Kinematic Assembly for Waste Collection Bin Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste collection vehicle equipment is cumbersome, requires excessive space, and is inefficient in gripping and emptying bins at varying distances from the vehicle, leading to suboptimal load distribution and prolonged cycle times.

Innovation Solution

A kinematic assembly with control levers and actuators allows the guiding frame to move between approached and maximum distancing positions, enabling precise bin engagement and repositioning without excessive space usage, facilitating efficient emptying and distribution within the vehicle's load capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing waste collection equipment is used to grip and empty bins at varying distances from the vehicle, then the equipment can perform the emptying function, but the equipment structure becomes cumbersome and requires excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to grip bins at varying distancesVSAvoidequipment structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding frame is nested within the vehicle body structure, with the lifting arms and gripping elements folded into the frame when not in use. The frame itself is stored within a retracted position along the vehicle side, minimizing space requirements while maintaining full functionality for gripping bins at various distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment employs dynamic, movable components including the extensible guiding frame that can extend and retract, lifting arms that rotate and position themselves, and gripping elements that open and close. This dynamic design allows the same structure to adapt to varying bin distances without requiring multiple fixed-position components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If existing waste collection equipment is used to empty bins, then the bins can be emptied into the vehicle, but the equipment requires excessive space and is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebin emptying efficiencyVSAvoidspace required by equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting arms and guiding frame are nested within the vehicle's existing structure, utilizing the space between the vehicle body and the loading hopper. This eliminates the need for external equipment extensions that would increase the vehicle's effective width and require excessive clearance during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding frame serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, a positioning mechanism for the lifting arms, and an extensible arm for reaching bins at varying distances. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate equipment components into a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If existing equipment is used for bin emptying, then the emptying function is performed, but load distribution is suboptimal and cycle times are prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle timeVSAvoidload distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system monitors the position of the guiding frame and lifting arms throughout the emptying cycle, adjusting movements in real-time to optimize bin engagement and emptying angles. This feedback control ensures consistent, precise load deposition into the hopper and enables rapid, repeatable cycle execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment pre-positions the lifting arms and guiding frame according to the detected bin location before engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures optimal approach angles and gripping positions, enabling efficient bin pickup and emptying while maintaining consistent load distribution patterns across multiple cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3248911B1Apparatus for gripping and emptying bins onto a motor vehicle for waste collection, and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.11.28 OMB TECH SPA

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AI summary

A kinematic assembly (20) is constrained to a support group (10) fixed to the side wall (3) of the motor vehicle (2), said kinematic assembly supports the guiding frame (7), along which a carriage (13) slides and supports the lifting arms (14) operatively engageable with a bin (15). The kinematic assembly (20) includes first levers (22) rotatably constrained to the guiding frame (7) and the support group (10), and second levers (26) having respective proximal ends (22a) slidably guided on the support group (10). Said first and second levers (22, 26) are mutually hinged at an intermediate point of their longitudinal development. Push rods (30) link each second lever (26) with the guiding frame (7). Control actuators (33) act on the kinematic assembly (20) to move the guiding frame (7) between an approached position and a position of maximum distance with respect to said side wall (3).