Polymeric Bushing for Refuse Vehicle Roller Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refuse vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently coupling and moving refuse containers due to high friction between rollers and tracks, requiring frequent lubrication and maintenance, which increases operational costs and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A roller assembly with a bushing assembly made from polymeric materials, including a flanged bushing and washers, that rotatably couples the roller to the shaft, minimizing friction and eliminating the need for lubrication, thereby reducing maintenance and operational costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional roller assemblies are used with metal-to-metal contact, then structural strength is maintained, but friction increases requiring frequent lubrication and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional metal-to-metal contact mechanical system with a polymeric bushing system. The bushing assembly includes a polymeric bushing that provides a non-metallic interface between the roller and shaft, eliminating the need for lubrication while maintaining operational reliability. This substitution of materials fundamentally changes the friction characteristics of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction by combining polymeric materials with metal components. The bushing assembly integrates a polymeric bushing with metal washers and retainers, creating a hybrid system that leverages the low-friction properties of polymers while maintaining the structural strength of metal components. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between reliability and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If lubrication is applied to reduce friction, then operational efficiency improves, but operational costs increase due to frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polymeric bushing system is self-lubricating by nature of the polymeric material properties. The bushing material inherently provides low-friction surfaces without requiring external lubrication applications. This self-service characteristic maintains operational efficiency while eliminating the costs associated with lubrication maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a replaceable bushing assembly that can be easily replaced when worn. Rather than maintaining expensive lubrication systems, the design uses inexpensive polymeric bushings that serve their function and are replaced as needed. This approach reduces operational costs while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If metal-to-metal contact is used in roller assemblies, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but wear increases requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the roller assembly into distinct replaceable components: the roller, the polymeric bushing, washers, and retainers. This segmentation allows the bushing to be replaced independently when worn, extending the overall assembly lifespan without requiring complete assembly replacement. The modular design maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving component durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 polymeric bushing assembly reduces friction between rollers and tracks, enhancing the efficiency of refuse container handling and transportation by minimizing wear and maintenance needs, leading to cost savings and improved operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11173825B2Carriage roller for refuse vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of tractive elements coupled to the chassis, and a lift assembly including a carriage, a grabber arm selectively repositionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, a track configured to be coupled to a chassis of the refuse vehicle, and a roller assembly slidably coupling the carriage to the track. In the engaged position, the grabber arm is configured to couple a refuse container to the carriage. The track defines a track groove extending at least partway along a length of the track. The roller assembly includes a base coupled to the carriage, a shaft coupled to the base and extending outward from the base, a roller extending at least partially into the track groove, the roller defining first a central aperture that receives the shaft, and a bushing that rotatably couples the roller to the shaft.