Modular E-PTO Housing With Single HV Connection for Refuse Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric refuse vehicles face challenges in efficiently integrating and servicing hydraulic power systems, leading to increased downtime and reduced fleet efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric power take-off (E-PTO) system is introduced, which includes a motor, inverter, battery, and hydraulic pump housed in a removable modular housing, allowing for easy installation and removal from the vehicle, with a single connection point for high voltage components, reducing the need for panel removal during servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic power system is integrated into the vehicle body, then the system provides stable power for vehicle operations, but the servicing time increases and fleet efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic power system is segmented into a modular E-PTO unit that can be independently removed from the vehicle body. This modular housing contains all hydraulic components (pump, reservoir, valves) as a self-contained assembly that can be quickly detached and replaced, reducing servicing time while maintaining system reliability through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic power system is extracted from the permanent vehicle structure and placed in a removable modular housing. This allows the entire hydraulic assembly to be taken out as a single unit for servicing or replacement, eliminating the need for complex disassembly of vehicle panels and structures, thereby reducing downtime while preserving system integration benefits
2Ease of operation
If multiple connection points are provided for high voltage components, then the electrical connections are more accessible, but the complexity of installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple high voltage connection points are merged into a single integrated connection interface on the modular housing. This consolidation allows all electrical connections to be made or broken at one location when the modular unit is installed or removed, simplifying the installation process while maintaining accessibility to all high voltage components through the unified interface
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 modular E-PTO system enhances fleet efficiency by minimizing downtime and facilitating quick swapping, while providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for vehicle operations, and is adaptable to various chassis types.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, an inverter, a battery, and a hydraulic pump positioned within the modular housing
Implementation Method 2
drive the hydraulic pump to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to one or more hydraulic systems
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electric power take-off (E-PTO) system for a refuse vehicle includes a modular housing. The modular E-PTO also includes a motor, an inverter, a battery, and a hydraulic pump positioned within the modular housing. The modular housing is removably coupled with a front of a waste receptacle or a hopper of the waste receptacle of a refuse vehicle.