Waste Collection Compactor Linkage for Larger Loading Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection vehicles face limitations in maximizing loading space, featuring high loading edges, wide overhangs, and protruding levers due to inefficient compaction mechanisms, which also increase the risk of material jamming.
Innovation Solution
The pressing element is guided and mounted at two points, one rotatably on a disc and the other along a side wall track, reducing bending forces and allowing for a larger, horizontally compressed loading area with smoother walls, using an electric motor for efficient compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the compaction element is positioned as an extension of the connecting rod with a free end, then the compaction mechanism can be implemented, but very high bending forces occur and the waste container must be relatively small
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is segmented into two parts: a first end that is rotatably mounted on the disc and a second end that is guided along the side wall track. This segmentation allows the pressing element to be supported at multiple points, distributing the bending forces and enabling a larger waste container volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element is extended in the vertical dimension to span from near the top to near the bottom of the waste container. This vertical extension allows the pressing element to apply compaction force across a larger area, reducing bending forces while maximizing container volume.
2Productivity
If the compaction element is arranged with high loading edge and wide overhang, then the pressing mechanism can function, but the loading space is reduced and the design is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is designed as a dynamic component that moves through a controlled path defined by the disc rotation and side wall track guidance. This dynamic arrangement allows the pressing element to maintain a compact profile during operation while maximizing loading space, eliminating the need for wide static overhangs.
3Strength
If the pressing element is guided at two points on both sides, then bending forces are reduced and loading space is increased, but the guiding mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall track serves as an intermediary guiding mechanism that simplifies the complexity of the two-point guidance system. The track provides a predefined path for the second end of the pressing element, reducing the need for complex mechanical guides while maintaining effective bending force reduction.
4Productivity
If the pressing element is tall and curved to compress waste over a large area, then compression efficiency is improved, but the risk of material jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall track is designed with a specific profile that provides localized guidance at critical points along the pressing element's path. This localized quality control prevents material jamming in specific areas while maintaining the tall, curved shape of the pressing element for efficient compression over a large area.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A collection vehicle, in particular a waste collection vehicle, comprises an electric power source, a collection container (7), a loading mechanism, a compaction element (1), and an electric motor that drives the compaction element (1). According to the invention, the compaction element (1) is guided and mounted at two points (2, 3) on both sides, these points (2, 3) being preferably located a maximum of 20%, more preferably a maximum of 10% of the height of the compaction element (1) from its upper and lower edges, respectively. This enables high compaction forces. Preferably, one of the two points (2) is rotatably mounted on a disk (4) driven by the electric motor, and the other point (3) is guided along a track on a side wall (5) or rotatably connected to a rod (10) rotatably attached to the collection vehicle at a pivot point (11). The height of the compaction element (1) should be at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of the maximum height of the collection container (7) of the collection vehicle.