Rotatable Arm Gripper for Versatile Refuse Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refuse collection vehicles require manual or mechanical loading of intermediate containers, which is physically demanding and inefficient, and automated collection assemblies have limited range of motion and flexibility, necessitating precise vehicle positioning and operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A refuse collection vehicle equipped with an automated refuse receptacle collection assembly featuring a rotatable arm with a gripper mechanism and telescoping capabilities, allowing the arm to move 180 degrees and reach receptacles from various positions without the operator needing to leave the cab, and the ability to selectively dump contents into segregated compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading is used, then the operator can physically move and lift receptacles, but the process becomes physically demanding and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated collection assembly performs the loading operation autonomously without requiring the operator to physically move or lift receptacles. The system serves itself by automatically extending the arm, engaging the receptacle, and dumping contents into the intermediate container, eliminating both physical demand and time loss associated with manual loading.
2Ease of operation
If a tipper is used, then the operator eliminates the need to lift receptacles, but the operator must still depart the vehicle to position receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The automated collection assembly completely eliminates the need for operator intervention in positioning receptacles. The system autonomously extends its arm to reach receptacles, engages them, and performs the dumping operation without the operator leaving the cab, achieving full automation of the collection process.
3Extent of automation
If conventional automated collection assemblies are used, then automation is achieved, but the range of motion is limited and precise vehicle positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The collection assembly features a dynamically extendable arm that can reach receptacles at various distances from the vehicle. The arm's telescoping capability allows it to adapt its length based on the position of the receptacle, enabling the system to collect from multiple locations without requiring precise vehicle positioning and significantly increasing its range of motion and versatility.
4Extent of automation
If conventional automated collection assemblies are used, then automation is achieved, but the system is inflexible regarding receptacle positioning and types
Solution Approach 1:
The collection assembly is designed with universal compatibility to handle multiple types of receptacles including cans, carts, and containers positioned at various locations (curbside, street side, forward positions). The system's extendable arm and adaptable engagement mechanism allow it to service different receptacle types and positions, making the vehicle versatile for various collection scenarios without requiring operator intervention or precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse collection assembly for a refuse collection vehicle mounts to a intermediate container on the refuse collection vehicle. The refuse receptacle collection assembly can grasp a refuse receptacle at curbside, at street side, or forward of the intermediate container in any location over a one hundred eighty degree arc. The collection assembly grasps the receptacle and locates it above the intermediate container and tilts it sufficiently to empty the contents of the receptacle in the intermediate container. The collection assembly then returns the receptacle upright to its previous location or to any location to the right, left or forward of the refuse collection assembly. The refuse receptacle collection assembly includes a rail extending along a wall of the intermediate container, a carriage selectively movable along the rail, and a receptacle engaging assembly supported by the carriage for grasping the refuse receptacle.