Patent ID: 12258129

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an” or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. Further, all ranges may include upper and lower values and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

Referring toFIG.1, in accordance with various embodiments, an exemplary lavatory100is illustrated. The lavatory100may be implemented in a variety of locations including an aircraft, a train, and an office building. The lavatory100includes components such as a toilet102having a cover104and a seat106, a trash can108with a flap110, a soap dispenser112, a faucet114, and a sink116. The cover104moves up and down to use the toilet102in a seated position. The cover104and seat106moves up and down to use the toilet102in a standing position. The flap110moves in and out to allow for disposal of garbage into trash can108.

In various embodiments, a dryer10can be placed at a lower part of the lavatory100at a variety of locations close to the floor20to direct or channel airflow to the floor20to remove or cause airflow to distribute away moisture, water droplets and/or dirt that collects on the floor20surface. In various embodiments, the dryer10can be mounted unobtrusively under the sink116or near the toilet102and can be configured to be actuated manually by a manual switch located outside the lavatory100or inside the lavatory100or can be actuated by a command generated by a (central) processor from a set of sensors118a-118f; if the lavatory100is configured with a plurality of sensors for touchless operations. In various embodiments, the dryer10may be actuated by sensor detection including a sensor associated with a locking mechanism having a slide switch configured on the lavatory door. For example, after a locking and opening process, signals can be sent to the processor that an occupant is exiting the lavatory100(occupied by the occupant) and in response the processor is programmed to send a command to actuate the dryer10immediately or after a delay of a certain period or before a detection of a next occupant entering the lavatory100.

In various embodiments, in an exemplary lavatory100configured for touchless operations with motors, or actuators, within the lavatory100to operate the toilet102, cover104, seat106, flap110, soap dispenser112, and faucet114, actuations of certain motors for the toilet102and the faucet114may also be tied with actuation of operation of the dryer10immediately or with a time delay.

In various embodiments, also for a touchless configuration of the lavatory100, several sensors118a-118fmay be provided. In various embodiments, each sensor118a-118fis associated with a component and the associated motor within the lavatory100. For example, sensor118amay be associated the toilet102, and with flushing the toilet102; sensor118bmay be associated with the cover104; sensor118cmay be associated with the seat106; sensor118dmay be associated with the flap110; sensor118emay be associated with the soap dispenser112; and sensor118fmay be associated with the faucet114. Each sensor118a-118fmay include an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. The ambient light sensor detects light reaching the sensor118a-118f. The proximity sensor detects how close an object is to the sensor118a-118fand/or movement near the sensor118a-118f. For example, sensor118asends a value(s) to a processor in response to detecting movement, such as via sensor118a's proximity sensor, and the processor commands the motor associated with toilet102to activate, flushing the toilet102. Similarly, sensor118bsends a value(s) to a processor in response to detecting movement, such as via sensor118b's proximity sensor, and the processer commands the motor associated with cover104to raise or lower cover104. Likewise, sensor118csends a value(s) to a processor in response to detecting movement, such as via sensor118c's proximity sensor, and the processor commands the motor associated with seat106to activate to raise or lower seat106. Similarly, sensor118dsends a value(s) to a processor in response to detecting movement, such as via sensor118d's proximity sensor, and the processor commands the motor associated with flap110to open or close flap110. Likewise, sensor118esends a value(s) to a processor in response to detecting movement, such as via sensor118e's proximity sensor of the soap dispenser112, and the processor commands the motor associated with the soap dispenser112to activate and dispense soap. Similarly, sensor118fsends a value(s) to a processor in response to detecting movement, such as via its proximity sensor, and the processor commands the motor associated with faucet114to turn on faucet114, allowing water to flow into sink116.

In various embodiments, one or more sensors118a-118fcan also be configured to enable a command operation by the processor to activate the dryer10in the lavatory100. For example, the proximity sensor118aassociated with flushing of the toilet may also provide a value to the processor to send a command or signal to the dryer10to dry the floor20to prevent splashed water from the toilet wetting the floor20. In various embodiments, the proximity sensor118fassociated with sending the value to the processor to command operating of the faucet114may also enable the processor to send a command to operate the dryer10(immediately or after a time delay) to dry the floor20in anticipation of water droplets splashed from the sink116.

Referring now toFIG.2,FIG.2illustrates a diagram of a top-down view of the aircraft lavatory and airflow from the dryer202across the floor of the aircraft lavatory in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG.2, the lavatory200is illustrated with a floor area205with a sink220on one side, and a toilet225on the opposite side. The wet/damp areas210and215are depicted in the floor area205are often wet or damp because of their proximity to the sink220and the toilet225and areas that can be moisten or wetted from water droplets from either vessel. A dryer202configured in a front panel240of the monument of the sink220or a side panel245of the lavatory200and positioned low to the floor area205or configured with vents directed to the floor area205can channel or circulate air across the floor area205to capture any surface droplets, any dirt and apply airflow to wet/damp areas210,215to evaporate surface water, surface water droplets, to dry the surface and remove the moisture.

