Side Loading Mechanism for Refuse Containers with Trunnion Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing waste collection systems require different specialized vehicles for front end loader, side loader, and rear end loader containers, leading to a large inventory of vehicles and containers, making them expensive and inconvenient to maintain and modify for different collection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An automated side loading mechanism for refuse collection trucks that can lift and empty rear end loading containers with trunnion bars, allowing the same truck to collect both side loading and rear end loading containers using a removable adapter and hydraulic lift mechanism, enabling flexible routing and reduced inventory needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If different specialized vehicles are used for front end loader, side loader, and rear end loading containers, then each container type can be collected efficiently, but the inventory of vehicles and containers increases, making them expensive and inconvenient to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle routing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single side loading collection vehicle that can handle multiple container types (side loading containers with hooks and rear end loading containers with trunnions) through a convertible lifting mechanism. The adapter assembly allows the vehicle to switch between different container configurations, eliminating the need for separate specialized vehicles for each container type while maintaining collection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the collection vehicle is designed for specialized container types, then the collection mechanism can be optimized for specific container geometries, but the device complexity increases with multiple specialized vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection mechanism optimizationVSAvoidvehicle inventory variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lifting mechanism into modular components: a base lifting mechanism and a removable adapter assembly. The adapter assembly can be detached and reconfigured to match different container types, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity through modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the lifting mechanism convertible and adaptable rather than fixed. The mechanism can dynamically reconfigure between handling side loading containers (with hooked plate configuration) and rear end loading containers (with trunnion support), allowing a single vehicle to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing inventory variety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If modification of containers is done to fit other specialized collection vehicles, then route flexibility can be improved, but the modification cost and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroute flexibilityVSAvoidmodification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying containers to fit specialized vehicles, the patent inverts the approach by modifying the vehicle's lifting mechanism to accommodate different container types. The adapter assembly is attached to the vehicle rather than modifying the container, reversing who adapts to whom and significantly reducing modification costs and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables a single refuse collection truck to efficiently unload both side loading and rear end loading containers without operator handling, improving route flexibility and reducing the need for multiple vehicle and container types, thus lowering operational costs and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic lift mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS9102468B2Mechanism to empty trunnion equipped refuse container into side loading collection body

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 KANN MFG CORP

AI summary

An automated side loading mechanism for a refuse collection body capable of lifting and emptying a refuse container equipped with a trunnion bar. A carriage reaches out from the side of the collection body and includes a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes pockets to receive opposing ends of the trunnion bar on the refuse container. Lock arms pivot downward so that bar members on the lock arms overlie top edges of the refuse container. The carriage is retracted and the lift mechanism is raised on the carriage so that the refuse container can be upended over the load opening of the collection body. The bars on the lock arms angle upwardly to allow plastic lids hinged to the refuse container to swing past the bars when the container is upended, while restraining the container from falling into the collection body.