Electric Refuse Grabber Assembly With Worm-Drive Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refuse vehicle grabber assemblies are inefficient and require hydraulic systems, which are environmentally unfriendly and complex, lacking in precision and efficiency for grasping and releasing refuse containers.
Innovation Solution
A fully-electric grabber assembly with a carriage, pivotally coupled grabber arms, and an electric motor-driven gearing system that includes an electric climb system and gripping motor, allowing for precise control and operation along a track with eccentric gearing for enhanced clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used in grabber assemblies, then grasping force and reliability are improved, but device complexity and environmental friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The electric motor (154) drives a worm gear (1018a, 1020a) and worm wheel mechanism to generate grasping force, eliminating hydraulic pumps, hoses, and fluid reservoirs while maintaining reliable grasping through mechanical advantage in the gear train.
2Force
If hydraulic systems are used in grabber assemblies, then grasping force is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic fluids and associated environmental hazards by substituting with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The worm gear and worm wheel mechanism converts electrical energy to mechanical grasping force without requiring hydraulic fluids, thereby removing the environmental harm associated with fluid leaks and disposal.
3Device complexity
If traditional grabber assemblies are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and grasping precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical linkages with a precisely engineered electric motor-driven gear system. The worm gear (1018a, 1020a) and worm wheel mechanism provide precise control over grabber arm rotation, enabling accurate grasping positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure integrated into the carriage.
4Power
If hydraulic systems are used, then operational power is improved, but energy efficiency and maintenance needs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic power transmission with direct electric motor drive through a gear train. The electric motor (154) converts electrical energy directly to mechanical rotation of the worm gear, eliminating energy losses associated with hydraulic pump inefficiency, fluid compression, and leakage, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining operational power.
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
The fully-electric grabber assembly provides efficient, environmentally friendly, and precise operation for grasping and releasing refuse containers, reducing maintenance needs and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor is configured to drive the first grabber arm and the second grabber arm to rotate relative to the carriage
Implementation Method 2
The pinion is configured to engage the track of the refuse vehicle to move the fully-electric grabber assembly along the track
Implementation Method 3
The first shaft includes a first worm configured to engage a first worm gear that is rotatably fixedly coupled with the first grabber arm
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, multiple tractive elements, a reach assembly, and a lift assembly. The multiple tractive elements are coupled with the chassis and configured to support the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly is coupled with the refuse vehicle. The lift assembly is coupled with the reach assembly. The lift assembly includes a track and a fully-electric grabber assembly. The track includes a straight portion and a curved portion. The fully-electric grabber assembly can ascend or descend the track and includes a carriage, a first grabber arm, a second grabber arm, and an electric motor. The carriage is configured to movably couple with the track. The first grabber arm and the second grabber arm are pivotally coupled with the carriage at opposite ends of the carriage. The electric motor is configured to drive the first grabber arm and the second grabber arm to rotate relative to the carriage.