Universal Mounting Profile for Refuse Vehicle Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for refuse collection vehicles is costly and inefficient due to the need for individually manufactured connections between different components, leading to increased production and storage costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system comprising profiles and adapter pieces that allow for universal attachment of various components to the vehicle body, with profiles designed to accommodate different adapter pieces in specific positions, reducing the need for multiple types and simplifying assembly and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individually manufactured connections are used for different attachments, then each attachment can be custom-fitted to specific requirements, but production costs and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal profile system that can accommodate multiple different attachments through standardized connection points. The profile serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables attachment of various components (lifting devices, containers, doors), and allows reconfiguration of the vehicle body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for individually manufactured connections for each attachment type, thereby reducing production and storage costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individually manufactured connections are used for different attachments, then each attachment can be custom-fitted to specific requirements, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal profile system consolidates storage needs by replacing multiple specialized connection components with a single standardized profile design. The profile can be used across different vehicle configurations and attachment types, significantly reducing the variety of parts that need to be stored in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter pieces are designed to be insertable into the profile's interior space, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components (adapter pieces) are contained within or attached to the larger structure (profile). This nesting optimizes storage space by allowing compact arrangement of components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a universal profile system is used, then production and storage costs are reduced, but the complexity of accommodating different adapter pieces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the attachment functionality into two segments: a universal profile structure and specialized adapter pieces. The profile provides the standardized framework, while adapter pieces provide attachment-specific functionality. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by separating the complex adaptation requirements into manageable, interchangeable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter pieces serve as intermediaries between the universal profile and the specific attachments. They translate the standardized profile interface into attachment-specific connection requirements, managing the complexity of accommodating different attachment types without modifying the profile itself.
4Reliability
If adapter pieces are inserted into the profile interior, then protection from contamination and corrosion is improved, but access for installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The profile is designed with pre-positioned openings at strategic locations that provide access to the interior space where adapter pieces are inserted. These openings are planned in advance during the design phase to balance protection and accessibility requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing system for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising at least one profile (2) and at least one adapter piece (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) which can be arranged on or in the profile (2), wherein the profile (2) and adapter piece (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are designed to be arranged on a body (1) of a refuse collection vehicle and to enable the attachment of an add-on part (11) to the body (1), wherein the profile (2) is designed such that different adapter pieces (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) matched to specific add-on parts (11) can be arranged in different positions, so that the adapter pieces (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) form connection points for the add-on part (11).The invention further relates to a refuse collection vehicle with such a fixing system and to a method for assembling a fixing system with the steps: • Providing a profile (2), • Inserting the fixing nut (16) into the insertion opening, • Guiding the adapter piece (3,3a,3b,3c,3d) along the opening (7) into an end position, • Fixing the adapter piece (3,3a,3b,3c,3d) by clamping the fixing nut (16) between two walls of the profile (2) by turning the screw (15) and by clamping the wall of the profile (2) between the support element (12) and the fixing nut (16) by further turning the screw (15), • Optionally repeating the above steps on a further opening (7).