costs.
[0021] In one embodiment, one or more of the lavatory walls 10 may
be built to include an internal space 12 for optional insertion of
utility components such as a video screen 60 or other passenger
amenities. The internal space may be an indented portion of the
wall 10 that allows positioning of any desired component. As shown
in FIG. 11, the component may be a video screen 60, a magazine
rack, a cabinet, or any other desirable component. In lavatory
configurations where such amenities are not required, the internal
space 12 may be covered with a non-load baring facade 62 that may
be positioned into the internal space 12. In other embodiments, the
internal space may be used as storage space for supplies. A cabinet
may be provided that is similar in size and shape to the non-load
bearing facade, but with a lockable door for containing various
lavatory items. It is envisioned any wall or any position of a wall
could be chosen for the purpose of containing the internal space
for housing an insert or other component. A particular benefit may
be achieved by utilizing any otherwise unused space on the
conformal wall of outboard lavatories.
[0022] In another specific embodiment, additionally or
alternatively to the modular concepts described above, the lavatory
wall may be designed to provide improved venting features. As
background, one feature of the two-stage flush concepts that are
being developed is providing an odor removal system that uses a
vent line connected to an air muffler. This system can pull noxious
air and odors out from the lavatory and deliver them to the waste
system using a controlling valve. The valve is only opened when
there is vacuum in the tank to remove odors from the air in the
lavatory.
[0023] In order to improve upon this odor removal system, there may
be provided a modified vent line 14 that can be formed as a plenum
16. The vent line 14 may be formed into a space 12 on the lavatory
wall 10. Alternatively, the vent line 14 may be positioned along an
interior portion of the curved lavatory wall 10 and secured
thereto. In a further example, the vent line 14/plenum 16 may be
formed into or as a part of the lavatory wall 10 itself. For
example, the wall 10 may be formed as having a portion that
provides plenum 16. Alternatively, the entire wall 10 may be formed
as a plenum 16. Regardless of how formed, the plenum 16 may
function as a chamber 18 that is intended to contain air or gas at
a negative pressure.
[0024] In a specific embodiment, the plenum 16 may be formed as a
chamber 18 that is tubular, a flattened tube, a curved portion, an
elongated plate shape, a curved plate formed with a chamber between
two plate walls, or any other shape. The figures provide exemplary
options only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The
plenum 16 may generally track the outer shape of the lavatory wall
10. Alternatively, the plenum 16 may be formed into the lavatory
wall 10.
[0025] The plenum 16 may generally be provided as having an
interior chamber 18 that contains at least one front wall 20 that
has a plurality of inlets or openings 22 therein. The inlets or
openings 22 can create air flow. As shown, the plenum 16 may also
have a rear wall 24 that does not have inlets or openings, but that
functions to provide a containing feature for the air and gases
that may be pulled into the plenum chamber 18 via vacuum.
[0026] In one embodiment, the plenum 16 may be conformal with the
shape of the lavatory structure such that it can be installed
within the internal hollow or otherwise pre-designed space 12
within the lavatory wall 10. In another embodiment, the entire wall
is 10 is formed as a plenum 16.
[0027] At least one portion of the plenum 16 should have a valve
connection area 26. This valve connection area 26 may be provided
as an outlet of the plenum 16. The valve connection area 26 is
designed to cooperate with a valve 28 that leads (either directly
or indirectly) to the vacuum waste tank. The valve connection area
26 may be positioned at one of the ends 30, 32 of the plenum 16.
Alternatively, the valve connection area 26 may be positioned along
a body of the plenum 16. In a specific example, the valve
connection area 26 may be positioned along the rear wall 24 or
along the front wall 20.
[0028] As shown, the plenum 16 generally has two ends 30, 32. An
upper portion of the plenum 16 may form the upper portion of the
lavatory wall 10. This is illustrated as the first end 30 of the
plenum 16. The upper portion of the plenum 16 may form a closed 34
end of the vent line 14. The upper portion is shown as extending
generally to the ceiling of the lavatory, but it should be
understood that the upper portion 34 need not extend fully upwards.
