Multi-Section Refuse Ejector for Asymmetrical Compaction

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional refuse vehicles with asymmetrical collection chambers face challenges in fully compacting and ejecting refuse due to the mismatch between the widths of the hopper and storage portions, leading to reduced carrying capacity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a primary ejector and an auxiliary ejector, which are selectively repositionable within the hopper and storage portions of the vehicle, allowing for compacting and ejecting refuse in tandem to compensate for the asymmetrical shape and increase cargo capacity without exceeding regulated vehicle widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the ejector is sized according to the width of the hopper portion, then the ejector can operate within the hopper portion, but the storage portion cannot be adequately compacted and refuse cannot be fully ejected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejector compatibility with hopper portionVSAvoidcarrying capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector system is divided into two separate ejectors: a first ejector sized for the hopper portion and a second ejector sized for the storage portion. This segmentation allows each ejector to be optimized for its specific chamber width, enabling full compaction and ejection capability across the entire asymmetrical collection chamber while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the ejector is sized according to the width of the storage portion, then the ejector can cover the wider area, but it cannot adequately compact refuse in the hopper portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying capacityVSAvoidejector compatibility with hopper portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector system is divided into two separate ejectors: a first ejector sized for the hopper portion and a second ejector sized for the storage portion. This segmentation allows each ejector to be optimized for its specific chamber width, enabling full compaction and ejection capability across the entire asymmetrical collection chamber while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single ejector is used in an asymmetrical collection chamber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the refuse cannot be completely compacted and ejected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejector system simplicityVSAvoidcarrying capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector system is divided into two separate ejectors: a first ejector sized for the hopper portion and a second ejector sized for the storage portion. This segmentation allows each ejector to be optimized for its specific chamber width, enabling full compaction and ejection capability across the entire asymmetrical collection chamber while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9981803B2Refuse vehicle with multi-section refuse ejector

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body, a primary ejector, and an auxiliary ejector. The chassis includes a frame and a cab disposed at one end of the frame. The body includes a hopper portion and a storage portion. The width of the storage portion is greater than the width of the hopper portion. The auxiliary ejector has a width equal to the difference between the width of the storage portion and the width of the hopper portion. The primary ejector is selectively repositionable within the hopper portion and the storage portion of the body to at least one of compact refuse therein or eject refuse therefrom. The auxiliary ejector is selectively repositionable within the storage portion of the body to at least one of compact refuse therein and eject refuse therefrom in tandem with the primary ejector.