Elevated Hydraulic Compactor Blade for Waste Void Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste compactor systems and vehicles face inefficiencies due to the need for heavy metal structures, incomplete filling of containers, premature wear, and manual cleaning, as well as issues with liquids leaking and de-densification of waste materials during transport.
Innovation Solution
A compactor system with a hydraulically operated blade positioned elevated above the floor, guided by rails, which compacts waste materials by pushing them against the container walls, reducing voids and allowing for more efficient filling and reduced wear on components, while also enabling separate collection and discharge of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If heavy metal structures are used to compact waste materials, then compaction force is sufficient, but device weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulically operated blade member to compact waste materials. The hydraulic system provides sufficient compaction force through fluid pressure acting on a piston, eliminating the need for heavy metal structures while achieving the required compaction levels. The hydraulic cylinder converts fluid pressure into mechanical force to move the blade horizontally through the waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical compaction systems with heavy metal components with a hydraulic system. Instead of using mechanically linked levers and heavy structures, the patent employs hydraulic pressure to generate the necessary compaction force, reducing overall system weight and complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Productivity
If traditional compaction blades are used, then materials can be compacted, but significant voids remain and de-densification occurs during blade retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the compaction blade in an elevated position above the container floor, operating in a vertical dimension rather than along the horizontal floor. This elevated blade compactors from above, filling voids more effectively and preventing de-densification during retraction by maintaining continuous contact with the waste material throughout the compression cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed to move dynamically through the waste material, adjusting its position and pressure application. The hydraulic system allows for controlled, progressive compaction that adapts to the waste volume and density, maintaining optimal compression force throughout the blade's travel distance and preventing material rebound or de-densification.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed to remove loose materials, then hygiene is maintained, but labor time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated compaction blade design allows waste materials to be contained and compacted in a manner that prevents loose materials from becoming dislodged or creating hygiene issues. The blade's position and movement pattern naturally contain materials, reducing the need for manual cleaning interventions and maintaining hygiene automatically through the compaction process itself.
4Ease of manufacture
If containers are not water tight, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but liquids leak out causing mess and cleanup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic compaction system creates high pressure within the waste container, forcing liquids into the waste matrix and preventing leakage. The elevated blade compactors from above, applying pressure that consolidates liquids with solid waste, effectively containing all materials regardless of container seal quality and eliminating liquid leakage problems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for compacting waste materials in a collection container. The container can be a freestanding waste container, a self-contained compaction container, or a container on a waste collection vehicle. A hydraulically operated compactor blade is positioned in the upper portion of the container with its bottom edge a distance above the floor. A door member can be provided in the rear wall of the collection container. The compactor blade can be in its rest position relative to the top opening. The container member can be positioned or located on a trailer or truck-type vehicle and adapted to be tilted for evacuation of materials collected therein.