It may end mid-way up the wall or even be provided at a lower
area.
[0029] The lower portion of the plenum 16 may form the lower
portion of the lavatory wall 10. This may referred to as a second
end 32 of the plenum. The lower portion of the plenum 16 is shown
in the figures as having a valve connection area 26. It should be
understood, however, that the valve connection area 26 may be
positioned anywhere appropriate along the plenum 16.
[0030] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-3, the valve connection
area 26 is associated with a valve 28 that cooperates with an
intermediate or transient holding tank 38. This transient holding
tank 38 may hold fluid from an initial flush of a toilet 40. The
general purpose of the transient holding tank 38 is to provide a
barrier between the toilet 40 and the vacuum waste tank. This can
help lower the sound of the vacuum flush.
[0031] In another embodiment, the valve connection area 28 may be
associated with a valve 28 that cooperates directly with the vacuum
waste tank 42. One example of this airflow is a shown in FIG. 6. In
such a configuration, the valve 28 may be a controlled valve that
allows the valve connection area 26 to mate directly with the
vacuum waste system tank 42. It is possible that in such an
embodiment, air may constantly flow through the plenum 16 and into
the vacuum waste system in a controlled fashion in order to provide
continuous odor venting.
[0032] Whether the valve connection area 26 and valve 28 are
directly or indirectly associated with the vacuum waste tank 42, in
either embodiment, the general goal is for vacuum from the vacuum
waste tank 42 to pull air from the lavatory into the plenum 16. The
valve 28 will guide the air either to the transient tank 38 or
directly to the vacuum waste tank 42. The general goal is to pull
air from the closed lavatory environment into the plenum 16
interior chamber 18.
[0033] In order to receive air, the plenum 16 may be provided with
a plurality of inlets or openings 22. These openings 22 may be any
appropriate size. For example, a non-limiting size range may be
from 1 mm or smaller up to 6 inches or more. In a specific
embodiment, the openings may be sized at about one or 2 inches. In
a specific embodiment, the plenum 16 may include a single large
opening and multiple smaller inlets/openings. In another
embodiment, the openings may all be similarly sized. An example of
this is shown by FIGS. 3 and 5. In another embodiment, the openings
may all be variously sized. It is possible for the openings to be
generally uniformly spaced, as is shown in FIG. 5. The number and
arrangement of inlet ducts will vary based on lavatory
configuration, but may generally be located in a spread-out fashion
that maximizes air exchange in the passenger space of the lavatory.
It is also possible for the openings to be grouped more heavily
along one area of the plenum 16. They may be scattered or provided
in rows. The rows may be provided in a linear fashion or in a
curved fashion.
[0034] The inlets/openings 22 may be of a shape to maximize laminar
flow and minimize noise generated by airflow into the plenum, such
as a velocity stack. In one example, they may be circular openings
22. In another example they may be slits, triangular, square,
louvered openings, elongated cut lines, or any other appropriate
shape. In one embodiment, the openings 22 may have a border 46 that
is generally perpendicular to the wall surface 48, as shown in FIG.
7. In another embodiment, the openings may have a border 46 that
creates an angle that is acute or obtuse with respect to the wall
surface 48. Examples are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. These options may
help provide varying levels of desired airflow.
[0035] The multiple small inlets/openings 22 along the plenum 16
may be open to the passenger space of the lavatory. In one example,
they are directly formed in the wall 10. They may be covered by a
breathable fabric material or other material that will allow air to
be pulled therethrough. In another example, the openings 22 may be
formed in hidden reliefs in the lavatory wall. In another example,
provided the openings 22 are small enough to prevent passenger
tampering, they may not have any covering. In a further example,
air may flow around a facade 62 or component (as illustrated in
FIG. 11) and into openings 22 in order to enter the plenum. It is
possible for the facade 62 to be set apart from the wall, such that
there are inlet openings 22 on the plenum 16 and the facade
provides a visual covering for the openings 22.
