Adapter for Side Loader to Unload Rear Loading Containers

Solution Overview

Problem

Waste hauling companies face the challenge of maintaining a large inventory of specialized collection vehicles and containers due to the mutual exclusivity of designs for front end loader, side loader, and rear end loader trucks, making it expensive and inconvenient to unload commodities from different types of containers.

Innovation Solution

An adapter is designed for side loader collection bodies that allows them to attach and empty rear end loading containers by using trunnion pockets, lock arms, and lift mechanism, enabling the container to be rotated into an inverted position for unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized collection vehicles and containers are designed for specific loading mechanisms (FEL, SL, REL), then the collection process is efficient and reliable, but the inventory of vehicles and containers must be large and costly to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection process efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle and container inventory flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables the side loader collection body to perform multiple functions by accommodating both traditional side loader containers and rear end loader containers. The adapter includes trunnion pockets that receive trunnions from REL containers, allowing the SL collection body to handle different container types with a single vehicle design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary mechanism between the side loader collection body and rear end loader containers. It provides a interface that bridges the two different loading systems, allowing the SL collection body to indirectly handle REL containers through the adapter's trunnion pockets and lock arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of collection vehicles and containers are maintained to handle different loading mechanisms, then all container types can be collected, but the cost and inconvenience increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer collection capabilityVSAvoidinventory management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables the side loader collection body to perform multiple functions by accommodating both traditional side loader containers and rear end loader containers. The adapter includes trunnion pockets that receive trunnions from REL containers, allowing the SL collection body to handle different container types with a single vehicle design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be installed on the side loader collection body. This segmentation allows the collection body to be modified for REL container handling without permanently altering the main vehicle structure, enabling flexible inventory management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If containers are modified to fit different collection mechanisms, then compatibility with multiple vehicle types is achieved, but the modification process is expensive and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer compatibilityVSAvoidcontainer modification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter acts as an intermediary mechanism between the side loader collection body and rear end loader containers. It provides a interface that bridges the two different loading systems, allowing the SL collection body to indirectly handle REL containers through the adapter's trunnion pockets and lock arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than permanently modifying expensive containers to fit different vehicle types, the solution uses a detachable adapter that can be easily installed and removed. This approach is more economical than permanent container modifications and allows for flexible, cost-effective adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10723551B2Adapter to unload rear loading container into side loading compaction body

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 KANN MFG CORP

AI summary

An adapter to allow a sideloading refuse collection body to empty a rear loading container having trunnions. The adapter has a pair of spaced apart trunnion pockets to receive opposing trunnions of the container. A pair of lock arms on the adapter can be lowered against the tops of opposing sides of the container to lock the container in the trunnion pockets and against a stabilizer which engages the front wall of the container. The adapter includes a guide plate aligned with and extending from the front wall of the container. Lift arms on the collection body are joined to opposing sides of the adapter.