Five-bar linkage reduces angular variation in refuse container handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refuse container handling devices experience significant angular variation during the initial part of their movement path, making them difficult to operate, especially in restricted environments, and require substantial hydraulic fluid usage and complex control.

Innovation Solution

A five-bar linkage mechanism is introduced, where the first lever is connected to the second swivelling arm via a seventh pivot point, forming a five-bar linkage with the first and second swivelling arms and levers, reducing angular variation and simplifying container control by minimizing the movement of the second cylinder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a four-bar linkage is used (first lever fixed at second pivot point), then the device structure is simpler, but the angular position of the container undergoes great change during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcontainer handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first lever is segmented into two separate connection points: the second pivot point connecting to the second swivelling arm, and a seventh pivot point connecting to the second swivelling arm at a distance from the second pivot point. This segmentation transforms the four-bar linkage into a five-bar linkage, reducing angular variation of the container during movement while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the second cylinder performs large movement to control container position, then the container can be positioned accurately, but more hydraulic fluid is needed and control is slower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer position controlVSAvoidcontrol response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control function is segmented between the first cylinder (for lifting) and the second cylinder (for angular adjustment). The five-bar linkage geometry allows the second cylinder to operate with smaller movement amplitude, reducing hydraulic fluid consumption and加快 control response while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If the angular position of the container varies greatly during the first part of movement path, then the mechanism has larger movement range, but handling in restricted environments becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement rangeVSAvoidhandling in restricted environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movement path is segmented into two phases: the first part (lifting) where angular variation is minimized by the five-bar linkage geometry, and the second part (tilting for emptying) where the container is rotated over the refuse reservoir. This segmentation enables operation in restricted environments while maintaining sufficient movement range for complete emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1808385B1Device for picking up and emptying refuse containers
Publication Date: 2009.06.17 OMB NEDERLAND BV
  • EP1808385B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Device for picking up and emptying refuse containers, provided with two swivelling arms (1,2) and three levers (3,4,5), together forming a five-bar linkage. The movement of this linkage is achieved with two cylinders (21,22).