Shared-Motor Hydraulic Pump Layout for Electric Refuse Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric refuse vehicles face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for dedicated motors for each hydraulic pump, which also complicates maintenance and power management.
Innovation Solution
A refuse vehicle design that utilizes a single electric motor to drive multiple hydraulic pumps, with a disconnect system allowing for independent operation of hydraulic circuits and power conservation, enabling efficient hydraulic power distribution to systems like lift systems, compactors, and power steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated motors are used for each hydraulic pump, then each hydraulic system can operate independently and reliably, but the vehicle weight increases, manufacturing costs increase, and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic pumps onto a single common motor shaft, allowing one motor to drive multiple pumps simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the total number of motors from three (one per pump) to one shared motor, thereby reducing vehicle weight, lowering manufacturing costs, and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining hydraulic system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single common motor is designed to serve multiple functions by driving different hydraulic pumps for different systems (lift system, compactor, power steering). This universal motor performs the work of multiple dedicated motors, reducing the total component count and vehicle weight while providing versatile power distribution to all hydraulic subsystems
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated motors are used for each hydraulic pump, then each system can be operated independently, but device complexity and power management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic systems into independent circuits while sharing a common power source. Each hydraulic pump maintains its own independent hydraulic circuit and control system, allowing independent operation of lift, compactor, and power steering systems. The segmentation is achieved at the hydraulic circuit level rather than at the motor level, reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant motors while preserving operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The common motor shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism that distributes mechanical power to multiple hydraulic pumps. This intermediary approach allows a single motor to control multiple independent hydraulic systems, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the ability to operate each hydraulic system independently through individual pump control valves and circuits
3Ease of repair
If multiple motors are used, then maintenance of individual systems is simpler, but manufacturing costs and vehicle weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple hydraulic pumps onto a single motor shaft, the patent reduces the total number of motors from three to one, significantly lowering manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. The simplified architecture with fewer components reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing expenses while maintaining ease of maintenance through independent hydraulic circuit design
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs, vehicle weight, and improves efficiency by using a single inverter and allows for flexible power management and maintenance, ensuring reliable operation of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, an energy storage device supported by the chassis and configured to provide electrical power to a prime mover, wherein activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle, a body for storing refuse therein supported by the chassis, a first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, a second first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, and a motor coupled to at least one of the body or the chassis and configured to drive the first hydraulic pump and drive the second hydraulic pump.