Adaptive Fork Assembly for Multi-Type Refuse Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front loading commodity collection trucks are limited in their ability to empty rear end load and side load style containers, requiring separate trucks for different types of refuse containers, which increases fuel and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A fork assembly that can be easily attached to the lift arms of a front loading collection truck, allowing it to engage and empty rear end load and side load containers by incorporating adjustable forks with trunnion pockets and hook receivers, enabling the truck to pivot and lock containers for efficient unloading into the intake opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a front loading collection truck uses fixed front-load forks, then it can efficiently empty front-load containers, but it cannot empty rear-end-load or side-load containers
Solution Approach 1:
The fork assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components including telescoping fork legs that can extend and retract, and pivotable fork tines that can change orientation. This dynamic structure allows the same fork assembly to adapt to different container types (front-load, rear-end-load, side-load) by adjusting the fork position and orientation, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork assembly is designed with universal engagement capabilities through multiple engagement points and adjustable configurations. The same fork assembly can engage front-load containers using standard fork pockets, rear-end-load containers using trunnion engagement, and side-load containers using side wall engagement, making it a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Productivity
If multiple specialized trucks are used for different container types, then each truck can be optimized for its specific container type, but fuel and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By equipping a single front-loading truck with a universal adaptive fork assembly, the system can collect all three container types (front-load, rear-end-load, side-load) with one vehicle. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized trucks, reducing fuel consumption and labor costs while maintaining collection efficiency across different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple specialized collection trucks into a single vehicle by integrating the ability to handle front-load, rear-end-load, and side-load containers within one truck system. This consolidation reduces the total number of vehicles needed, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption and operational costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fork assembly is designed to accommodate multiple container types, then versatility improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fork assembly incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically adapt to different container types during the collection process. The telescoping and pivotable components can be positioned and locked into appropriate configurations through the vehicle's existing control systems, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the operator and maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for lift arms of a front loading commodity collection truck includes a pair of forks, each of which can individually pivot from a position alongside the frame of the adapter to a position generally perpendicular to the frame of the adapter. Each fork includes elements to allow it to connect with either a side loadable refuse container or a rear end loadable refuse container. At least one fork is supported on a laterally telescoping assembly so that the fork can reach a refuse container located, away from the adapter on the street side of the collection truck.