In various embodiments, the position of dryer can be configured to direct the airflow at different velocities and in different streams to cause wetter areas or areas more succumb to water spillage from the toilet225or the sink220to receive more or greater amounts of airflow for a drying operation. In various embodiments, the dryer202can be configured with a vent direction (i.e., a cover plate to vent and direct expunged air) to direct airflow to remove dirt in the floor area205that is more trekked by occupants when using the lavatory200.

In various embodiments, the dryer202can operate when the lavatory200is not occupied. The dryer may also be operated remotely by remote actuation or be programmed to automatically operated at certain flight phases or periods for less intrusive operations.

In various embodiments, the dryer202can be a heating source to heat the floor area205and to remove the wet/damp regions on the floor area205.

In various embodiments, the dryer202can elevate the temperature of the lavatory200for comfort for babies or temperature sensitive individuals or activities including breast feeding. The temperature of the lavatory200often is cooler than the cabin, the dryer can operate to raise the temperature of the lavatory200for comfort of the passengers. Further, premium class passengers in long haul flight are often given lighter sleeping apparel such as pajamas and tops, the dryer202can be operated by the crew to raise the temperature of a lavatory200when accessed by the premium class passengers for more comfort especially during sleep hours when the premium class passengers are likely dressed in lighter night apparel furnished by the carrier. Also, in first class for certain carriers, the lavatory200can include a shower, and the dryer202can raise the temperature of the interior of the lavatory200when the passenger is using the shower by manual actuation or by sensed shower activities via sensors configured in a touchless or like lavatory200.

FIGS.3A and3Billustrate a lavatory modular enclosure, a dryer, and a location for placement of the dryer in the sink monument in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG.3A, a lavatory300is depicted with a door305with a door latch307and a separate locking mechanism315configured with a slide switch. The dryer325is a modular unit that includes a power source and an outlet to vent air across the floor of the lavatory300. In various embodiments, the door305is configured to open towards the sink so that in response to an occupant entering, the occupant's shoes will track dirt or other particles across the middle area of the lavatory300in front of the toilet320. The sink310is configured on top of monument with a cavity area365. There is also a pull-out355that can have supplies or be used for waste disposal with a cavity area360. The cavity areas365and360, each can provide space to insert the dryer325.

InFIG.3B, there is depicted another location370for positioning the dryer325to distribute air in a floor area in front of the toilet320.

In various embodiments, the dryer325can be actuated when the slide switch of the locking mechanism315is changed from a closed position to an open position. In embodiments, the dryer325can be configured to be communicatively coupled with a sensor that indicates when the slide switch is moved to unlock the door305. In various embodiments, a time delay can be inserted to cause the dryer325to wait a few moments for the occupant to leave the lavatory300before actuation to operate unobtrusively without the occupant's knowledge.

In various embodiments, the dryer325can be actuated by the door latch307operation with the slide switch operation of the locking mechanism315.

In various embodiments, the dryer325once configured inside the monument of the sink310or the pull-out355would cause only a vent to be visible to an occupant in the lavatory300. For example, an occupant seated on the toilet320when looking down would only view the vent (cover) of the dryer325.

In various embodiments, the dryer325can have filtration features that include an air filter to filter air channel from the dryer325and to trap particles in the interior of the lavatory300air. For example, depending on the materials that make up the filter and its construction method, particles with a diameter of a few micrometers or larger can be removed from the circulating air by the dryer325in the lavatory300.

In various embodiments, the dryer325may be configured with filtration devices that incorporate additional apparatus (such as electrostatic precipitators) to introduce charges to the particles channeled in airflow by the dryer325to enhance the trapping efficiency and HEPA filters for particle trapping. Also, other air purification systems can be incorporated in the dryer325airflow such as use of ultraviolet (UV) light apparatuses positioned within the cavity and proximate to the intake or outtake of the dryer325outlet or inlets of air received or expunged into the lavatory300to destroy trapped microbes and prevent spreading of viruses from occupant to occupant who uses the lavatory300. Also, the dryer325can prevent contact surface-based virus exposure with the circulated air across the floor as well as surface parts of the sink310and the toilet320exposed to the exterior and are subject to touch by the occupant when using the lavatory300for virus removal or reduction by the air distribution and capturing of the viruses in the air streams.

