Modular Refuse Vehicle Bodies for Flexible Volume Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refuse vehicles lack modularity and flexibility in accommodating different refuse collection configurations, leading to inefficiencies in volume expansion and component replacement.

Innovation Solution

A refuse vehicle design featuring a modular refuse containment body with interchangeable sections, including hoppers, walls, and roofs, coupled using mechanical fasteners and sealing mechanisms, allowing for adjustable volume and configuration to suit various loading types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-volume refuse containment body is used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the adaptability to different refuse collection configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different refuse collection configurationsVSAvoidvehicle structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refuse containment body is divided into multiple interchangeable body sections (first body section, second body section, third body section) that can be coupled together through mating interfaces. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be reconfigured for different refuse collection needs while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mating interfaces are designed to be universal, allowing the same coupling mechanism to accommodate different body sections (hoppers, volume expansion sections, containment sections) in various configurations. This enables a single vehicle platform to serve multiple refuse collection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the refuse containment body is designed as a single fixed volume, then manufacturing is simpler, but volume expansion capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume expansion capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The containment body is segmented into multiple manufacturable sections that can be produced separately and then assembled. This allows each section to be optimized for manufacturing while the complete assembly provides volume expansion capability through combination of sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple body sections are nested or coupled together to form the complete refuse containment body. The sections can be stored separately and assembled as needed, providing volume expansion without requiring the entire expanded structure to be manufactured as a single complex component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If components are permanently fixed, then structural stability is high, but component replacement efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacement efficiencyVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mating interfaces provide a dynamic coupling system that allows body sections to be quickly connected and disconnected. This enables efficient component replacement while maintaining structural stability during operation through secure mechanical fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The refuse containment body is segmented into replaceable sections coupled through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows individual sections to be replaced independently without affecting the entire structure, improving maintenance efficiency while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular body sections are introduced, then adaptability improves, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mating interfaces are designed as universal coupling mechanisms that can accommodate different types of body sections (hoppers, expansion sections, containment sections). This universality reduces the number of specialized coupling mechanisms needed, managing part complexity while maintaining high configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250214769A1Refuse vehicle with modular body components

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

A refuse vehicle with modular elements that permit the body of the refuse vehicle to be changed and expanded. The refuse vehicle that includes a chassis and a refuse containment body coupled to the chassis that defines a refuse compartment. The refuse containment body includes a hopper mating portion at a first end of the refuse compartment and configured to couple to a hopper for loading the refuse containment body and a containment wall mating portion at a second end of the refuse compartment and configured to couple to a containment member.