Quick-Disconnect Lift Attachment Pins for Refuse Vehicle Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse vehicles face challenges in efficiently and flexibly attaching different types of attachments for various waste collection tasks, such as residential and commercial refuse collection, snow removal, and street cleaning, due to the lack of a standardized and easily interchangeable attachment system.
Innovation Solution
A modular attachment system for refuse vehicles that includes a lateral member with connecting plates and actuators, allowing for the selective and releasable coupling of attachments like container, fork, and plow attachments, utilizing a lift assembly with sensors and actuators to position and secure pins for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standardized attachment system is implemented, then attachment interchangeability and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to modular components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment system with standardized interfaces (connecting plates with apertures, pins, and receptacles) that enable a single vehicle platform to perform multiple functions by attaching different modules (refuse containers, snow plows, street sweepers). This resolves the contradiction by achieving high interchangeability through standardized universal interfaces while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the vehicle into separable functional modules (vehicle platform, attachments, and intermediate coupling mechanisms). Each attachment is an independent module that can be quickly exchanged. This segmentation improves interchangeability while allowing each module to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity.
2Loss of time
If automated pin extension mechanisms are used, then attachment coupling speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to actuators and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect when attachment interfaces are properly aligned and positioned, then automatically triggers pin extension only when conditions are optimal. This preliminary detection and conditional activation reduces coupling time while avoiding unnecessary actuator operations, managing complexity through intelligent control sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates self-aligning features where the geometry of connecting plates and receptacles automatically positions components correctly during approach, reducing the precision requirements for actuators. The system serves itself by using mechanical guidance to complement automated pin extension, reducing control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment assembly for a vehicle includes a removable attachment comprising a first actuated pin assembly configured to extend a first pin from a first side of the removable attachment and a second actuated pin assembly configured to extend a second pin from a second side of the removable attachment. The attachment assembly further includes a lift assembly including a first lift arm including a first opening configured to receive the first pin and a second lift arm including a second opening configured to receive the second pin. The first pin and the second pin are configured to cooperatively couple the removable attachment to the lift assembly when extended, and the lift assembly is configured to lift the attachment.