Dual-Position Refuse Vehicle Cover for Cab Shielding and Bin Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Front loading refuse collection vehicles face challenges in sealing the storage bin opening during movement and protecting the cab from debris during container lifting, which affects weight distribution and aesthetics, while existing solutions are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A dual-purpose cover that pivots or slides between a bin covering position and a cab shielding position, manufactured from resin or composite reinforced materials, which reduces weight on the front axle and provides an aesthetic appearance by moving to the top of the vehicle body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate bin cover and cab shield are used, then the storage bin opening is sealed and the cab is protected from debris, but the vehicle cost increases and weight is added to the front axle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing of storage bin openingVSAvoidvehicle cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bin cover and cab shield into a single integrated cover assembly. This unified structure performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall vehicle cost while maintaining both sealing and protection functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it seals the storage bin opening when positioned over the bin, and shields the cab from falling debris when positioned over the cab. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts needed and lowers vehicle cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed cab shield is installed, then the cab is protected from debris, but the vehicle appearance is compromised and weight is added to the front axle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from falling debrisVSAvoidvehicle appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned dynamically based on operational needs. It can be moved to cover the bin opening during transit for aesthetic purposes, and repositioned to shield the cab during loading operations, providing both appearance and protection functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a heavy cover material is used, then the cover provides adequate protection and sealing, but weight is added to the front axle affecting vehicle performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover protection capabilityVSAvoidfront axle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover assembly utilizes composite or reinforced materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the cover to maintain adequate protection and sealing capabilities while minimizing the weight added to the front axle, improving vehicle performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9284118B2Refuse vehicle shield and bin cover

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 HEIL CO

AI summary

A front loading refuse collection vehicle (10) has a cab (12) connected with a storage bin (14). The storage bin (14) includes an opening (18) that enables refuse to enter into the storage bin (14). The refuse is supplied by a front loading device (16) into the bin. Covers (20, 120) overlay the opening (18) when the vehicle (10) is in motion from collection position to collection position. Additionally, the cover (20, 120) moves from a bin covering position into a cab shielding position.