Refuse Vehicle Carry Can With Extendable Arm Container Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles face challenges in efficiently collecting and transporting waste from various receptacles due to limitations in their collection mechanisms, particularly in engaging and lifting refuse containers.
Innovation Solution
A carry can system for refuse vehicles equipped with an articulating robotic arm powered by an electric energy system, featuring an extension mechanism, lift mechanism, and grabber mechanism, allowing for lateral extension, lifting, and grasping of refuse containers, which can be operated independently or in conjunction with the vehicle's energy system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional collection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and versatility of waste collection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collection mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: an extendable arm for reaching containers, a lift mechanism for vertical movement, and a grabber mechanism for securing containers. Each module operates independently to perform specific tasks in the waste collection process, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The collection arm is designed to be extendable and articulating, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and reach various waste containers. The arm can extend laterally outward and position itself at different locations, enabling the system to handle diverse container positions and types, thereby enhancing versatility and collection efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple collection arm is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to engage and lift refuse containers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement system combines multiple mechanisms into an integrated assembly: the grabber mechanism with opposing arms and cables works together with the lift mechanism. The grabber arms can close around containers while the lift mechanism simultaneously provides vertical support, creating a unified engagement system that handles both securing and lifting functions
Solution Approach 2:
The lift mechanism acts as an intermediary between the extendable arm and the grabber mechanism. It provides the necessary vertical force to lift containers while allowing the grabber mechanism to independently perform the engagement function, mediating between the structural support and the active grasping action
3Productivity
If manual operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is designed to operate autonomously through automated control of the extendable arm, lift mechanism, and grabber mechanism. The system can independently position the arm, engage containers, lift them, and transport them to the refuse compartment without continuous manual intervention, improving productivity while managing automation through coordinated mechanical systems
Data Source
AI summary
A carry can for a refuse vehicle includes a container and a collection arm coupled to the container. The container defines a refuse compartment. The container includes a base and a container wall extending around a periphery of the base. A side of the container wall and the base define a recess. The collection arm includes an extension mechanism and a refuse container engagement mechanism coupled to the extendable arm. The extension mechanism includes an extendable arm positioned beneath the container wall and extending laterally through the base and an extension actuator configured to facilitate extending the extendable arm laterally outward from the side and the recess. The refuse container engagement mechanism is configured to engage with a refuse container.