Scissors-Type Lifter for Refuse Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse container lifter systems experience jerky movement due to uneven extension rates of hydraulic pistons, leading to inefficiencies and potential cart knockovers during curb-side collection, as they struggle to control the initial speed of scissors mechanisms effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lifter assembly with a scissors-type extension assembly utilizing a rotary actuator and scissor arms, along with a cart grabber system, allows for controlled movement between retracted and extended positions, ensuring smooth operation and secure engagement with curbside carts, featuring a slidable mounting block and low-friction slide blocks for reduced friction and improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hydraulic piston/cylinder extends the scissors mechanism, then the cart lifter moves laterally to engage with the collection cart, but the initial extension rate is higher than subsequent rates causing jumpy movement that can knock over carts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the extension rate of the hydraulic piston variable rather than constant. The piston is designed to extend faster when the scissors mechanism is retracted (to quickly deploy the cart lifter) and slower when extended (to provide smooth, controlled movement during cart engagement). This dynamic adjustment of speed resolves the contradiction between needing high initial extension rate for efficiency and low extension rate for smooth operation.
2Productivity
If the hydraulic piston extends quickly to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but the jumpy movement degrades system operation and can knock over collection carts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the extension movement into distinct phases with different speeds. The first phase (initial extension) occurs at a higher rate to quickly deploy the cart lifter and improve productivity. The second phase (subsequent extension) occurs at a lower rate to ensure smooth, controlled movement that maintains reliability. This periodic variation in action speed allows the system to achieve both high productivity and stable operation.
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 solution provides a smoother and more controlled operation of the lifter assembly, preventing cart knockovers and enhancing efficiency by maintaining the scissors mechanism securely in the retracted position, reducing hydraulic fluid flow rates, and minimizing wear and tear, while ensuring reliable engagement and dumping of refuse containers.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a slidable mounting block and low-friction slide blocks for reduced friction and improved stability
Data Source
AI summary
A cart lifter assembly is provided that is adapted to be mounted to an intermediate refuse collection container that includes a scissors-type extension assembly for moving the lifter between a first/retracted and a second/extended position. The scissors extension assembly further comprises an elongated channel member configured to be secured to the wall of the intermediate container; a mounting block slidably received in the elongated channel member; first second, third and fourth scissor arms; and a bracket configured to be fixedly mounted to the wall of the intermediate container in spaced relationship to the elongated channel member. A rotary actuator is secured to the bracket and has a rotatable shaft extending from opposite ends thereof, for moving the lifter relative to the intermediate container between the first/retracted position and the second/extended position, with one end of the second scissor arm being removably secured to the rotatable shaft.