Ejector Actuated Tailgate System for Refuse Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems in refuse collection vehicles are prone to leakage, expensive, difficult to service, and more susceptible to failure in cold temperatures, necessitating a transition to all-electric or partially electric solutions that eliminate hydraulic actuators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ejector actuated tailgate system using an electrically powered linear actuator to translate the ejector between forward and rearward positions, providing the necessary force to open the tailgate, either through direct actuation or by compacting refuse to transfer force to the tailgate, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated tailgate actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic actuators are used to open the tailgate, then the tailgate can be opened reliably, but the system becomes expensive, prone to leakage, and difficult to service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tailgate opening function with the ejector actuation function by using a single electrical actuator to perform both compaction and tailgate opening operations. This eliminates the need for separate hydraulic tailgate actuators and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliability through the unified electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates the ejector for refuse compaction and also provides the force to open the tailgate. This multi-functional approach replaces the dedicated hydraulic actuator system, reducing the number of components and eliminating hydraulic leakage issues.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated tailgate actuators are installed, then the tailgate can be opened, but the number of actuators increases and vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tailgate opening function with the ejector actuation function into a single actuator system. By using the ejector's actuation force to open the tailgate, the system eliminates the need for separate tailgate actuators, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydraulic systems are used, then tailgate actuation is achieved, but the systems are expensive and difficult to service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electrical actuation system. The electrical actuator uses electromagnetic principles to generate the necessary force for both ejector actuation and tailgate opening, eliminating hydraulic fluid, seals, and associated leakage issues that make the system expensive and difficult to service.
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
This solution reduces the number of required actuators, lowers costs, improves reliability, and enhances energy efficiency by using a single electrical actuator for both ejecting refuse and opening the tailgate, while also reducing vehicle weight.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically powered linear actuator to translate the ejector between forward and rearward positions
Implementation Method 2
the ejector is configured to compact the refuse in the body into contact with the tailgate
Implementation Method 3
causing at least a portion of the actuation force to be applied to the tailgate through the refuse
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle body includes a tailgate coupled to the body. The tailgate is movable between closed and open positions. An ejector is deployed in the body and configured to translate between forward and rearward positions. An actuator is configured to translate the ejector between the forward and rearward positions and is further configured to provide an actuation force that moves the tailgate from the closed position towards the open position and thereby at least partially opens the tailgate.