Patent Description:
Aircraft galley and lavatory sink assemblies generally include a faucet, which provides potable water, and a sink basin into which the potable water output by the faucet and other liquids may be poured. A drain system is fluidly coupled between the sink basin and a greywater tank. The drain system typically includes a drain located in the sink basin, one or more conduits (e.g., drain lines or hoses) fluidly coupling the drain to a greywater tank, a motorized valve configured to control the flow of fluid from the drain to the greywater tank, and sensor(s) located in the conduits between the drain and the motorized valve. The system is configured such that the motorized valve actuates to an open position in response to the sensor(s) detecting water in the conduits, thereby allowing the liquid to flow into the greywater tank. When the valve is in the closed position, the liquid remains between the valve and the sink basin. The sensors are prone to corrosion and build-up (e.g., sludge), which can lead to false positives (e.g., the sensor outputting a water present signal, when there is no water in the conduit) and/or failing to detect water. The valve remaining open can impact cabin pressure and poses a flight risk. Similarly, a valve failing to open can lead to liquid backup and/or overflow in sink basin. Also, the location of the sensors within the conduits makes accessing the sensors for cleaning or other maintenance difficult. A drain system is disclosed in <CIT> and in <CIT>.

An automatic drain system is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In various embodiments, at least one of a screen or a plug may be located between the flange and a distal end of the neck. In various embodiments, at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor may be located between the flange and the at least one of the screen or the plug.

In various embodiments, the first conductor may have an annular shape. In various embodiments, the second conductor may be located radially between the first conductor and the drain orifice. In various embodiments, an indicator light may be located radially between the first conductor and the second conductor.

A sink assembly is also provided as defined by claim <NUM>. In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to command the electromechanical actuator to actuate the valve to the open position in response to detecting current is flowing through the circuit. The controller may be configured to command the electromechanical actuator to actuate the valve to the closed position in response to detecting current is not flowing through the circuit.

In various embodiments, a faucet may be configured to output a liquid into the sink basin. The controller may be in communication with the faucet and may be configured to determine if a fault condition exists in response to determining that the faucet is outputting the liquid and that current is not flowing through the circuit.

In various embodiments, the drain may include at least one of a screen or a plug located between the flange and a distal end of the neck. The liquid detection sensor may be located between the flange and the at least one of the screen or the plug. In various embodiments, the liquid detection sensor may be located on the neck and <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or less from the flange.

An article of manufacture including a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon for controlling the automatic drain system is also provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the operations may further comprise starting, by the controller, a timer in response to detecting current is flowing between the first portion of the circuit and the second portion of the circuit; and commanding, by the controller, an alert system to output an alert in response to the timer exceeding a threshold time limit.

In various embodiments, the operations may further comprise receiving, by the controller, a signal from a faucet indicating water is being output by the faucet; and commanding, by the controller, an alert system to output an alert in response to determining water is being output by the faucet and current is not flowing between the first portion of the circuit and the second portion of the circuit.

It should be understood, however, the following description and drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting, the invention being limited exclusively by the appended claims.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein , that are within the scope of the claims. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation.

Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option.

Surface lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. Throughout the present disclosure, like reference numbers denote like elements. Accordingly, elements with like element numbering may be shown in the figures but may not necessarily be repeated herein for the sake of clarity.

Disclosed herein, according to various embodiments, is an automatic drain system. In accordance with various embodiments, liquid detection sensors are located on the drain proximate the sink basin. Locating the liquid detection sensor on the drain allows the sensors to be easily accessed for cleaning, which tends to reduce, or prevent, corrosion buildup on the sensors. Although details and examples are included herein pertain to implementing the automated drain assembly in an aircraft galley, the present disclosure is not necessarily so limited. For example, the automated drain system may be employed in aircraft lavatories and/or in other vehicles (e.g., ships, trains, recreation vehicles, etc.). Thus, aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be adapted for performance in a variety of other industries. As such, numerous applications of the present disclosure may be realized.

Referring now to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> having a fuselage <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Fuselage <NUM> defines an aircraft cabin therein. In this regard, passengers may board the aircraft <NUM> and sit within the aircraft cabin during travel. The aircraft cabin includes at least one galley <NUM>. Aircraft <NUM> may have a potable water source <NUM> that supplies potable water to a galley <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a portion of galley <NUM> is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, a sink assembly <NUM> may be installed in galley <NUM>. Sink assembly <NUM> includes a faucet <NUM> and a sink basin <NUM> configured to receive water output by faucet <NUM>. Faucet <NUM> may receive water from potable water source <NUM> (<FIG>). In accordance with various embodiments, sink assembly <NUM> includes an automatic drain system <NUM>. A drain <NUM> of automatic drain system <NUM> may be installed in sink basin <NUM>. Water or other liquid exits sink basin <NUM> through drain <NUM> (e.g., fluid flows out sink basin <NUM> via drain <NUM>).

