Automated Refuse Arm Alignment Using Camera and Sonar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current refuse collection vehicles require manual alignment and operation of the container handling arm, leading to inefficiencies and accidental tipping of containers due to lack of precision.

Innovation Solution

A fully automated system using a vehicle-mounted camera for alignment and a sonar transducer with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to control a pivoting arm with a converging grabber, enabling precise and automated container handling, including emptying and returning containers to their original location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment and operation of the container handling arm is used, then the system is simpler to operate, but precision and control are reduced leading to accidental tipping of containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical alignment system using a camera mounted on the container handling arm. The camera captures images of containers, and a processor automatically determines alignment based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual visual alignment by operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment through automated image processing and control algorithms that adjust the arm position based on detected container locations and orientations, enabling the system to align itself without external manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual control of the arm operation is used, then the device complexity is lower, but productivity and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual control of the container handling arm with an automated control system that uses camera images and processed data to automatically position and operate the arm for container engagement, lifting, and placement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously captures images during arm movement, processes the images to determine container position and arm alignment, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust arm position and operation in real-time, enabling precise automated control throughout the container handling cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If automated alignment using camera is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer location detection precisionVSAvoidcamera and processing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual measurement and alignment procedures with a camera-based optical detection system that automatically captures container location, orientation, and size information through image processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If manual operation is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability is reduced due to accidental tipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handling reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual arm operation with automated control that precisely positions the arm and grabber mechanism based on real-time image analysis, eliminating human error and accidental container tipping while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous image capture and processing during arm movement provides real-time feedback that enables the automated system to detect container position and adjust arm positioning to prevent tipping, significantly improving handling reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 eliminates manual intervention, reduces accidental tipping, and ensures precise control over the container handling process, allowing for efficient and automated refuse collection.

Implementation Method 1

a sonar transducer located in a base portion of the arm that includes a converging grabber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonar: Sonar

Data Source

PatentUS10974895B2Automated container handling system for refuse collection vehicles

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 CON TECH MFG

AI summary

A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.