In various embodiments, the dryer325can be deployed with air purifier to prevent mold and exposure to occupants who suffer from mold or other allergies. In various embodiments, the dryer325can help to ventilate the lavatory300to reduce odor. In various embodiments, a HEPA filter may be attached to the inlet or outlet of the dryer325to filter particles channeled and distributed in the lavatory300, across the floor and the other contact surfaces in the interior of the lavatory300.

In various embodiments, the dryer325can be configured with scented and unscented filter cartridges for odor elimination and can be automated or manually actuated to keep the lavatory300smelling fresh. For example, after an occupant using the toilet320, and the occupant is aware there is line of passengers to use the lavatory300or enters the lavatory300after waiting in a line formed outside the lavatory door305, the occupant can either manually activate the dryer325at an exterior switch before immediate entry to the lavatory300or may have access to a button near the toilet320to activate the dryer325, or may activate the dryer325using a mobile device to initiate an odor reduction operation or an air purification process for comfort and prevention of virus exposures.

In various embodiments, the dryer325may be configured to warm an occupant's feet, legs, and hands (e.g., when as an example, the occupant is seated on the toilet320).

While the disclosure refers to the lavatory100.200,300as depicted in the depicted arrangement ofFIGS.1-3, the disclosure nevertheless contemplates different arrangements and configurations of the dryer and/or sensors and actuation switches of the lavatory100,200,300.

Referring toFIG.4,FIG.4illustrates a diagram of a vent positioned near a toilet to clean and dry the floor area in front of the toilet of the aircraft lavatory in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG.4there is shown a lavatory400with a vent410configured with a dryer450flush within a panel (or other monument) and located low to the floor405of the lavatory400(i.e., within a range of about 1-6 inches (about 2.54-15.24 centimeters) above the floor405. The vent410has a face415configured with directional sets of slats445to channel the airflow in a desired direction towards or above areas of the floor405. For example, the airflow can be channeled in a downward direction or a horizontal direction (parallel to the floor405) to exert both a drying effect to evaporate water droplets on floor405surfaces and to clean the floor405surfaces by removal of surface dirt from the blowing force of the airflow on the floor405surface.

In various embodiments, the face415is broad, configured in a rectangular shape with a narrower width and longer breadth. In various embodiments, the face415can be configured in a plethora of shapes as desired, for example as an elliptical shape, a circular shape, and a square shape, or even as an irregular shape. Also, the ducting to a fan or blower in the dryer450may be configured with changes in a smooth toroidal interior shape that causes less noise and less static deposits of air in the airflow to the exterior for smoother airflow exiting the vent410during the dryer450operation.

In various embodiments, the vent410of the dryer can be configured with multiple sets of slats445to direct the airflow in a plurality of directions to dry the floor405, to circulate in the interior of the lavatory400, to stream over contact surfaces of the toilet420, sink and other exposed surfaces in the lavatory400. In various embodiments, the set of slats445of the vent can be configured to direct the airflow down and side to side to cover a wide breath of an area of the floor405surface. The drier or dried floor405will not only prevent occupants using the lavatory400from slippage but will also (particularly if the floor405is carpeted) keep the floor405cleaner by moving dirt particles from trekked areas of the floor405or being trapped by moisture of the floor405. In various embodiments, the dryer450is hidden behind the vent410and not visible to the occupant.

FIG.5illustrates a flow chart for the triggers for modes of operation of the dryer in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG.5, at step502, the dryer is configured to be in a default or initial mode to wait for a trigger to actuate the dryer. At step504, a trigger to activate the dryer is identified by one or more sensors configured in the lavatory including proximity sensors of an occupant leaving the lavatory (in the case of a touchless configured lavatory), manual sliding of the slide switch door lock to an open position, or a manual switch activation. At step506, a command from a processor (central processor) used to monitor the sensors or configured with other lavatory functions instructs the dryer to turn. At step508, the processor may determine a delay period before the actuation of the dryer (e.g., for an occupant to leave the lavatory). In various embodiments, the processor may actuate the dryer periodically in the flight or may actuate the dryer during a takeoff or landing of the aircraft when passengers may not use the lavatory or when the fasten seatbelt sign has been activated. In various embodiments, the dryer operation can be configured to only operate when the lavatory in unoccupied. In various embodiments, the fan of the dryer can be configured for periodic operations of 5-minute increments. The dryer may also be responsive to manual over-ride control from the crew, as well as remote activation by the crew. The dryer can also be configured with maximum allowed operation times on a flight (e.g., for a 2-hour maximum operational time).

