The UV lights could clean the lavatory during flight when the door is closed and the lavatory is unoccupied to minimize human exposure to the light as an extra precaution. The cleaning system even lifts and closes the toilet seat by itself so that all surfaces are exposed. The cleaning cycle takes less than three seconds.
The team’s design also incorporates hands-free faucets, a soap dispenser, trash flap, the toilet lid and seat, as well as a hand dryer to reduce the waste of paper towels. The team also is studying a hands-free door latch and a vacuum-vent system for the floor, all to keep the lavatory as hygienic as possible between scheduled cleanings.
“Some of the touchless features are in use on our airplanes today,” King said. “But we feel these, combined with the UV sanitizing, will make for a great clean package that passengers and airlines will love.”
Boeing’s Clean Lavatory concept is on the short list for being a Crystal Cabin Award finalist. The international Crystal Cabin Awards honor innovative cabin designs and ideas in seven categories. If Boeing’s concept is one of the top three finalists in its category, the company will be presented the award on April 5 in Hamburg, Germany.
