Refuse Vehicle Lift Alignment Using Projected Target Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse vehicles often waste time and resources aligning the lifting mechanism with waste containers due to limited lateral mobility, requiring manual adjustment and imperfect visual alignment, which reduces efficiency and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a projector that emits light to define a target area for waste container placement, combined with a camera system and display to provide visual cues for precise alignment, allowing operators to engage and empty containers without additional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment methods are used, then the vehicle can operate with simple equipment, but significant time is lost in aligning the waste container with the lifting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an optical guidance system. A projector emits light to define a target area, and a camera captures images of the waste container's position relative to this target. The system processes images to determine alignment status, substituting human visual judgment and manual adjustment with automated optical detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the target alignment area through projected light patterns. The camera captures images that replicate the spatial relationship between the waste container and the target zone, allowing the control system to analyze alignment without direct physical measurement or manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lifting mechanism has limited lateral mobility, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but precise alignment with waste containers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the lateral mobility of the lifting mechanism through complex mechanical means, the patent substitutes a visual guidance system. The projector and camera system provides precise alignment information to the operator, enabling accurate positioning without requiring the lifting mechanism itself to have extended lateral movement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual guidance system between the operator and the lifting mechanism. The projected target area and camera feedback serve as intermediaries that convey alignment information, allowing the operator to achieve precise alignment without direct manual manipulation of the lifting mechanism's lateral position.
3Ease of operation
If operators exit the vehicle to align containers manually, then no additional alignment equipment is needed, but safety risks increase and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the operator to perform alignment tasks from within the vehicle cab using the projected visual targets and camera feedback. The alignment function serves itself through automated visual guidance, eliminating the need for the operator to exit the vehicle and manually position containers, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations performed outside the vehicle with an automated optical guidance system accessible from within the cab. The projector and camera system substitutes direct manual intervention with visual information processing, allowing operators to achieve alignment without exposing themselves to external safety hazards.
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
Enhances operational efficiency by ensuring accurate alignment from within the cab, reducing time spent outside the vehicle and minimizing errors, leading to cost savings and improved safety.
Implementation Method 1
The projector is positioned to emit light outwardly away from the refuse vehicle and proximate the lift assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a vehicle body supported by the chassis, a lift assembly, and a projector. The vehicle body defines a receptacle for storing refuse. The lift assembly is configured to selectively engage a waste container. The lift assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The projector is positioned to emit light outwardly away from the refuse vehicle and proximate the lift assembly to define a target area.