In various embodiments, at step510, the processor can determine the period for activation and for switching off of the dryer. In various embodiments, the processor can switch the dryer to operate in multiple modes of operation including a low, medium, and high mode dependent of sensed data, and external data (i.e., for example in a wetter region of travel that causes a likelihood of more moisture trapped on the lavatory floor surface) or when the lavatory is used a lot and operation is only available for short intermittent sessions. In various embodiments, if sensed data indicates a line of user, high usage of the lavatory or a lesser number of lavatories for use, the dryer fan operation can be changed for optimum usage and to fit the requirements for a particular flight and flight phase.

At step512, the dryer can be activated simultaneously with operations of the toilet and sink. At step514, if a temperature sensor in the lavatory indicates a high temperature (i.e., cigarette fire condition), the dryer can be commanded with an override command from the processor to not be activated to prevent fanning of a potential fire.

At step514, if a fault or error is detected by the processor the dryer can be automatically configured not to operate. Also, the dryer can be configured to be manually switched off by an interior lavatory switch or an external lavatory switch.

At step516, in various embodiments, an indicator such as an LED light configured with the dryer can give the occupant of the lavatory that the dryer is in a standby mode or is operating. In various embodiments, a graphical user interface can be configured at a remote location that can provide analytical data of the dryer operation in a flight and flight phase of other desired time metric, for monitoring of the dryer use, operability, and when maintenance may be required.

At step518, in various embodiments, the dryer may be configured manually or automatically to enable other related application such as air filter of the area of the lavatory, for odor control, and testing after a flight cycle form maintenance.

At step520, the dryer is configured as a one-piece modular unit easily swappable and can be changed with new or more efficient models. In various embodiments, the dryer unit is configured to independently generate usage and other analytical data, to communicate with other dryers on the aircraft and to anticipate future usage in a flight based on usage information received by the processor.

Referring now toFIG.6,FIG.6illustrates a diagram of a system architecture600for monitoring the dryer with/without sensors of a lavatory according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. System architecture600can include a central controller610, a dryer controller615configured with the dryer605, manual switches620for dryer operation, dryer operation sensor and indicator630, at least a lavatory sink and toilet operation sensors650, lavatory temperature sensor635, air purifier apparatus add-ons645with the dryer, air freshener/odor reduction add-ons640with the dryer, door lock sensor655, and a graphical user interface625.

In various embodiments, the dryer605can be configured with 1/16 HP motor to sufficient distribute air across the lavatory floor. In various embodiments, the dryer controller615can enable at least 3-speed controls for the fan velocity of the dryer605. In various embodiments, the dryer605has a weight of approximately 8 lbs. (approximately 3.629 kilograms) and operates at a quiet noise level of about 50 dbs. or less, though noise levels above 50 dbs. are contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, additional sensors can be added such as one or more sensors that sense wetness on the floor that can operate with or without the lavatory sink and toilet operation sensors650to communicate with the central controller610for sending commands to actuate the dryer605.

In various embodiments, central controller610and dryer controller615may comprise one or more processors configured to implement various logical operations in response to execution of instructions, for example, instructions stored on a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The one or more processors can be a general-purpose processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

Central controller610and dryer controller615may include memory to store executable instructions and data to implement control logic of central controller610and dryer controller605. The memory of central controller610and dryer controller605may comprise a tangible, non-transitory storage medium and may store data used, for example, for lookup tables and sensor distance information.

Data may include proximity data of occupant use of the lavatory, lavatory temperature data (and light-on/off data), and dryer operation data. Instructions may include commands to activate or deactivate the dryer605by the central controller610and the dryer controller605which are configured to implement method500disclosed herein. The dryer605operation data can be displayed using the graphical user interface625that provides real-time analytics of the dryer operation and is communicatively coupled to the central controller610and the dryer controller605and the other sensors and apparatuses in operation with the dryer system.

In various embodiments, the dryer605is configured to use the current power supply configured in the aircraft lavatory. The lavatory floor air distribution system, wherein the dryer unit is configured to distribute air to remove dirt particles from the floor area near the toilet and the sink in the aircraft lavatory. In various embodiments, the dryer controller615is configured to operate the dryer605in multiple modes to distribute air freshener within the aircraft lavatory through the airflow of distributed air for reducing moisture on the floor area. The dryer605is configured to receive outside air within the aircraft lavatory and to increase airflow within the aircraft lavatory to reduce odors inside the aircraft lavatory. The dryer605is configured with an indicator to provide notice of operation and the indicator can be located outside or inside the aircraft lavatory.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately equal to the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by various embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable industrial process, and may include values that are within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value. Additionally, the terms “substantially,” “about” or “approximately” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term “substantially,” “about” or “approximately” may refer to an amount that is within 10% of, within 5% of, within 1% of, within 0.1% of, and within 0.01% of a stated amount or value.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Finally, it should be understood that any of the above-described concepts can be used alone or in combination with any or all of the other above-described concepts. Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.