Ejector Track Offset Side Plate Direct Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional refuse vehicle designs experience increased stresses and weight due to cantilever loading configurations, which necessitate thicker structural components and reduced cargo capacity despite compaction efforts.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a structural frame with offset side plates and shoes that interface directly with ejector tracks, allowing for direct transmission of forces and moments, reducing stress and weight while maintaining cargo capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cantilever loading configuration is used to support the ejector, then the ejector can be constrained by tracks along the collection chamber, but the stresses on the ear, ejector, and vehicle body increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejector constraint mechanismVSAvoidstress on ear and vehicle body
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional cantilever loading configuration by repositioning the support point. Instead of supporting the ear laterally outward from the interface (creating cantilever loading), the support point is moved to be laterally aligned with the interface between the ear and ejector. This inversion transforms the loading from cantilever to direct loading, eliminating the moment arm and significantly reducing stresses on the ear and vehicle body while maintaining the ejector constraint function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If structural elements are sized to carry increased cantilever loads, then the ejector can be properly supported, but the weight of the refuse vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload carrying capacityVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the loading parameter from cantilever (with moment arm) to direct loading (without moment arm). By repositioning the support point to align laterally with the force application point, the loading configuration changes fundamentally. This parameter change eliminates the need for oversized structural elements, allowing the use of lighter materials while maintaining adequate load carrying capacity. The direct loading configuration reduces the required structural section modulus and moment of inertia, enabling weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If thicker structural components are used to handle increased stresses, then the ejector support becomes more robust, but the cargo capacity of the vehicle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejector support reliabilityVSAvoidcargo capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional design approach by changing the loading configuration rather than increasing component size. By repositioning the support point to eliminate cantilever loading, the design achieves robust ejector support through optimized loading paths rather than through increased material quantity. This inversion allows the collection chamber to maintain its full design volume without requiring thicker walls or additional bracing that would reduce cargo capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9845191B2Ejector track for refuse vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 OSHKOSH CORPORATION
  • US9845191B2 patent drawing
  • US9845191B2 patent drawing
  • US9845191B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ejector for a refuse vehicle including a structural frame, a first shoe, and a second shoe. The structural frame includes a first side plate offset from a second side plate, and the distance between the first side plate and the second side plate defines a side plate spacing. The first shoe is coupled to the first side plate and includes a first surface configured to interface with a first ejector track. The second shoe is coupled to the second side plate and includes a second surface configured to interface with the second ejector track. A lateral spacing between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to the side plate spacing such that loading imparted on the structural frame is transmitted directly into the first ejector track and the second ejector track.