Electric Refuse Grabber Assembly for Precise Container Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 uses an electric climb system and gripping motor to rotate and translate along a track, enabling precise control and reduced maintenance.
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 impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The electric motor (154) connects through a transmission system including gears (164, 166, 168, 170) and shafts to directly drive the grabber arms, eliminating hydraulic pumps, fluid reservoirs, hoses, and control valves. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining grasping reliability through precise electrical control and mechanical advantage from the gear train.
2Force
If hydraulic systems are used in grabber assemblies, then grasping force is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic fluid systems that can leak and contaminate the environment, replacing them with an electric motor and mechanical transmission system. The electric motor (154) and gear-driven mechanism provide sufficient grasping force without requiring hydraulic fluid, thereby removing the environmental hazard of fluid leakage while maintaining the necessary gripping capability for refuse containers.
3Measurement precision
If electric motor-driven gearing system is used, then precision and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electric motor with electronic control to replace hydraulic systems, providing precise control through electrical signals. The multi-stage gear system (164, 166, 168, 170) is designed with standardized components and systematic arrangement to manage complexity while achieving the required precision for controlled movement and grasping of refuse containers.
4Ease of repair
If fully-electric system is implemented, then maintenance is simplified and environmental impact is reduced, but initial device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex hydraulic system components (pumps, fluid reservoirs, hoses, filters, valves) from the grabber assembly, replacing them with a simpler electric motor-driven system. While the initial electric system has its own components, it eliminates the need for fluid management, leak repairs, and hydraulic system maintenance, resulting in long-term maintenance simplification despite the initial complexity of integrating electric motors and gear trains.
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 enhances operational efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and simplifies maintenance by providing precise control over refuse container handling and eliminating the need for hydraulic systems.
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. The second shaft includes a second worm configured to engage a second worm gear that is rotatably fixedly coupled with the second 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.