Mobile Roll Compactor Articulated Arm for Low-Height Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile roll compactors for open top waste containers are costly, complex, and have a high transport height due to the number of actuators and vertical masts, increasing operational and transportation expenses.
Innovation Solution
A mobile roll compactor with a roller assembly having a frame, ramp, and articulated arm assembly that transitions between transport and compacting configurations, utilizing fewer actuators and minimizing height through a pivotable arm and roller mechanism, with stoppers to limit arm angles and a sprocket system for efficient waste compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to control the articulated arm assembly and roller, then the compactor can achieve precise control and reliable operation, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single integrated actuator system that controls both the articulated arm assembly and roller operation. This merging reduces the total number of actuators while maintaining coordinated control through a unified actuation mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the articulation of the arm assembly, the movement of the roller, and the transition between transport and compacting configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable operation through a universal control mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a vertical mast is added to the articulated arm assembly, then some actuators can be omitted, but the transport height of the compactor becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic arm assembly that transitions between a compact horizontal configuration during transport and a vertical operational position during compaction. The arms can pivot and articulate to achieve the necessary operational height when needed, then retract to minimize the overall transport profile, thereby avoiding a permanently high structure while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm assembly is designed to nest or fold back during transport, with the arms positioning themselves in a compact arrangement that minimizes the overall height. The roller and arm components are arranged to occupy minimal space when not in use, allowing the compactor to achieve a low transport profile while still providing sufficient operational height when deployed.
3Length of stationary object
If the roller assembly is positioned on the ramp during transport, then the compactor has a low profile, but the roller cannot immediately begin compacting when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is pre-positioned on the ramp in a ready state during transport, with the actuator system pre-configured. When deployment is needed, the actuator can quickly transition the roller from its transport position on the ramp to the operational position over the waste container, enabling rapid deployment without requiring the roller to be repositioned from a distant location, thus maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the transition of the roller assembly between transport and operational states. The roller can roll along the ramp to achieve the correct positioning, and the ramp's geometry allows for smooth transitions that maintain both compact transport profile and ease of rapid deployment when needed.
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
Reduces the number of actuators, lowers the compactor's transport height, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing actuator stress and maximizing waste compaction, thereby reducing deployment costs and frequency.
Implementation Method 1
The roller actuator is configured to roll the roller to move the roller assembly from one compacting configuration of the plurality of compacting configurations to another compacting configuration
Implementation Method 2
The arm actuator is configured to pivot the first arm from horizontal to vertical
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile roll compactor for compacting waste has: a frame: a ramp connected to the frame: and a roller assembly connected to the frame. The roller assembly has: a first arm pivotally connected to the frame about a first pivot axis: a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm about a second pivot axis: a third arm having pivotally connected to the second arm about at third pivot axis: a roller rotationally connected to the third arm: an arm actuator connected to the frame and operatively connected to the first arm for selectively pivoting the first arm about the first pivot axis: and a roller actuator operatively connected to the roller for turning the roller. A method for compacting waste in an open top container with a mobile roll compactor is also disclosed.