[0036] Providing a plurality of openings or inlets along the plenum
may provide the benefit of more even removal of odor and noxious
gasses from the lavatory space. This can provide a benefit over
only a single air inlet at the top of a vent line. Providing a
plurality of openings or inlets 22 may also help reduce the noise
associated with intake of air across the plenum 16. For example,
spreading the intake area along the plenum 16 and adjusting the
speed and/or volume of removal can prevent a loud sucking sound
from occurring at a single opening.
[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, it is possible for two
distinct lavatory spaces 64a, 64b to share a single plenum 16. For
example, a rear wall 10a of a first lavatory space 64a may form a
first plenum wall, and a rear wall 10b of a second lavatory space
64b may form a second plenum wall. In this example, both walls 10a,
10b are provided with a series of inlet openings 22. This may be a
particularly beneficial design for an interior lavatory space, for
which neither wall 10a, 10b is required to be curved.
[0038] It is envisioned that instead of a wall 10, a similar
architecture may be used to create a false floor 50, under which
there may be provided a plenum 16 having one or more of the
features described herein. One exemplary embodiment is shown in
FIG. 10. This plenum 16 could be periodically vented to vacuum to
provide cleaning and drying services for the floor of the lavatory.
This could be particularly useful to help remove spills or any
other liquid that may contact the floor 50.
[0039] The material used to form the plenum 16 may be any
appropriate lightweight material that is stiff enough to withstand
airflow therethrough. For example, the plenum may be formed of
injection molded plastic. The plenum may be formed of a foam core.
The plenum may be formed of carbon fiber composite. It should be
understood that any other materials are possible and considered
within the scope of this disclosure.
[0040] The internal and external surfaces of the plenum may be
coated with a material that stiffens, seals, or otherwise provides
structural and pneumatic benefits. It is envisioned that due to the
large amount of air flowing through the plenum 16, the potential
for airborne bacteria, viruses, or other organic matter to collect
on the internal and external surfaces is great. To alleviate this
potential risk, an antimicrobial surface coating may be applied in
order to help reduce collection of undesirable airborne matter. In
some cases, this surface coating could also provide aesthetic
value. One non-limiting example of a surface material that could be
used in this fashion is Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass. One
benefit of using such a material is the ability to form-fit the
curved structure of some lavatories.
[0041] In one example, there is provided a venting system for a
closed environment, comprising: a plenum comprising an interior
chamber; a plurality of openings formed along an outer surface of
the plenum; and a valve connection area on the plenum for fluidly
connecting the plenum to a vacuum source. The plenum may be
installed along a wall in an aircraft lavatory. In one example, the
plenum may form an aircraft lavatory wall. The plenum may comprise
a flattened, curved tube. The plurality of openings may be
generally uniformly spaced across the plenum or they may be
randomly spaced.
[0042] In a specific embodiment, there may also be provided a valve
leading to the vacuum source, wherein opening of the valve applies
vacuum to the interior chamber of the plenum and pulls air from the
closed environment into the plenum. The air pulled from the closed
environment into the plenum may be directed to a transient holding
tank. Alternatively, the air pulled from the closed environment
into the plenum may be directed to a vacuum waste tank.
[0043] The plenum may be formed of a foam core material. The plenum
may be shared by two spaces to be vented. For example, the plenum
may be shared by first and second lavatory spaces. The plenum may
further comprise a wall formed with an internal space on an outer
portion of the wall, wherein the internal space is designed to
house one or more components. The one or more components may be a
video screen, a cabinet, or a non-load bearing facade.
[0044] There is also provided a method of venting an environment,
comprising: providing a plenum comprising a plurality of openings
for receiving airflow, the plenum further comprising a valve
connection area that cooperates with a valve leading to a vacuum
source; opening the valve in order to apply vacuum to the
plenum.
[0045] Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be
made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the
drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the
disclosure or the following claims.
* * * * *