Refuse Vehicle Tailgate Locking Assembly for Faster Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles face challenges in securely locking the tailgate during operation to prevent inadvertent opening, which affects cycle times and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate locking assembly that automatically locks the tailgate to the refuse vehicle body using a pivot plate, pivot arm, and locking arm, powered by the tailgate actuator, reducing the need for additional actuators and simplifying the locking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking actuator is used to secure the tailgate, then the tailgate locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the existing tailgate actuator by integrating a locking arm and locking mechanism into the actuator assembly. The locking arm is rotatably coupled to the actuator and engages with a locking surface on the tailgate, allowing the same actuator to perform both tailgate movement and locking functions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate locking actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move the tailgate between open and closed positions, and simultaneously secure the tailgate in the closed position through the integrated locking mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture.
2Device complexity
If manual locking operation is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator interaction and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate automatically without requiring manual intervention. When the tailgate actuator moves the tailgate to the closed position, the locking arm is driven by the actuator's movement to engage with the locking surface on the tailgate, automatically securing it in place. This eliminates the need for operators to manually manipulate locking devices.
3Device complexity
If the tailgate locking mechanism is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the locking mechanism into the tailgate actuator assembly, the patent enables simultaneous execution of tailgate movement and locking operations. The locking arm is positioned and oriented such that it engages with the locking surface during the same actuator stroke that closes the tailgate, eliminating separate locking steps and reducing cycle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body, a tailgate, a tailgate actuator, and a tailgate locking assembly. The body supports the chassis and defines a receptacle configured to store refuse therein. The tailgate is positioned at an end of the receptacle and is rotatably coupled to the body. The tailgate actuator coupled to the tailgate and is configured to move the tailgate relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. The tailgate locking assembly is coupled to the body and the tailgate actuator and is configured to couple the tailgate to the body in response to the movement of the tailgate actuator.