Electric Refuse Vehicle Tailgate Actuation With Integrated Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refuse vehicle tailgates rely on hydraulic systems, which are prone to leaks, environmentally harmful, and complex to maintain, whereas electric systems offer improved serviceability and environmental friendliness but lack efficient locking mechanisms for secure access control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fully electric tailgate actuator assembly and electric locking systems that transition the tailgate between sealed and access positions, utilizing electric motors, linear actuators, and locking mechanisms to ensure secure operation and reduced maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used for tailgate actuation, then sufficient force and reliability are achieved, but the system becomes complex to maintain and environmentally harmful due to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric actuator system. The electric motor-driven actuator eliminates hydraulic fluid, pumps, and hoses, thereby removing the source of leaks and environmental harm while maintaining tailgate actuation capability through direct electric-to-mechanical conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explicitly abandons the hydraulic principle in favor of an electric system. By eliminating hydraulic components entirely and using an electric motor with a reduction gear mechanism, the system achieves reliable force transmission without the complexity and environmental issues inherent in hydraulic systems.
2Ease of repair
If electric systems are used for tailgate actuation, then environmental friendliness and serviceability are improved, but locking mechanisms for secure access control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric actuator system with an integrated electric locking mechanism. The locking system is combined with the actuator assembly, allowing both actuation and secure locking functions to be performed by the same electric power source and control system, thereby maintaining serviceability while adding security.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: both actuating the tailgate and providing secure locking. The same electric motor and control system that drive the actuator also control the locking mechanism, creating a multi-functional system that improves serviceability while ensuring access control security.
3Reliability
If conventional hydraulic systems are used, then secure locking is achieved, but environmental harm and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electric system that provides locking security without using hydraulic fluid. The electric motor-driven actuator with integrated locking mechanism achieves secure tailgate locking while eliminating the environmental harm caused by hydraulic fluid leaks to soil and water.
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 electric tailgate system provides a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution for refuse vehicle tailgates, enhancing access control and reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor configured to drive a tailgate actuator assembly
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electric motors, linear actuators, and locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body coupled with the chassis, a tailgate, an electric lock, and a fully electric tailgate actuator assembly. The body assembly defines a refuse compartment. The tailgate is coupled with a rear of the body and is transitionable between a first position to limit access to the refuse compartment and a second position to allow access to the refuse compartment. The electric lock is operable between an engaged state and a disengaged state to limit movement of the tailgate out of the first position when the electric lock is in the engaged state. The fully electric tailgate actuator assembly is configured to transition the tailgate between the first position and the second position.