Refuse Collection Vehicle Fork Alignment Using Position Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refuse collection vehicles require two operators, one to drive and one to handle waste containers, and existing automated systems face challenges in accurately engaging and lifting containers, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A refuse collection vehicle equipped with a fork assembly, lift arm, and sensors that adjust the position of these components based on data collected by cameras or ultrasonic sensors to align with the container's fork pockets, enabling precise engagement and lifting with minimal operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated sensor-based positioning is implemented, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated sensor-based system. Cameras and ultrasonic sensors detect container positions, and a controller automatically adjusts fork assembly and lift arm positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors (cameras and ultrasonic sensors) as intermediaries between the control system and the physical world. These sensors detect container positions and provide data to the controller, which then adjusts the fork assembly and lift arm accordingly, enabling precise automated positioning.
2Productivity
If manual operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where the fork assembly and lift arm automatically position and engage containers without manual intervention. The sensor system continuously monitors container positions and the controller autonomously adjusts component positions to match detected locations, improving productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously detect container positions and provide real-time data to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the fork assembly and lift arm positions, ensuring accurate engagement and improving operational reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual container handling is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual container handling with an automated fork assembly system. The forks automatically engage with container fork pockets through precise positioning controlled by sensors and a controller, eliminating manual contact and reducing the risk of container damage while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
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
Enhances waste collection efficiency, reduces operator error, and minimizes damage to containers and vehicles by ensuring accurate alignment and handling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor that is configured to collect data indicating a position of the one or more fork pockets of the refuse container. In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the at least one sensor is a camera.
Implementation Method 2
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the at least one sensor is an analog ultrasonic sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse collection vehicle includes a fork assembly that is operable to engage one or more fork pockets of a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, and at least one sensor that is configured to collect data indicating a position of the one or more fork pockets of the refuse container. A position of at least one of the fork assembly or the lift arm is adjusted in response to the data collected by the at least one sensor.