A waste handling system includes a urinal having a urinal outlet and first and second urine storage containers. Each of the first and second urine storage containers includes a cavity having a bag. A distribution system fluidly interconnects the urinal to the first and second urine storage containers. The distribution system includes a switching system selectively fluidly connecting the urinal outlet to at least one of the first and second urinal storage containers in response to an input. The switching system includes a flow diverter valve. The input corresponds to a command signal to the flow diverter valve. The command signal commands the flow diverter valve between first and second positions. The first position corresponds to a fluid connection between the first urine storage container and the urinal while blocking a fluid connection between the second urine storage container and the urinal. The second position corresponds to a fluid connection between the second urine storage container and the urinal while blocking a fluid connection between the first urine storage container and the urinal. The switching system includes a plurality of switches configured to provide the command signal. A switch is arranged in each of the first and second urine storage containers. Each switch includes first and second contact elements biased apart from one another in a first condition corresponding to a first volume and electrically engages one another in a second condition corresponding to the second volume. A water processing unit is configured to produce potable water. The bag is configured to be coupled to the water processing unit by the quick disconnect to generate potable water from the urine.
URINE STOWAGE SYSTEM FOR SPACECRAFT
2019-03-21
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS |