Vertically Oriented Compaction Ram for Refuse Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse collection vehicles face challenges in compacting cardboard due to the protrusion of compaction rams into upper compartments, which impedes refuse discharge and increases complexity and costs, with inconsistent compaction force in alternative solutions.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented compaction ram housed in a lower compartment that can protrude into the upper compartment during filling and retract during discharge, using a flange lock and sliding mechanism to avoid obstruction and ensure even pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a compaction ram is positioned centrally above the lower compartment to provide even compaction force, then compaction effectiveness is improved, but the ram protrudes into the upper compartment and obstructs refuse discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The compaction ram is made movable between a raised position (protruding into the upper compartment during filling) and a lowered position (retracted into the lower compartment during discharge). This dynamic repositioning allows the same structure to serve both compaction and discharge functions without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the compaction ram vertically along the z-axis (up and down movement) to resolve the spatial conflict. By changing the position dimension, the ram can be raised to allow discharge operations and lowered to perform compaction, eliminating the obstruction problem while maintaining compaction effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If a pair of rams are used to provide even downward pressure on the compaction plate, then compaction uniformity is improved, but device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single compaction ram is positioned asymmetrically at the center of the compaction plate, with the plate extending beyond the ram on all sides. This asymmetric configuration allows one ram to distribute force evenly across the entire plate surface, achieving uniform compaction without requiring multiple rams.
Solution Approach 2:
The single centrally positioned compaction ram serves multiple functions: it provides even downward pressure on the compaction plate, can be raised to allow refuse discharge, and maintains compaction force distribution. This multi-functional design simplifies the mechanism while maintaining compaction effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If the compaction ram is lowered to clear the upper compartment for discharge, then refuse discharge is improved, but compaction force is lost during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The compaction ram is lowered in advance before the vehicle begins transit, and a locking mechanism is engaged to hold it in the lowered position. This preliminary action ensures the upper compartment is cleared for discharge while preventing accidental movement during transit, maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the compaction ram and the vehicle frame, holding the ram in the lowered position during transit. This intermediary component allows the ram to be positioned for discharge while preventing unintended movement, ensuring both discharge capability and compaction maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards a refuse collection vehicle (200) comprising at least an upper refuse compartment (120) situated above a lower refuse compartment (201). The lower refuse compartment (201) partially houses a ram compaction assembly (216) such that a portion (220) of the ram compaction assembly (216) protrudes into the upper refuse compartment (120) when the ram compaction assembly (216) is in normal use. The ram compaction assembly (216) is moveable so as to no longer protrude into the upper refuse compartment (120) when so desired; this may be as it is desired to discharge refuse from the upper refuse compartment (120). The ram compaction assembly (216) comprises a substantially vertically orientated ram (220).