Horizontal Positioning System for Refuse Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical arms used for refuse collection are heavy, noisy, and cause vibration and impact loads, leading to efficiency and durability issues and physical burdens on operators.
Innovation Solution
A refuse loading system with a horizontal positioning system that includes a base section, an intermediate section, a distal section, timing belt systems, belt attachment devices, and horizontal drive units, allowing for horizontal translation and positioning of the refuse loading system relative to the refuse collection vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical arms are used for refuse collection, then the loading function is achieved, but the system becomes heavy, noisy, and causes vibration and impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical arms with a robotic system comprising a lightweight robotic arm, camera system, and control unit. The robotic arm uses precision motors and sensors instead of heavy mechanical components, achieving the loading function with reduced weight and noise while maintaining durability through automated control and feedback mechanisms.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical arms are used for refuse collection, then the loading function is achieved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes noisy mechanical arms with a robotic system that uses controlled motor actuation, sensors, and automated positioning. The robotic arm employs precision motors with feedback control, reducing mechanical impacts and vibrations while maintaining loading efficiency through automated operation and real-time adjustment based on camera feedback.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical arms are used for refuse collection, then the loading function is achieved, but operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated operation where the robotic arm autonomously positions itself, captures images of the container, determines the optimal loading position, and executes the loading action without continuous operator intervention. The control unit processes camera data and automatically controls the robotic arm, reducing operator workload and fatigue while maintaining or improving loading efficiency through consistent automated performance.
4Reliability
If complex mechanical components are used for refuse loading, then the loading function is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical components with a streamlined robotic system using electronic control, sensors, and software algorithms. Instead of multiple heavy mechanical linkages and actuators, the system uses a robotic arm with precision motors, encoders, and feedback control, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability through electronic sensing and automated adjustment capabilities.
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 reduces operator fatigue, discomfort, and noise, while improving the energy efficiency and maintainability of the refuse loading process, and reduces the need for complex and costly components.
Implementation Method 1
The first timing belt is coupled around the first pair of timing pulleys. The second timing belt is coupled around the second pair of timing pulleys.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal positioning system for a refuse loading system includes a base section, a distal section, one or more timing belt systems, one or more belt attachment devices, and one or more horizontal drive units. The base section is configured to couple to a frame of a refuse collection vehicle. The distal section is configured to couple between the base section and the refuse loading system and configured to translate with respect to the base section. At least a first one of the timing belt systems includes a pair of timing pulleys spaced horizontally from one another and each is rotatably coupled to the base section, and a timing belt is coupled around the pair of timing pulleys. At least one of the one or more belt attachment devices is configured to couple the base frame to the timing belt of at least one of the timing belt systems at a belt attachment location.