Rear Loader Tailgate Motion Sensing for Service Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no known system for service verification in rear loading refuse vehicles, particularly for manually loaded vehicles, as there are no loading assemblies that can be instrumented, and a large number of such vehicles remain in service, especially in rural and tight urban locations.
Innovation Solution
A motion sensor deployed on the tailgate of a rear loading refuse vehicle senses refuse being loaded into a hopper and provides a time-stamped triggering signal, which is processed by an onboard processor to correlate the loading event with an entity, optionally using global positioning and video data to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service verification systems are implemented in rear loading refuse vehicles, then service event verification capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for motion sensors and onboard processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical instrumented loading assemblies with a motion sensor-based detection system. The motion sensor detects refuse loading events through motion detection rather than mechanical actuation sensing, and the onboard processor analyzes sensor data to verify service events, substituting complex mechanical instrumentation with electronic sensing and data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion sensors as intermediary devices between the refuse loading process and the verification system. The sensors act as mediators that detect loading events and transmit signals to the onboard processor, which then correlates these events with customer information, creating an intermediary data processing layer that enables verification without direct mechanical instrumentation of the loading mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If motion sensors are deployed on the tailgate to detect refuse loading, then measurement precision of loading events is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical loading assembly instrumentation with electronic motion sensing. The motion sensor detects refuse loading events through motion detection principles, converting physical motion into electrical signals that the onboard processor can analyze, thereby achieving precise measurement without mechanical instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor system is self-sufficient in detecting loading events without requiring external activation or complex mechanical triggers. The sensor automatically detects motion corresponding to refuse loading and generates triggering signals, making the detection system self-service and reducing the need for additional complex processing infrastructure.
3Reliability
If service verification is implemented in manually loaded refuse vehicles, then service accountability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for automated sensing and data correlation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The service verification system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The motion sensor automatically detects loading events, the onboard processor correlates data with customer information, and the system generates verification records independently, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for manual data entry or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where motion sensor data is continuously monitored, analyzed by the onboard processor, and correlated with service records. This feedback mechanism automatically verifies service events and provides accountability information, reducing the operational burden on personnel while maintaining high accountability standards.
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 system provides accurate service verification with a high degree of precision, minimizing missed events and false positives, and is applicable to various routes including rural, suburban, and urban areas, even when loading occurs from either side of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
A motion sensor deployed on a tailgate of the refuse vehicle is configured to sense refuse being loaded into a tailgate hopper
Data Source
AI summary
A service verification system for a rear loading refuse vehicle includes a motion sensor on a tailgate of the refuse vehicle. The motion sensor is configured to sense refuse being loaded into a tailgate hopper and to provide a time-stamped triggering signal corresponding to a refuse loading event. An onboard processor is configured to receive the triggering signal and evaluate other sensor data to correlate the refuse loading event with an entity.