Side Loader Lateral Positioning for Bin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side loader systems for emptying bins into refuse trucks often cause damage to bins, surrounding areas, and the loading system due to improper alignment and displacement during the picking-up process.
Innovation Solution
A side loader system with a lateral positioning system that accurately aligns the lifting mechanism relative to the bin using hydraulic and/or electrical cylinders, combined with sensors for precise positioning and contact detection, to prevent displacement and ensure safe engagement and emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lifting arms are activated to pick up the bin without precise positioning, then the picking-up process can proceed, but the bin may be displaced, causing damage to the bin, surrounding areas, and the loading system
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral positioning system performs preliminary positioning of the lifting mechanism relative to the bin before the picking-up operation begins. The system detects the bin's position and adjusts the lifting mechanism's lateral position to ensure proper alignment, preventing displacement and damage during subsequent lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the bin's position and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the lateral positioning system automatically adjusts the lifting mechanism's position to maintain proper alignment, preventing damage while enabling efficient operation.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is not positioned exactly at the desired position relative to the bin, then the vehicle can approach the bin, but proper picking-up cannot be achieved without forcing the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral positioning system dynamically adjusts the lifting mechanism's position during the approach and picking-up phases. The system can compensate for initial positioning errors by actively moving the lifting mechanism laterally to achieve proper alignment, ensuring reliable operation regardless of initial vehicle positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the lateral position parameter of the lifting mechanism based on detected bin position and desired alignment requirements. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the system to adapt to various initial positioning conditions and achieve reliable picking-up operations.
3Productivity
If the lifting mechanism is forced to pick up the bin with incorrect alignment, then the picking-up operation can proceed, but damage is caused to the bin, loading system, and surrounding areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment verification before initiating the picking-up operation. The lateral positioning system ensures proper alignment between the lifting mechanism and bin, preventing forced operations that could cause structural damage while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary counter-actions to prevent misalignment and forced operations. By detecting potential alignment issues before they cause damage and actively correcting the lateral position, the system prevents harmful forces from developing during the picking-up operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a side loader system (4) for lifting and emptying a bin (42), a refuse truck (2) provided therewith and method therefor. The side loader system according to the invention comprises: - a loading frame attachable with coupling means to the collector; - a lifting mechanism (18, 20, 22) arranged on the frame and configured to pick up, lift and empty the bin; and - a lifting drive system (21, 28, 30, 32) operatively connected to the lifting mechanism and configured to drive the lifting mechanism, wherein the loading system is provided with a lateral positioning system (24) configured to position the lifting mechanism in lateral direction relative to the bin.