With additional reference to <FIG>, a schematic of sink assembly <NUM> is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, water, or other liquid waste, deposited in sink basin <NUM> may be deposited into greywater tank <NUM> via one or more conduits <NUM>. In accordance with various embodiments, automatic drain system <NUM> is located between sink basin <NUM> and greywater tank <NUM>. Automatic drain system <NUM> includes drain <NUM> and a motorized valve assembly <NUM>. Motorized valve assembly <NUM> includes a valve <NUM> and an electromechanical actuator <NUM> configured to actuate valve <NUM> between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, valve <NUM> blocks, or otherwise prevents, the flow of fluid from drain <NUM> to greywater tank <NUM>. When valve <NUM> is in the open position, fluid may flow from drain <NUM> into greywater tank <NUM>.

In accordance with various embodiments, valve <NUM> is located fluidly between drain <NUM> and greywater tank <NUM>. A first conduit 50a (or plurality of first conduits) may be coupled to an outlet <NUM> of drain <NUM> and an inlet <NUM> of valve <NUM>. A second conduit 50b (or plurality of second conduits) is coupled to an outlet <NUM> of valve <NUM> and an inlet <NUM> of greywater tank <NUM>.

A controller <NUM> (shown schematically) of automatic drain system <NUM> is operably coupled to and is in communication with motorized valve assembly <NUM>. Controller <NUM> is configured to control actuation of valve <NUM>. In this regard, controller <NUM> sends commands <NUM> (e.g., outputs electrical signals) to electromechanical actuator <NUM>. The commands are configured to cause to electromechanical actuator <NUM> to actuate valve <NUM> to either the open position or the closed position.

Controller <NUM> is also in communication with a liquid detection sensor <NUM> located on drain <NUM>. Controller may also be in communication with an aircraft alert system <NUM> to alert crew or maintenance personnel of a fault condition or other issue with drain <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or some other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is in communication with controller <NUM>. The storage medium <NUM> may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium known in the art. The storage medium <NUM> has instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by controller <NUM> cause controller <NUM> to perform operations related to controlling the flow of liquid through automatic drain system <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is configured to determine whether liquid is present in sink basin <NUM> based on signal(s) <NUM> received from liquid detection sensor <NUM>. In response to determining liquid is present in sink basin <NUM>, controller <NUM> commands electromechanical actuator <NUM> to actuate valve <NUM> to the open position, thereby allowing liquid in first conduit 50a to flow into greywater tank <NUM>. In response to determining liquid is not present in sink basin <NUM>, controller <NUM> commands electromechanical actuator <NUM> to actuate valve <NUM> to the closed position.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of drain <NUM> located in sink basin <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of drain <NUM> with sink basin <NUM> removed for clarity. With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, drain <NUM> includes a neck <NUM> and a flange <NUM>. Neck <NUM> has a generally cylindrical shape and may be coaxial with the first conduit 50a connected to outlet <NUM> of drain <NUM>. An internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM> defines the drain orifice <NUM> through which the liquid from sink basin <NUM> enters drain <NUM>. Flange <NUM> extends radially outward from neck <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may extend <NUM>° about neck <NUM>. In various embodiments, flange <NUM> extends over at least a portion of surface <NUM> of sink basin <NUM>. Sink opening <NUM> may be formed through and defined by surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, surface <NUM> of flange <NUM> is coplanar and/or even with surface <NUM> of sink basin <NUM>.

According to the invention, the liquid detection sensor <NUM> includes a first conductor <NUM> and a second conductor <NUM>. First conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> are each made out of an electrically conductive material, for example, out of a metal or a metal alloy. Second conductor <NUM> is electrically isolated from first conductor <NUM>. In this regard, flange <NUM> of drain <NUM> may be made of an electrically isolating material and/or an electrically insulating material may be located between each of first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> and flange <NUM>. Liquid detection sensor <NUM> may be configured to prevent, or reduce, corrosion by avoiding electrolysis on the sensor contacts (e.g., the first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM>). An alternating current signal, which may be devoid of a direct current bias, is provided to the first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> by controller <NUM>.

