Refuse Vehicle Attachment System With Adjustable Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refuse vehicles face challenges in efficiently switching and adjusting attachments for different types of refuse containers, leading to increased downtime and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate carry can system with an extension arm and attachment member that allows for the selective interchanging and adjustment of attachments, featuring a unique interface with multiple apertures and fasteners for precise positioning and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed attachment system is used on refuse vehicles, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the vehicle cannot efficiently switch between different types of refuse containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different refuse container typesVSAvoidattachment system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of refuse containers through a standardized coupling mechanism. The interface includes multiple apertures and fasteners that work with various attachment types, allowing one attachment member to serve multiple functions across different container types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: the attachment member on the extension arm and the corresponding attachments on the refuse containers. This segmentation allows independent selection and replacement of attachments without affecting the main vehicle structure, enabling versatile container handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If attachments are fixed in position, then the attachment system is simple, but adjusting the position of attachments for different container types is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment of attachment positionVSAvoidattachment adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from fixed to adjustable positioning through the inclusion of multiple apertures in the attachment member and corresponding alignment features on the attachments. This allows dynamic repositioning of attachments along the extension arm to optimize engagement with different container types while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple attachments are used for different refuse containers, then the vehicle becomes versatile, but the time to switch between attachments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime for switching attachments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is pre-configured with multiple apertures and fasteners positioned to receive different attachment types. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid switching between attachments by simply changing the attachment component while the interface remains ready, minimizing downtime during operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240343480A1Attachment system for vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

An intermediate carry can for a refuse vehicle includes a container configured to couple to the refuse vehicle, an extension arm coupled to the container, and an attachment member coupled to an end of the extension arm. The attachment member has an interface configured to engage with a plurality of attachments to facilitate selectively interchanging the plurality of attachments. The interface defines a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures that facilitate adjusting a position of at least one of the plurality of attachments relative to the attachment member.