Electric Trunnion Bar Locker Assembly for Single-Controller Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear load refuse vehicles with manual and hydraulically powered trunnion bar locker assemblies are inefficient and time-consuming, discouraging operators from using them, leading to potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Electrically powered trunnion bar locker assemblies with actuators that allow operators to control locker doors on both sides of the vehicle from a single controller, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual trunnion bar locker assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and does not require additional power systems, but the operator must walk from one side of the vehicle to the other to manually engage the lock bars, which is time-consuming and discourages proper use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical operation with an electrically powered actuator system. The actuator is controlled by a single switch that simultaneously operates both locker doors, eliminating the need for the operator to physically walk to each side and manually engage the lock bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the lockers to serve themselves through automated actuation. When the operator activates the single control switch, the electric actuators automatically open or close both locker doors without requiring further manual intervention, making the system self-servicing after the initial command.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulically powered trunnion locker bar assemblies are used, then the operator can engage assemblies on both sides of the vehicle by using a lever, but the system requires utilization of a portion of the vehicle's hydraulic capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the hydraulic power system with an electric power system. Instead of using hydraulic fluid and actuators, the invention employs electric motors or actuators powered by the vehicle's electrical system, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated hydraulic capacity while maintaining the dual-sided simultaneous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuator system can serve multiple vehicle types and power configurations. The same basic electric actuator design can be applied to both fossil-fueled vehicles with electrical systems and electrically powered vehicles, providing universal applicability without requiring vehicle-specific hydraulic infrastructure.
3Productivity
If electrically powered actuators are used to move locker doors, then the system provides reliable and compact configuration with single-controller operation, but the system requires DC electrical power source infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation and hydraulic actuation with electric actuation. The electric actuators convert electrical energy from the vehicle's DC power source into mechanical motion to open and close the locker doors, enabling rapid operation while leveraging the existing electrical infrastructure of the vehicle.
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
Facilitates quick and convenient operation of trunnion bar locker assemblies, reducing operator effort and minimizing safety risks by allowing simultaneous control of both sides from a single controller, suitable for both fossil-fueled and electrically powered vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The locking assemblies are electrically powered and utilize actuators that move locker doors at the respective sides of the rear of the refuse vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A trunnion bar locker assembly for a rear load refuse vehicle for use when dumping a refuse container having a trunnion bar, includes a pair of spaced apart locking assemblies, each locking assembly further including a base frame to be connected to the refuse vehicle, a trunnion bar receiver connected to the base frame, a locker door connected to the base frame and having an open position wherein the trunnion bar receiver removably receives an end of the trunnion bar of the refuse container, and a closed position wherein the pivotable locker door confines the end of the trunnion bar in the receiver, an electrically powered actuator coupled to the base frame and to the pivotable locker door, and a controller connected to each respective locking assembly to control the actuator to move the pivotable locker door between the open and closed positions.