First conductor <NUM> is electrically connected to a positive terminal P+ via a conductive link (e.g. wire) <NUM>. Second conductor <NUM> is electrically connected to a negative terminal P-via a conductive link (e.g., wire) <NUM>. According to the invention, positive terminal P+ is part of a first portion <NUM> of a circuit <NUM> located in controller <NUM>. Negative terminal P-is part of a second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM>. First and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> are configured such that no current flows between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> and/or between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM> unless a conductive liquid (e.g., water having dissolved ions) is in contact with both first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>. Stated differently, current does not flow between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> and/or between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM> unless an electrical connection is formed between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>. In this regard, the presence of liquid in sink basin <NUM> creates a conductive link (e.g., an electrical connection) between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>, thereby causing current to flow from positive terminal P+ and first portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM> to negative terminal P- and second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM>. Controller <NUM> is configured to detect a flow of current through circuit <NUM> and, in response to detecting current flowing through circuit <NUM>, command electromechanical actuator <NUM> to actuate valve <NUM> to the open position. With valve <NUM> in the open position, the fluid in conduit 50a can flow to greywater tank <NUM>, thereby draining sink basin <NUM>. The liquid emptying from sink basin <NUM> removes the electrical connection between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>, thereby causing the current flow through circuit <NUM> to cease. In response to detecting that current is not flowing through circuit <NUM>, controller <NUM> commands electromechanical actuator <NUM> to actuate valve <NUM> to the closed position.

In various embodiments, liquid detection sensor <NUM> is located on flange <NUM>. In this regard, first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> are located on flange <NUM> and outside the drain orifice <NUM>. Locating liquid detection sensor <NUM> on flange <NUM> allows liquid detection sensor <NUM> to be easily wiped down and cleaned, which tends to reduce, or prevent, corrosion buildup on liquid detection sensor <NUM>.

In various embodiments, liquid detection sensor <NUM> may be located on internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of drain <NUM> with first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> located on internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM>. First and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> are located in drain orifice <NUM> and below surface <NUM> of flange <NUM>, but within reach of a person wiping down sink basin <NUM> (<FIG>). For example, first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may be located <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or less from surface <NUM> of flange <NUM>. In various embodiments, first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may be located <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or less from surface <NUM> of flange <NUM>. In various embodiments, first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may be located <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or less from surface <NUM> of flange <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a screen <NUM> or a plug <NUM> (<FIG>) may be located in neck <NUM>. The screen <NUM> (or plug <NUM>) may connect to neck <NUM> below flange <NUM>. Stated differently, screen <NUM> (or plug <NUM>) is located between flange <NUM> and a distal end <NUM> of neck <NUM>. Distal end <NUM> is opposite flange <NUM>. In various embodiments, distal end <NUM> defines outlet <NUM>. In various embodiments, an external (i.e., outer circumferential) surface of neck <NUM> may be threaded at distal end <NUM>. In various embodiments, internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM> may be threaded at distal end <NUM>. A portion <NUM> of internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM> extends between screen <NUM> and surface <NUM> of flange <NUM> (and/or between the plug <NUM> (<FIG>) and surface <NUM>). In various embodiments, first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> are located on portion <NUM> of internal surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, one of first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> is located on flange <NUM> and the other of first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> is located on portion <NUM> of internal surface <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, in various embodiments, automatic drain system <NUM> may include an indicator light <NUM>. Indicator light <NUM> may be located on sink assembly <NUM> (e.g., on sink basin <NUM> or faucet <NUM>) or in another location in galley <NUM> (<FIG>). Controller <NUM> is in communication with and may control various functions of indicator light <NUM>. For example, controller <NUM> be configured to command indicator light <NUM> to power ON (i.e., output light) when valve <NUM> is in the open position and to power OFF when valve <NUM> is in the closed position. In various embodiments, controller <NUM> may command indicator light <NUM> to flash (e.g., switch between a powered OFF state and a powered ON state) when valve <NUM> is in the open position.

In various embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to detect a fault condition within automatic drain system <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may command indicator light <NUM> to output a first color (e.g., white or green) during normal operating conditions and to output a second color (e.g., red) and/or to flash in response to detecting a fault condition. In various embodiments, controller <NUM> may detect a fault condition by determining whether valve <NUM> has been open for longer than a threshold time limit. For example, controller <NUM> may start a timer in response to detecting current flow in circuit <NUM> (<FIG>). Controller <NUM> stops the timer each time the current flow through circuit <NUM> ceases and starts the timer again from zero each time current is detected. Controller <NUM> commands indicator light <NUM> to output an alert (e.g., flash red), in response to the timer exceeding the threshold time limit (e.g., <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, or any other desired time limit). Controller <NUM> may also be configured to command an alert system <NUM> to output an alert to flight crew in response to the timer exceeding the threshold time limit.

