Front-Loading Arm Container Control for Road Elevation Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse collection vehicles face potential damage due to elevation changes in road surfaces, such as speed bumps and hills, which can impact the intermediate container and the vehicle itself.
Innovation Solution
Equipping refuse collection vehicles with sensors to detect elevation changes and control the position of the intermediate container using a front loading arm assembly to adjust its height and angle, preventing contact with the road surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the intermediate container extends in front of the refuse collection vehicle, then the vehicle approach angle is reduced, but the potential for contact between the road surface elevation changes and the intermediate container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate container is made dynamically adjustable through the front loading arm assembly, which can change its position, height, and angle in real-time based on detected road conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying road surface elevation changes while maintaining the beneficial reduced approach angle configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system detects road surface elevation changes ahead of time, allowing the control system to adjust the intermediate container position before contact occurs. This preliminary action prevents damage by proactively positioning the container at a safe height or angle in response to detected speed bumps, hills, or other elevation changes.
2Reliability
If sensors and control systems are added to detect elevation changes and adjust the intermediate container, then damage prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front loading arm assembly, already present for refuse collection operations, is repurposed to also perform the function of adjusting the intermediate container for damage prevention. This multi-functionality approach adds protection capability without requiring a completely separate mechanical system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor road surface elevation changes and transmit this information to the control system, which then adjusts the intermediate container position accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism improves reliability by ensuring consistent protective action while minimizing the need for complex manual intervention systems.
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
Reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle and intermediate container by automatically adjusting the container's position based on detected elevation changes, enhancing operational safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor includes at least one of a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a laser sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor includes at least one of a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a laser sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a refuse collection vehicle including a chassis; a refuse collecting body supported by the chassis; and a front loading arm assembly coupled to the refuse collecting body. An intermediate container for receiving refuse is positioned in front of the refuse collection vehicle and coupled to the front loading arm assembly. At least one sensor is coupled to a portion of the refuse collection vehicle or to a portion of the intermediate container. The at least one sensor is oriented toward a road surface in front of the refuse collection vehicle. At least one processor communicably coupled to the at least one sensor, the at least one processor configured to perform operations including receiving a signal from the at least one sensor; and in response to receiving the signal, determining an elevation change of the road surface in front of the refuse collection vehicle.