Refuse Vehicle Battery Pack Layout for Weight Balance and Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicle energy systems are inefficient in weight distribution, accessibility, and maintenance, leading to increased downtime and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular and removable energy storage and/or generation system positioned strategically on the refuse vehicle to evenly distribute weight, facilitate easy access, and allow for hot-swapping and easy maintenance, reducing downtime and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the energy system is integrated into the vehicle structure, then weight distribution is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy system is divided into modular battery packs that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each battery pack is a separate module that can be removed without disassembling the entire vehicle structure, thus maintaining integrated weight distribution while enabling easy maintenance access through the rear access door.
2Loss of time
If the energy system is made modular and removable, then maintenance time is reduced, but structural integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery packs are pre-configured as complete, self-contained modules with all necessary connections and mounting hardware. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid swap-out during maintenance without requiring complex disassembly or reconfiguration, reducing maintenance time while preserving structural integration through standardized mounting interfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If battery packs are positioned forward of the cab, then weight distribution is improved, but space for refuse compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery packs are positioned in the vertical space above the rear axle and refuse compartment, utilizing the third dimension (height) rather than consuming horizontal space. This allows optimal weight distribution toward the front of the vehicle while preserving maximum refuse compartment volume in the horizontal plane.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a frame, an axle coupled to the frame, a cab coupled to the frame, a body assembly coupled to the frame and defining a refuse compartment, a lift assembly configured to engage and lift a refuse container, an electric motor coupled to the axle, and an electrical energy system configured to provide electric power to the lift assembly and the electric motor. The body assembly is positioned behind the cab. The electrical energy system includes a first set of one or more battery cells positioned vertically above at least a portion of the cab.