Helical Pump PTO Layout for Electric Refuse Truck Hydraulics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric refuse vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing energy distribution between electric and hydraulic systems, leading to unnecessary power consumption and potential maintenance complications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a manual power disconnect mechanism in the electric power take-off system to selectively couple and decouple the energy storage device from the hydraulic system, allowing for independent operation of the vehicle and reducing energy draw when subsystems are not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the energy storage device continuously supplies power to both electric and hydraulic systems, then the hydraulic subsystems remain ready for immediate operation, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when subsystems are not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness of hydraulic subsystemsVSAvoidpower consumption from energy storage device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power take-off system is segmented into separate first and second systems, each with independent motors and helical gear pumps. This segmentation allows selective activation of hydraulic circuits based on actual operational needs, preventing continuous power consumption while maintaining readiness of specific subsystems when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between different operational states through the power disconnect mechanism, allowing the hydraulic subsystems to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the energy storage device. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt power distribution to actual operational requirements, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the hydraulic system remains continuously powered, then subsystems can operate immediately without delay, but maintenance becomes more complicated due to interconnected power distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse time of hydraulic subsystemsVSAvoidmaintenance complexity of power distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system is divided into separate first and second power take-off systems with independent control. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service individual subsystems without needing to disconnect the entire hydraulic system, significantly reducing maintenance complexity while preserving rapid response capability of operational subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power disconnect mechanism provides the ability to extract or isolate specific hydraulic subsystems from the powered state during maintenance. This extraction capability allows individual pumps, motors, or circuits to be taken offline for service while other subsystems remain operational, simplifying repair procedures without compromising overall system readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single hydraulic power system is used for both lifting and compaction, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and independent control of subsystems are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of power take-off systemsVSAvoidindependent operation capability of hydraulic subsystems
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate first and second power take-off systems, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation provides adaptability and versatility by allowing each subsystem to be controlled independently based on specific operational requirements, while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each power take-off system is designed with universal components including motors and helical gear pumps that can serve multiple functions. The first system can power lifting operations while the second powers compaction, or both can operate simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach provides adaptability without requiring entirely separate specialized systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables efficient energy conservation, prevents unwanted subsystem operation, and allows for maintenance without affecting vehicle functionality, while also enabling retrofitting of hydraulic systems for enhanced responsiveness and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a first motor that is configured to drive a first helical gear pump to convert electrical power received from the energy storage device into hydraulic power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical gear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12583671B2Refuse truck with helical pump
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 OSHKOSH CORPORATION
  • US12583671B2 patent drawing
  • US12583671B2 patent drawing
  • US12583671B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, an energy storage device, a body, a first electric power take-off system, and a second electric power take-off system. The energy storage device is supported by the chassis and is configured to provide electrical power to a prime mover. Activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle. The body is supported by the chassis. The first electric power take-off system is coupled to at least one of the body and the chassis, and includes a first motor that is configured to drive a helical gear pump to convert electrical power received from the energy storage device into hydraulic power. The second electric power take-off system is coupled to at least one of the body and the chassis, and includes a second motor that is configured to drive the helical gear pump to convert electrical power received from the energy storage device into hydraulic power.