Stationary Waste Compactor with Offset Multi-Cylinder Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stationary waste compactor units for mobile interchangeable containers face inefficiencies due to the axial length required for the drive mechanism, leading to space constraints and tilting issues, which reduce the usable volume and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A stationary waste compactor unit with two multi-cylinder units arranged outside the plunger's surface area, featuring a 90° offset of bearing axes and sliding guides to prevent tilting and ensure even operation, reducing the axial length and allowing complete shielding of the drive from the waste feed area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If hydraulic cylinders are arranged in a conventional configuration to provide sufficient pressing force, then the pressing capability is ensured, but the axial length of the compactor unit increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing forceVSAvoidaxial length
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement of hydraulic cylinders to a multi-dimensional configuration where cylinders are positioned at angles (specifically 90° offset bearing axes). This spatial reorganization allows the pressing force to be generated through vector components rather than requiring a long axial stroke, thereby reducing the overall axial length while maintaining sufficient pressing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing function is divided into multiple hydraulic cylinders with different orientations rather than relying on a single long-stroke cylinder. Each cylinder contributes a component of force, and their combined effect achieves the required total pressing force with shorter individual stroke lengths, reducing the axial footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single hydraulic cylinder is used to reduce device complexity, then the structure is simplified, but the pressing plate tilts during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecylinder arrangementVSAvoidpressing plate stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement of hydraulic cylinders with bearing axes offset by 90° relative to each other. This asymmetric configuration is deliberately designed to create balanced force vectors that prevent tilting of the pressing plate, achieving stability without requiring a symmetric multi-cylinder setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-cylinder arrangement with offset bearing axes creates counterbalancing force components that compensate for potential tilting moments. The geometric configuration ensures that forces are distributed to maintain pressing plate stability, effectively counteracting imbalance without additional stabilizing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of repair

If the drive mechanism is positioned centrally to improve accessibility, then maintenance is easier, but the usable loading volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive accessibilityVSAvoidusable loading volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the hydraulic cylinders from the central loading area and positions them in peripheral locations with offset bearing axes. This extraction removes the drive mechanism from the space that would otherwise be available for waste loading, thereby maximizing the usable loading volume while the cylinders remain accessible for maintenance through their positioned arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If guide devices extend into the interchangeable container to ensure proper alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the container volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcontainer volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces bearing brackets as intermediary elements that provide precise alignment and support for the hydraulic cylinders without requiring guide devices to extend into the container. These bearing brackets serve as mediators between the drive mechanism and the pressing plate, ensuring proper positioning while keeping the container interior fully available for waste loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration halves the axial length of the compactor unit, prevents tilting, and maintains the functionality of the two-part folding plunger, enhancing operational efficiency and space utilization while protecting the drive mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

two multi-cylinder units (110, 110') with two hydraulic cylinders (111, 112) each, which are firmly connected to one another and whose piston rods (111.2, 112.2) extend in opposite directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The bearing bracket (120) is guided in a slot recess (104) in the side wall (103) of the feed hopper (102) and/or in a guide rail (150)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3415305B1Stationary waste compression unit for connection with a mobile interchangeable container
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 HEINZ BERGMANN
  • EP3415305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3415305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3415305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Stationary waste compaction unit (100) for connection with a mobile swap body container (200), comprising at least: - a base frame (109) with a base (101); - a feed hopper (102) having at least a rear wall (105) and side walls (103), wherein the base (101) and the feed hopper (102) form a waste feed chamber; - a press plate (130) which is displaceable over the ground (101) by means of at least one multi-cylinder unit (110), wherein the multi-cylinder unit (110) comprises at least two hydraulic cylinders (111, 112) connected to each other at their cylinder housings (111, 112), wherein one hydraulic cylinder (112) is supported by its piston rod (112.2) on the press plate (130) and the other hydraulic cylinder (111) is supported by its piston rod (111.2) on the base frame (109, 107).Two multi-cylinder units (110) are provided: - which are each arranged close to the side walls (103) of the feed hopper (102) and laterally outside the working area swept by the press plate (130); - and which are provided with sliding and/or guiding means (103, 104) which are each guided on at least one sliding and/or guide rail (150, 151, 152) fixedly attached to the waste compaction unit (100) and which extends parallel to the feed direction of the press plate (130).