Compact Material Collection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material collection systems are bulky and heavy, requiring heavy-duty vehicles for transportation and operation, which can navigate narrow roads and access constrained sites challengingly, and typically need commercial driver licenses due to high gross vehicle weight ratings.
Innovation Solution
A compact material collection system mounted on a light-duty vehicle, featuring a conduit, vacuum generator, engine, and collection container supported by a hook-lift frame, with a control system to monitor and manage the weight of collected material, ensuring compliance with non-commercial vehicle regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional material collection systems are used, then material collection capability is sufficient, but the system becomes bulky and heavy requiring heavy-duty vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the vacuum generator, specifically operating at higher RPM ranges (2000-5000 RPM) to generate sufficient vacuum pressure (20-30 inches Hg) with a smaller, lighter unit. This parameter optimization allows the vacuum generator to maintain effective material collection capability while significantly reducing the size and weight of the system, enabling mounting on light-duty vehicles.
2Ease of operation
If heavy-duty vehicles are used to transport material collection system, then sufficient power and capacity are available, but maneuverability on narrow roads and access to constrained sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the material collection system into modular components including the vacuum generator, container, and mounting hardware. This modular design allows the system to be configured in different sizes and capacities while maintaining a compact overall footprint. The segmented approach enables the system to fit on light-duty vehicles with sufficient power for most material collection applications, improving maneuverability while retaining adequate operational capability.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented to improve maneuverability, then vehicle size is reduced, but storage capacity for collected material may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescopic boom with adjustable reach and positioning capabilities. This dynamic component allows the system to access materials at various distances and heights without requiring a larger fixed structure. The telescopic mechanism provides variable storage and collection capacity depending on operational needs, maintaining a compact overall system size while enabling sufficient material collection volume through extended reach and adjustable configuration.
4Ease of operation
If lighter vehicle is used to improve accessibility, then commercial driver license requirements are eliminated, but power available to operate collection equipment may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical engine-driven vacuum system with an electric motor-driven vacuum generator. This substitution allows the use of lighter vehicles with smaller engines or even electric vehicles, as the electric motor can be powered from the vehicle's electrical system. The electric motor provides sufficient power for material collection operations while enabling the use of light-duty vehicles that do not require commercial driver licenses, improving accessibility and ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient material collection and transportation by a light-duty vehicle, reducing the need for commercial driver licenses and improving maneuverability while maintaining sufficient storage capacity and power, thus addressing the challenges of size and weight constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum generator can generate an airflow for drawing material into the material inlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a material collection system. The material collection system includes a conduit, a vacuum generator coupled to the conduit, an engine powering the vacuum generator, and a container mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. The vacuum generator generates airflow for drawing material into a material inlet of the conduit. The container receives collected material from the conduit. The material collection system and vehicle can have a gross vehicle weight rating of at or below approximately 26,000 lbs.