Rear Load Packer with Single Pack Blade and Anti-Spill Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing truck bodies for refuse packing require multiple power and actuation components, leading to high costs and space inefficiencies, and pose safety risks due to obstacles during side sump operation, while also experiencing spillage issues during compartment ejection.

Innovation Solution

A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer with a single pack blade and a multi-section sweep blade, where the sweep blade can be unitary or segmented, reduces the number of power components and allows for efficient loading of recyclables, and includes anti-spill plates to prevent spillage during ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If three sets of power and actuation components are used for each compartment, then each compartment can be independently operated, but the cost of components increases and space for packing compartments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent compartment operationVSAvoidnumber of power and actuation components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power and actuation components into a single shared system. One power unit drives a sweep blade that serves all three compartments, and a single pack blade with one actuator performs packing for all compartments. This consolidation maintains independent compartment operation while dramatically reducing the total number of components from three separate sets to just one shared set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sweep blade and pack blade are designed as universal components that serve multiple compartments simultaneously. The sweep blade spans across all three compartments and can sweep material into any compartment, while the single pack blade can pack material in all three compartments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power and actuation components for each compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a side sump configuration is used for loading compartments, then loading access is provided, but curbs and roadside obstacles create safety risks and inconvenience for workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading accessVSAvoidworker safety risks from obstacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional loading configuration by moving the sump and loading mechanism from the side to the rear of the truck. The rear-loading design allows workers to load compartments from the back, away from curbs and roadside obstacles, eliminating the safety risks associated with side-loading while maintaining full loading access through the rear opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate pack blades are used for each compartment, then each compartment can be independently packed, but the space occupied by components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent compartment packingVSAvoidspace occupied by pack blades and drives

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate pack blades into a single shared pack blade that serves all three compartments. This single pack blade, driven by one actuator, can pack material in any or all compartments as needed. This merging reduces the space occupied by pack blades and drive mechanisms from three separate sets to just one, while maintaining the ability to independently pack each compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If compartments are ejected simultaneously, then ejection efficiency is high, but spillage occurs during the ejection process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection efficiencyVSAvoidspillage during ejection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic, sequential ejection of compartments rather than simultaneous ejection. The ejection system activates compartments one at a time in sequence, allowing each compartment to be emptied completely before the next one begins. This periodic action maintains high overall ejection efficiency while preventing spillage that would occur if multiple compartments were ejected simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10633182B2Three compartment rear load packer

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 AIR FLO CO INC

AI summary

A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer, in which a single pack blade is pivotally connected to a multi-section sweep blade. Only a single pack blade is needed to move all the sections of the sweep blade toward the compartments. As the type of refuse in each compartment is different and must be offloaded separately, especially in a three-compartment system, two anti-spill plates are provided for selective blocking of the lower portion of the outer two compartments. Seal plates can also be provided for selective blocking of the upper portion of the outer two compartments, whereby an anti-spill plate and paired seal plate confront and close the opening of the associated refuse compartment when the compaction unit is pivoted to the ejection position.