In various embodiments, controller <NUM> may be in communication with faucet <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may determine a fault condition exists if faucet <NUM> is outputting water, but current is not flowing through circuit <NUM>. In response to determining there is a fault condition, controller may command alert system <NUM> to output an alert configured to convey to flight crew and/or other maintenance personnel that liquid detection sensor <NUM> is not working properly and may be in need of cleaning and/or replacement. The alert can also help prevent sink overflow, by alerting flight crew that the sink basin <NUM> is not draining (e.g., that valve <NUM> is not in the open position).

With reference to <FIG>, a drain <NUM> for an automatic drain system is illustrated. In various embodiments, automatic drain system <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> may include drain <NUM> in place of drain <NUM>. Drain <NUM> includes a neck <NUM> and a flange <NUM>. Neck <NUM> has a generally cylindrical shape and may be coaxial with a first conduit 50a (<FIG>) connected to outlet <NUM> of drain <NUM>. An internal (or inner circumferential) surface <NUM> of neck1 <NUM> defines the drain orifice <NUM> through which the liquid =enters drain <NUM>. Flange <NUM> extends radially outward from neck <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may extend <NUM>° about neck <NUM>. In various embodiments, flange <NUM> extends over at least a portion of surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of sink basin <NUM>. In various embodiments, surface <NUM> of flange <NUM> is coplanar and/or even with surface <NUM> of sink basin <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a liquid detection sensor <NUM> is formed on flange <NUM>. Liquid detection sensor <NUM> includes a first conductor <NUM> and a second conductor <NUM>. First conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> are each made out of an electrically conductive material, for example, from a metal or a metal alloy. Second conductor <NUM> is electrically isolated from first conductor <NUM>. In this regard, flange <NUM> of drain <NUM> may be made of an electrically isolating material and/or an electrically insulating material may be located between each of first and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> and flange <NUM>. In various embodiments, first and second conductors may each have a generally annular or ring-like shape. Second conductor <NUM> may be located radially inward of first conductor <NUM> (e.g., between first conductor <NUM> and internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM>. In various embodiments, first conductor <NUM> and/or second conductor <NUM> may be located on internal surface <NUM> of neck <NUM> with first conductor <NUM> and/or second conductor <NUM> being located within reach of a person cleaning sink basin <NUM> (<FIG>).

First conductor <NUM> is electrically connected to positive terminal P+ in a manner similar to first conductor <NUM> in <FIG>. Second conductor <NUM> is electrically connected to negative terminal P- in a manner similar to first conductor <NUM> in <FIG>. First and second conductors <NUM>, <NUM> are configured such that no current flows between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> and/or between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM>, with momentary reference to <FIG>, unless a conductive liquid (e.g., water having dissolved ions) is in contact with both first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>. Stated differently, current does not flow between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM> and/or between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM> unless an electrical connection is formed between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>. In this regard, the presence of liquid in sink basin <NUM> creates a conductive link (e.g., an electrical connection) between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>, thereby causing current to flow from positive terminal P+ and first portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM> to negative terminal P- and second portion <NUM> of circuit <NUM>.

In various embodiments, drain <NUM> includes an indicator light <NUM>. Indicator light <NUM> may be located on flange <NUM> and may have a generally annular or ring-like shape. In various embodiments, indicator light <NUM> is located radially between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>. In various embodiments, indicator light <NUM> provides electrical isolation between first conductor <NUM> and second conductor <NUM>. Controller <NUM> (<FIG>) is in communication with and may control various functions of indicator light <NUM>, as described about with reference to indicator light <NUM> in <FIG>.

Benefits and other advantages have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, and any elements that may cause any benefit or advantage to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
An automatic drain system, comprising:
a drain (<NUM>) including a neck (<NUM>) defining a drain orifice and a flange (<NUM>) extending from the neck; and
a liquid detection sensor (<NUM>) located on at least one of the neck or the flange;
a valve (<NUM>) downstream of the drain;
an electromechanical actuator (<NUM>) configured to translate the valve between an open position and a closed position; and
a controller (<NUM>) operably coupled to the liquid detection sensor;
characterised in that:
the liquid detection sensor comprises:
a first conductor (<NUM>) electrically coupled to a positive terminal (P+) of a first portion (<NUM>) of a circuit (<NUM>) located in the controller (<NUM>); and
a second conductor (<NUM>) electrically isolated from the first conductor and electrically coupled to a negative terminal (P-) of a second portion (<NUM>) of the circuit (<NUM>);
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to detect whether current is flowing through the circuit (<NUM>).