Electric Reach Assembly for Refuse Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refuse vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently reaching and emptying refuse containers, particularly those positioned at a distance from the vehicle, due to limited reach and mechanical complexity, often relying on hydraulic systems that are less efficient and require maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fully electric reach assembly with telescoping members and a rack and roller pinion system, driven by electric motors, which extends and retracts to increase the reach of the grabber assembly, allowing it to grasp and empty refuse containers without the need for hydraulic components, enhancing mechanical efficiency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If hydraulic systems are used to extend and retract the reach assembly, then the system can achieve sufficient reach to grasp refuse containers, but the mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electric system consisting of electric motors and rack and pinion mechanisms. The first electric motor drives the first rack and pinion to extend/retract the first extendable member, while the second electric motor drives the second rack and pinion to extend/retract the second extendable member. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, hoses, and pumps, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining the necessary reach distance.
2Force
If hydraulic components are used in the reach assembly, then the system can provide sufficient force for grasping and lifting, but the maintenance needs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic force generation with electric motors that directly drive rack and pinion mechanisms. The electric motors provide the necessary torque to generate sufficient grasping force through the mechanical advantage of the rack and pinion system. This eliminates hydraulic seals, hoses, and fluid management components that require maintenance, thereby improving ease of repair and reducing environmental impact from hydraulic fluid leakage.
3Length of moving object
If a telescoping reach assembly with multiple extendable members is implemented, then the reach distance is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescoping reach assembly where the second extendable member is nested within the first extendable member. The second extendable member includes a second rack that engages with a second pinion driven by a second electric motor, while the first extendable member includes a first rack that engages with a first pinion driven by a first electric motor. This nested configuration allows the reach assembly to extend to greater distances while maintaining a compact retracted profile, and the modular electric drive system simplifies the control of each telescoping stage.
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 solution provides improved mechanical efficiency, precise control, and increased reach, reducing maintenance needs and environmental impact by eliminating hydraulic systems, while ensuring reliable refuse collection operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first electric motor is fixedly coupled with the outer member and configured to drive a first pinion that engages the first rack to translate the first extendable member relative to the outer member. The second electric motor is fixedly coupled with the first extendable member and configured to drive a second pinion that engages the second rack to translate the second extendable member relative to the first extendable member.
Implementation Method 2
The first extendable member includes a first rack extending in the longitudinal direction. The second extendable member includes a second rack extending in the longitudinal direction. The first electric motor is fixedly coupled with the outer member and configured to drive a first pinion that engages the first rack to translate the first extendable member relative to the outer member. The second electric motor is fixedly coupled with the first extendable member and configured to drive a second pinion that engages the second rack to translate the second extendable member relative to the first extendable member.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, tractive elements, a lift apparatus, and a reach assembly. The tractive elements couple with the chassis and support the refuse vehicle. The lift apparatus includes a track and a grabber assembly. The track includes a straight portion and a curved portion. The grabber assembly releasably grasps a refuse container and ascends or descends the track to lift and empty refuse into a body of the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly includes an outer member, a first extendable member, and a second extendable member. The first extendable member is received within an inner volume of the outer member and translates relative to the outer member. The second extendable member is received within an inner volume of the first extendable member and translates relative to the first extendable member. The lift apparatus is fixedly coupled at an outer end of the second extendable member.