Refuse Vehicle Self-Adjusting Cycle Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicle control systems struggle to maintain consistent cycle times for operations like lifting and emptying refuse containers, due to factors such as equipment degradation and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting cycle time system that uses sensors and processing circuitry to monitor and adjust the operation of implement assemblies, such as side-loading arms or compaction systems, to maintain target cycle times by adjusting hydraulic fluid flow or other control parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional control systems are used for refuse vehicle implement assemblies, then the system structure remains simple, but the cycle time consistency deteriorates due to equipment degradation and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the actual cycle time of the implement assembly using sensors and compares it to the target cycle time. Based on this feedback, the processor automatically adjusts control parameters such as hydraulic valve timing and fluid flow rates to maintain consistent cycle times despite equipment degradation or environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating parameters in real-time rather than using fixed settings. The processor modifies hydraulic valve control signals, actuator activation times, and fluid flow rates based on monitored cycle time variations, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal performance.
2Productivity
If the cycle time is reduced to improve productivity, then the operational speed increases, but the equipment wear and reliability deterioration accelerate
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes control parameters such as hydraulic fluid flow rates, valve timing, and actuator speeds to achieve the target cycle time. By carefully adjusting these parameters rather than simply increasing speed, the system maintains productivity while preventing excessive wear on mechanical components and hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors and adjusts its own operation to maintain optimal cycle times without external intervention. The processor continuously evaluates cycle time performance and self-corrects by adjusting control parameters, ensuring the system operates at the optimal speed that balances productivity with equipment preservation.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment of cycle time is used, then the control system complexity remains low, but the operational consistency deteriorates across different conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic feedback control where sensors monitor actual cycle time and the processor automatically adjusts control parameters without manual intervention. This closed-loop automatic control ensures consistent operational performance across varying conditions, eliminating the need for manual recalibration or adjustment by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic control system. The processor uses electronic signals to control hydraulic valves and actuators, substituting manual operator skill and physical adjustment with automated computational control that maintains consistent cycle times regardless of environmental factors or equipment condition.
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
The system ensures that refuse vehicle operations are performed within target cycle times, regardless of equipment degradation or environmental conditions, thereby improving operational efficiency and consistency across a fleet of vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
operating a hydraulic valve to increase hydraulic fluid to hydraulic components of the side-loading arm
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes an implement assembly, a sensor, and processing circuitry. The implement assembly performs a cycle operation over a cycle time period. The sensor is configured to obtain sensor data indicative of the cycle time period. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the sensor data, a current value of the cycle time period. The processing circuitry is also configured to determine, based on a comparison between the current value of the cycle time period and a target value of the cycle time period, an adjustment to control of the implement assembly. The adjustment to the control of the implement assembly may be determined such that the current value of the cycle time period is substantially the same as the target value of the cycle time period. The processing circuitry can also be configured to control operation of the implement assembly according to the adjustment.