Electro-Hydraulic Loading System for Refuse Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading systems for refuse trucks rely on the vehicle's fuel engine for operation, limiting their independence and efficiency, and often result in emissions and noise pollution during collection.
Innovation Solution
A loading system utilizing an electro-hydraulic drive with electric motors and a hydraulic fluid reservoir, allowing for independent operation from the vehicle's propulsion system, reducing noise and emissions, and enabling efficient emptying of containers with reduced energy consumption and component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fuel engine-driven hydraulic system is used for lifting containers, then the loading system can operate independently of the vehicle's propulsion system, but emissions and noise pollution are generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fuel engine-driven hydraulic system with an electric motor-driven hydraulic system. The electric motor (46) replaces the fuel engine (210) as the power source for the hydraulic pump (48), eliminating emissions and noise pollution while maintaining the independence of the loading system from the vehicle's propulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (fuel engine) to electrical energy (electric motor). This parameter change allows the loading system to operate independently without generating harmful emissions and noise, as the electric motor can be powered by the vehicle's battery or external power sources.
2Power
If a fuel engine is used to drive the hydraulic pump, then sufficient power is available for lifting, but the system cannot operate independently of the vehicle's propulsion system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the fuel engine-driven system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor (46) provides the necessary power to drive the hydraulic pump (48) independently of the vehicle's propulsion system, allowing the loading system to operate autonomously while maintaining sufficient lifting power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the loading system universally applicable to different vehicle types by decoupling it from the propulsion system. The electric motor can be powered by the vehicle's battery or external power sources, enabling the loading system to function independently whether the vehicle is electrically or mechanically propelled.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic connections are made to connect the loading system to the refuse truck, then the loading system can operate with the vehicle, but the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic connection system with an electrical connection system. The electric motor (46) and hydraulic pump (48) are driven electrically rather than being mechanically coupled to the vehicle's propulsion system, eliminating the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the loading system from the vehicle's propulsion system, creating an independent electrical drive unit. The electric motor (46) is operatively connected to the hydraulic pump (48) through electrical connections rather than mechanical hydraulic connections, allowing the system to be coupled to different vehicles without permanent hydraulic attachments.
4Device complexity
If a single hydraulic system is used for all loading operations, then the system structure is simple, but the loading system cannot be optimized for different container types and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the hydraulic system through electrical actuation. The electric motor (46) and hydraulic pump (48) can be controlled independently to adapt to different container types, weights, and lifting conditions, providing optimized performance while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the hydraulic system through electrical control. The electric motor (46) can adjust its power output and the hydraulic pump (48) can adjust its flow rate to match different loading requirements, allowing optimization for various container types without complicating the mechanical system architecture.
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 system achieves efficient and emission-free operation, reduced noise, and increased flexibility, allowing for simultaneous emptying of multiple containers with improved control and reliability, while maintaining the robustness of hydraulic lifting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The drive system has a first electric motor and motor controller therefor
Implementation Method 2
The first electric motor is operatively connected to the first loading seat and drives the first hydraulic pump for controlling the first lifting cylinder
Implementation Method 3
The first lifting cylinder is hereby controlled hydraulically such that the lifting mechanism performs the desired lifting movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The loading system (4) comprises: - a frame (12) with coupling means mountable on the collector; - a lifting mechanism (14) connected to the frame (12) for lifting the container (6); - a drive system (36) operatively connected to the lifting mechanism (14), the drive system (36) comprising: - connecting means (40) for operatively connecting the drive system (36) to an external energy source (38); - an electric motor (46) and control means (44) for controlling the electric motor (46); - a hydraulic pump (48) driven by the electric motor (46) for hydraulically controlling a lifting cylinder (52) of the lifting mechanism (14); and - a hydraulic fluid reservoir (54) operatively connected to the hydraulic pump (48).