Material collection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material collection systems require heavy-duty vehicles with auxiliary engines, which increase weight, size, and operational complexity, making them difficult to navigate and requiring specialized drivers, while also leading to energy waste and increased costs due to unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A material collection system powered by a single engine with a variable power divider that dynamically allocates power between the vehicle's transmission and vacuum generator based on operational modes, reducing the need for auxiliary power sources and optimizing power usage according to specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If heavy-duty vehicles with auxiliary engines are used to power material collection systems, then sufficient power for material collection is ensured, but weight, size, and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle's existing engine with the vacuum generator power requirements by using a single engine to power both the transmission and vacuum generator through a variable power divider. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary engines while ensuring sufficient power for material collection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single engine is designed to perform multiple functions: powering the transmission for vehicle movement and powering the vacuum generator for material collection. The variable power divider enables this universal power source to dynamically allocate power between different functions based on operational needs.
2Power
If heavy-duty vehicles with auxiliary engines are used, then power requirements are met, but the system becomes difficult to navigate and requires specialized drivers
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power requirements into a single engine system that the operator already controls for vehicle operation, the system maintains ease of operation. The operator uses the existing throttle control to manage both transmission and vacuum generator power without requiring specialized knowledge of auxiliary engine systems.
3Power
If auxiliary engines are used to power vacuum generators, then sufficient vacuum power is generated, but energy waste and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable power divider dynamically adjusts the power allocation between transmission and vacuum generator based on operational mode. During material collection, more power is directed to the vacuum generator; during travel, power is directed to the transmission. This dynamic adjustment eliminates energy waste by ensuring only necessary components are powered at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between different operational modes (travel mode and collection mode), adjusting power distribution accordingly. This periodic adjustment of power allocation based on operational phase reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuously running auxiliary engines at full capacity.
4Weight of moving object
If a single engine powers both transmission and vacuum generator, then weight and size are reduced, but power allocation between components must be dynamically managed
Solution Approach 1:
The variable power divider acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single engine and the two power consumers (transmission and vacuum generator). It automatically manages the complex power allocation based on operational mode, reducing the perceived complexity for the operator while enabling efficient weight-reduced single-engine operation.
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
This approach results in a compact, lightweight system that can be operated by non-commercial drivers, reduces energy waste, and minimizes environmental impact by ensuring only necessary components are powered at any given time, while maintaining sufficient power for efficient material collection.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum generator can include a fan to develop an airflow and draw material into a material inlet of a conduit.
Data Source
AI summary
A material collection system is provided. The system can include a vacuum generator having a fan to develop an airflow and draw material into a conduit. The system can also include a transmission, a power source to selectively power at least one of the vacuum generator and the transmission, a variable power divider to divide a power output from the power source to the transmission and the vacuum generator, and a control system to control the variable power divider in a first mode and a second mode.