Refuse Vehicle Positioning via Container Location Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refuse vehicles face inefficiencies in unloading refuse containers due to improper positioning, which can be challenging for drivers, especially when using automated side loading arms or manual dumping, as it requires precise alignment and can be skill-dependent.

Innovation Solution

A control system equipped with refuse container location sensors, electronics, and vehicle speed control that tracks the refuse container's position and outputs a control signal to stop the vehicle at a predetermined location, allowing for optimal positioning for efficient unloading using sensors like cameras, RFID, or laser sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the driver manually positions the refuse vehicle using skill-dependent judgment, then the positioning may be imprecise and inconsistent, but the system complexity remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system (driver's skill-based judgment and physical vehicle control) with an automated optical/electronic positioning system. The sensor detects the refuse container's location and the electronics automatically calculate and execute the precise stopping position, eliminating the need for driver skill while achieving consistent high-precision positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the refuse vehicle to automatically determine its own stopping position relative to the refuse container without external assistance. The sensor and electronics work together to autonomously identify the optimal position and control the vehicle's movement, making the vehicle self-sufficient in the positioning task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the driver spends more time to properly position the vehicle, then the positioning accuracy may improve, but the unloading productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidunloading rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of the optimal stopping position before the vehicle arrives at the refuse container. The sensor continuously tracks the container's location and the electronics pre-calculate the exact stopping point, allowing the vehicle to automatically execute the precise position without requiring the driver to spend time adjusting or repositioning during the approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the vehicle's position relative to the refuse container using the sensor and provides real-time feedback through the electronics. This closed-loop control allows the vehicle to automatically adjust its position with high precision while maintaining a steady approach speed, eliminating the need for slow, iterative positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the refuse vehicle is optimally positioned for efficient unloading, then the unloading time decreases, but the requirement for driver skill increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading timeVSAvoiddriver skill requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the driver's skill-based positioning operation with an automated sensor-electronics-control system. The sensor detects the refuse container location, the electronics calculate the optimal stopping position, and the control system executes the precise positioning, thereby achieving fast unloading times without increasing driver skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the complex positioning task autonomously without requiring skilled driver intervention. The vehicle's own sensor and electronics systems handle the detection, calculation, and execution of optimal positioning, making the operation accessible to drivers of any skill level while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 precise and efficient positioning of the refuse vehicle relative to the container, reducing the time and effort required for unloading, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the skill dependency for drivers.

Implementation Method 1

at least one refuse container location sensor... telemetrically measure the position of the refuse container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10831201B2Refuse vehicle control system and method of controlling a refuse vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a control system for a refuse vehicle and a method for controlling a refuse vehicle provided with at least one refuse container location sensor, at least one vehicle speed control, and one or more electronics. The one or more electronics receive and process signals from the at least one refuse container location sensor and outputs a control signal to the at least one vehicle speed control to stop the refuse vehicle at a predetermined location with respect to a refuse container.