Articulating Vacuum Hose Arm for Extended Debris Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debris collection systems for municipal vehicles, such as mobile street sweepers, are limited in reaching areas like sidewalks, catch basins, and around structures due to their primary collection system's design, which restricts effective debris removal in these locations.
Innovation Solution
An articulating vacuum hose system with a mounting bracket, first and second arm extensions, and pivot mechanisms allowing for three degrees of freedom, enabling the hose to be extended, folded, and positioned to reach areas beyond the vehicle's primary collection system's reach, supported by bands and cables for efficient debris collection and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a fixed vacuum hose system is used, then the structure is simple, but the reach and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum hose system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic articulating mechanism with multiple pivot points. The arm assembly includes first and second arm extensions that can rotate relative to each other about first and second pivot axes, allowing the hose to dynamically adjust its configuration to reach debris at various distances and heights while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly is divided into multiple segments (first arm extension and second arm extension) that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment can rotate about its own pivot axis, enabling the hose to reach extended distances by combining the movements of individual segments rather than requiring a single long rigid arm.
2Length of moving object
If the vacuum hose is made longer to reach farther, then the reach increases, but the weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm mechanism allows the hose assembly to be dynamically positioned and folded back toward the vehicle body when not in use. The first and second arm extensions can rotate to fold the hose assembly into a compact configuration, reducing the effective length and weight burden on the operator during storage and transport, while maintaining full extension capability when needed.
3Area of stationary object
If the vacuum hose is stored in a compact position, then the storage space is reduced, but the maneuverability and reach are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is designed to transition smoothly between compact storage positions and fully extended operational positions. The pivot mechanisms allow the first and second arm extensions to rotate through various angles, enabling the hose to be folded into a compact configuration close to the vehicle body for storage, while allowing rapid deployment to extended positions for reaching debris at distances greater than the width of the debris hopper.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the primary collection system is used for all debris, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different debris locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating vacuum hose system serves multiple functions: it can reach debris at distances greater than the width of the debris hopper, access elevated areas, and reach into confined spaces such as catch basins and around structures. The first and second arm extensions with their pivot mechanisms provide the versatility to handle various debris locations that the primary collection system cannot reach, while integrating with the existing vehicle-mounted vacuum system.
Data Source
AI summary
A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle.