Spring-Loaded Cradle for Refuse Vehicle Side Loading Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crades for side loading arms in refuse vehicles deform over time due to repeated use and exposure to forces during over road travel, losing their ability to effectively support the arm.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded cradle with a biasing member that allows pivotal movement between two positions, securing the side loading arm during bumpy conditions and returning to its original position after forces are removed, ensuring long-term support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid interference fit connection is used between the rack and side loading arm, then the arm is securely held during normal operation, but the rack deforms over time due to repeated forces during over road travel
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is transformed from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can move pivotally relative to the frame. The biasing member enables the rack to dynamically adjust its position, absorbing shocks and forces during over road travel while maintaining secure support for the side loading arm during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member (spring) is pre-installed between the rack and frame to provide beforehand cushioning. This spring mechanism is designed to absorb and mitigate forces applied to the rack during over road travel before these forces can cause deformation or damage to the rack structure
2Strength
If the rack is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then structural integrity is improved, but the rack cannot accommodate movement during bumpy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system incorporates pivotal movement capability through the biasing member, allowing the rack to adapt its position in response to bumpy conditions and external forces while maintaining structural integrity through the spring-loaded mechanism
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 cradle effectively absorbs forces during over road travel, minimizing shock and maintaining support for the side loading arm, capable of supporting approximately 400 to 600 lbf, thereby extending the rack's service life.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member includes a pin passing through the rack and frame and a spring connected between the pin and the rack. The biasing member returns the rack to the first position after movement into the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
A support rack for a side loading arm of a refuse vehicle has a frame to secure with the refuse vehicle. A rack is pivotally coupled with the frame. A biasing member is coupled between the rack and frame. The biasing member enables pivotal movement of the rack between a first and second position. The biasing member returns the rack to the first position after movement into the second position.