Side-Loading Arm for Rear Loading Refuse Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refuse vehicles require manual operation to collect and empty refuse containers, which is inefficient and often necessitates a second operator to manage the rear end of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A refuse vehicle equipped with a lift system featuring a side-loading arm and actuation mechanism that can engage and empty refuse containers automatically, using sensors and a controller to align and operate the arm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation is used to collect and empty refuse containers, then operational simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates and additional operators are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refuse collection system performs functions that would otherwise require manual operation by a second operator. The side-loading arm automatically engages, lifts, and empties refuse containers into the vehicle body, enabling the system to serve itself without additional human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuation mechanism. The side-loading arm is controlled by an actuation system that automatically positions and operates the arm to engage and empty containers, substituting human labor with mechanical automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a second operator is assigned to manage the rear end of the vehicle, then operational reliability is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The automated side-loading arm system performs the refuse collection function that would otherwise require a second operator, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional personnel while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated actuation mechanism is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side-loading arm serves multiple functions: it positions itself to engage the container, grasps the container, lifts the container, and empties the container contents into the vehicle body. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single automated mechanism, improving efficiency while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the control system and the side-loading arm, translating control signals into precise mechanical movements for engagement, lifting, and emptying operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250187821A1Side loading arm for a rear loading refuse vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly, a tailgate assembly, and a lift system. The body assembly is coupled to the chassis and defines a primary refuse compartment. The tailgate assembly is rotatably coupled to the body assembly at a rear end of the refuse vehicle. The lift system is coupled to the tailgate assembly and includes a side-loading arm and an actuation mechanism. The side-loading arm is configured to engage a refuse container and move between a plurality of positions laterally away from the tailgate assembly. The actuation mechanism is configured to control movement of the side-loading arm.