Side Loading Dumpster Handling Arms with 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side loading waste collection vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting dumpster types and positioning grasping bolts, leading to potential damage from improper handling and incorrect repositioning of dumpsters after unloading.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a 3D scanning device with a laser sensor, servomotor, and central control unit, along with hydraulic cylinders and rotating arms, allows for precise detection and adaptation to different dumpster types and positions, ensuring accurate grasping and repositioning without dragging, while also detecting obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed parallel arms are used for dumpster handling, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different dumpster types and positions, causing damage from improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the collection arms adjustable in position and orientation. The arms can be independently positioned along the crossbeam and rotated to different angles, allowing the system to adapt to various dumpster types and positions rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the arm positioning into independent adjustable components. Each arm can be positioned and oriented separately, with individual adjustment mechanisms that allow precise positioning to match different dumpster configurations, rather than treating the entire arm structure as a single fixed unit.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning is used by the driver, then the operation is simple, but the alignment is imprecise causing dumpster dragging and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning by the driver with an automated detection and positioning system. Sensors and control systems automatically detect dumpster position and type, then calculate and execute the precise arm positioning required, substituting human judgment and manual adjustment with automated measurement and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation or model of the dumpster's position and characteristics through sensing, then uses this information to calculate the optimal arm configuration. This copying of physical dumpster attributes into digital data enables precise positioning without requiring manual measurement or estimation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is not perfectly centred with the dumpster, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the fixed arms cannot adapt, causing incorrect grasping and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of arm positions and orientations to compensate for vehicle misalignment. The arms can be independently positioned and rotated to match the actual dumpster location, allowing the system to handle cases where the vehicle is not perfectly centred with the dumpster.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by using sensors to detect the actual dumpster position and type, then using this information to adjust arm positioning accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to real-world variations in vehicle-to-dumpster alignment rather than requiring perfect initial positioning.
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 system enables precise handling and repositioning of dumpsters, reducing damage and operator effort, and enhances safety by adapting to various dumpster sizes and vehicle alignments, ensuring efficient and accurate operation.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D scanning means, based on a laser sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
System for the handling of dumpsters in side loading vehicles, which comprises a pair of arms associated with a structure which brings them closer to the dumpster so that it can be grasped, and the structure of which, after moving closer to the side of the vehicle, lifts it again and carries the dumpster until it is tipped for unloading into the hopper of the collection vehicle. It comprises means for 3D scanning (3) of the different types of dumpsters and a control unit for processing, together with a central control unit (6) to which information is sent from the control unit associated with the 3D scanning means, in order to determine each type of dumpster and the positioning of the grasping bolts (8), sending the corresponding orders to devices for bringing the dumpsters closer, which include means for rotation and regulation of the pair of arms (9) for holding the dumpsters, to lifting means (2), and to means for anchoring the bolts on the dumpsters and opening the lid of the dumpsters.