Patent Publication Number: US-2023145238-A1

Title: Vin based diagnostic and fleet management analysis

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/276,900, filed on Nov. 8, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Refuse vehicles collect a wide variety of waste, trash, and other material from residences and businesses. Operators of refuse vehicles transport the material from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). 
     SUMMARY 
     One exemplary embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis having a frame and a first sensor, the chassis coupled with a plurality of wheels. The refuse vehicle includes a body assembly for storing refuse, the body assembly having a second sensor and supported by the chassis. The refuse vehicle includes a control system having one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The control system comprises a body system, a chassis system, and a telematics system, where the body system is communicably coupled with the body assembly, the chassis system is communicably coupled with the chassis, and the telematics system is communicably coupled with the body system and the chassis system. The telematics system is configured to communicate, to the body system, a first request for a first vehicle identifier, and receive, from the body system, the first vehicle identifier. The telematics system is also configured to determine, based on the first vehicle identifier, a vehicle configuration, and communicate, based on the vehicle configuration and to at least one of the body system and the chassis system, a second request for additional vehicle information. The telematics system is also configured to receive, from at least one of the body system and the chassis system, the additional vehicle information, and perform, based on the additional vehicle information, a vehicle analysis, wherein the vehicle analysis includes a first characteristic of a first component of the vehicle. 
     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method. The method includes communicating, via a telematics system and to a body system, a first request for a first vehicle identifier, and receiving, by the telematics system and from the body system, the first vehicle identifier. The method also includes determining, by the telematics system and based on the first vehicle identifier, a vehicle configuration, and communicating, via the telematics system and based on the vehicle configuration, a second request for additional vehicle information to at least one of the body system and a chassis system. The method also includes receiving, by the telematics system and from at least one of the body system and the chassis system, the additional vehicle information, and performing, by the telematics system and based on the additional vehicle information, a vehicle analysis, wherein the vehicle analysis includes a first characteristic of a first component of a vehicle. 
     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a vehicle system. The vehicle system includes a network, and a control system having one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The control system includes a body system, a chassis system, and a telematics system, where the body system is communicably coupled with a body assembly, the chassis system is communicably coupled with a chassis, and the telematics system is communicably coupled with the body system and the chassis system. The telematics system is configured to communicate, to the body system, a first request for a first vehicle identifier, and receive, from the body system, the first vehicle identifier. The telematics system is configured to determine, based on the first vehicle identifier, a vehicle configuration, and communicate, based on the vehicle configuration and to at least one of the body system and the chassis system, a second request for additional vehicle information. The telematics system is configured to receive, from at least one of the body system and the chassis system, the additional vehicle information, and perform, based on the additional vehicle information, a vehicle analysis, wherein the vehicle analysis includes a first characteristic of a first component of the vehicle. The telematics system is also configured to communicate the first characteristic of the first component of the vehicle to the network, and communicate a control decision to the body system, wherein the control decision is based on the first characteristic of the first component of the vehicle. 
     The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be recited herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a front loading refuse vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a side loading refuse vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of a front loading refuse vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective view of a rear loading refuse vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of a rear-discharge concrete mixing truck, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic diagram of a front-discharge concrete mixing truck, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic view of a control system that can be incorporated into the vehicle of any of  FIGS.  1 - 6   , according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG.  8    is a flow diagram for a process for controlling and/or monitoring parameters of the vehicle of any of  FIGS.  1 - 6   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring to the figures generally, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to refuse vehicles having a control system with a telematics system, which is configured to send, receive, and analyze information relating to the vehicle. The control system, and more specifically the telematics system, may be configured to receive vehicle identification information, determine a vehicle configuration, receive additional information relating to the vehicle based on the determined vehicle configuration, and analyze the vehicle information in order to provide diagnostic and/or fleet management information. 
     Further, referring to the figures generally, a vehicle or machine is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. While various vehicles are described herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure similarly applies to other types of vehicles. For example, the vehicle may be a front-loading refuse truck (e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recycling truck, etc.), a side loading refuse truck, or a rear-loading refuse truck. The vehicle may be a rear-discharge concrete mixer truck or a front-discharge concrete mixer truck. The vehicle may also be a military vehicle, a delivery vehicle, a mail vehicle, a boom truck, a plow truck, a farming machine or vehicle, a construction machine or vehicle, a coach bus, a school bus, a semi-truck, a passenger or work vehicle (e.g., a sedan, a SUV, a truck, a van, etc.), and/or still another vehicle. 
     Refuse Truck 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , a vehicle, shown as refuse truck  10  (e.g., garbage truck, waste collection truck, sanitation truck, etc.), includes a chassis, shown as a frame  12 , and a body assembly, shown as body  14 , coupled to the frame  12 . The body assembly  14  defines an on-board receptacle  16  and a cab  18 . The cab  18  is coupled to a front end of the frame  12 , and includes various components to facilitate operation of the refuse truck  10  by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, etc.) as well as components that can execute commands automatically to control different subsystems within the vehicle (e.g., computers, controllers, processing units, etc.). The refuse truck  10  further includes a prime mover  20  coupled to the frame  12  at a position beneath the cab  18 . The prime mover  20  provides power to a plurality of motive members, shown as wheels  21 , and to other systems of the vehicle (e.g., a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, etc.). In one embodiment, the prime mover  20  is one or more electric motors coupled to the frame  12 . The electric motors may consume electrical power from an on-board energy storage device (e.g., one or more batteries  23 , ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine and alternator), or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines) and provide power to the systems of the refuse truck  10 . In some examples, the on-board energy storage device is a plurality of rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells. In other embodiments, the prime mover  20  is another suitable actuator configured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.) in order to provide power to the systems of the refuse truck  10 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse truck  10  is configured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the body  14  and on-board receptacle  16 , in particular, include a series of panels, shown as panels  22 , a cover  24 , and a tailgate  26 . The panels  22 , cover  24 , and tailgate  26  define a collection chamber  28  of the on-board receptacle  16 . Loose refuse is placed into the collection chamber  28 , where it may be thereafter compacted. The collection chamber  28  provides temporary storage for refuse during transport to a waste disposal site or a recycling facility, for example. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the on-board receptacle  16  and collection chamber  28  extend over or in front of the cab  18 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the on-board receptacle  16  and collection chamber  28  are each positioned behind the cab  18 . In some embodiments, the collection chamber  28  includes a hopper volume  52  and a storage volume. Refuse is initially loaded into the hopper volume  52  and thereafter compacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab  18  (i.e., refuse is loaded into a position behind the cab  18  and stored in a position further toward the rear of the refuse truck  10 ). The refuse truck  10  can be arranged as a front-loading refuse vehicle (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   ), a side-loading refuse vehicle (shown in  FIG.  2   ), or a rear-loading refuse vehicle (shown in  FIG.  4   ), for example. 
     Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   , the refuse truck  10  is a front-loading refuse vehicle. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the refuse truck  10  includes a lifting system  30  that includes a pair of arms  32  coupled to the body  14  on either side of the cab  18 . The arms  32  may be rotatably coupled to the frame  12  with a pivot (e.g., a lug, a shaft, etc.). In some embodiments, actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.) are coupled to the frame  12  and the arms  32 , and extension of the actuators rotates the arms  32  about an axis extending through the pivot. According to an exemplary embodiment, interface members, shown as forks  34 , are coupled to the arms  32 . The forks  34  have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and are configured to engage a refuse container (e.g., protrude through apertures within the refuse container, etc.). During operation of the refuse truck  10 , the forks  34  are positioned to engage the refuse container (e.g., the refuse truck  10  is driven into position until the forks  34  protrude through the apertures within the refuse container). As shown in  FIG.  1   , the arms  32  are rotated to lift the refuse container over the cab  18 . Additional actuators (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) can articulate the forks  34  to tip the refuse out of the container and into the hopper volume of the collection chamber  28  through an opening in the cover  24 . The actuators thereafter rotates the arms  32  to return the empty refuse container to the ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, a top door  36  is slid along the cover  24  to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the collection chamber  28  (e.g., due to wind, etc.). 
     Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , the refuse truck  10  is a side-loading refuse vehicle that includes a lifting system, shown as a grabber  38  that is configured to interface with (e.g., engage, wrap around, etc.) a refuse container (e.g., a residential garbage can, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , the grabber  38  is movably coupled to the body  14  with an arm  40 . The arm  40  includes a first end coupled to the body  14  and a second end coupled to the grabber  38 . An actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder  42 ) articulates the arm  40  and positions the grabber  38  to interface with the refuse container. The arm  40  may be movable within one or more directions (e.g., up and down, left and right, in and out, rotation, etc.) to facilitate positioning the grabber  38  to interface with the refuse container. According to an alternative embodiment, the grabber  38  is movably coupled to the body  14  with a track. After interfacing with the refuse container, the grabber  38  is lifted up the track (e.g., with a cable, with a hydraulic cylinder, with a rotational actuator, etc.). The track may include a curved portion at an upper portion of the body  14  so that the grabber  38  and the refuse container are tipped toward the hopper volume of the collection chamber  28 . In either embodiment, the grabber  38  and the refuse container are tipped toward the hopper volume of the collection chamber  28  (e.g., with an actuator, etc.). As the grabber  38  is tipped, refuse falls through an opening in the cover  24  and into the hopper volume of the collection chamber  28 . The arm  40  or the track then returns the empty refuse container to the ground, and the top door  36  may be slid along the cover  24  to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the collection chamber  28  (e.g., due to wind). 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the refuse truck  10  is a front loading refuse vehicle. Like the refuse truck  10  shown in  FIG.  1   , the refuse vehicle includes a lifting system  30  that includes a pair of arms  32  coupled to the body  14  on either side of the cab  18 . The arms  32  are rotatably coupled to the frame  12  with a pivot (e.g., a lug, a shaft, etc.). In some embodiments, actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.) are coupled to the frame  12  and the arms  32 , and extension of the actuators rotates the arms  32  about an axis extending through the pivot. According to an exemplary embodiment, interface members, shown as forks  34 , are coupled to the arms  32 . The forks  34  have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and are configured to engage a refuse container (e.g., protrude through apertures within the refuse container, etc.). During operation of the refuse truck  10 , the forks  34  are positioned to engage the refuse container (e.g., the refuse truck  10  is driven into position until the forks  34  protrude through the apertures within the refuse container). Additional actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, linear actuators, etc.) articulate the forks  34  to tip the refuse out of the container and into the hopper volume of the collection chamber  28  through an opening in the cover  24 . The actuators thereafter rotate the arms  32  to return the empty refuse container to the ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, a top door  36  is slid along the cover  24  to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the collection chamber  28  (e.g., due to wind, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  4   , the refuse truck  10  includes one or more energy storage devices, shown as batteries  23 . The batteries  23  can be rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, for example. The batteries  23  are configured to supply electrical power to the prime mover  20 , which includes one or more electric motors. The electric motors are coupled to the wheels  21  through a vehicle transmission, such that rotation of the electric motor (e.g., rotation of a drive shaft of the prime mover  20 ) rotates a transmission shaft, which in turn rotates the wheels  21  of the vehicle. The batteries  23  can supply electrical power to additional subsystems on the refuse truck  10 , including additional electric motors, cab controls (e.g., climate controls, steering, lights, etc.), the lifting system  30 , the compactor  50 , and/or auxiliary systems  60 , for example. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the refuse truck  10  can be a rear-loading refuse vehicle. Like the refuse truck  10  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the refuse truck  10  includes a frame  12  that supports a body assembly that includes an on-board receptacle  16  and a cab  18 . A tailgate  26  is movably positioned at a rear of the on-board receptacle  16  and defines a pathway into the collection chamber  28 . In some examples, a refuse can tipper assembly  70  is positioned along the tailgate  26  to help invert refuse cans relative to the ground below so that refuse can be transferred from refuse cans into the tailgate  26 . A packer  62  can pull refuse within the tailgate  26  upwardly and inwardly (e.g., forwardly) toward the collection chamber  28  for compaction. 
     In some embodiments, the refuse truck  10  is a hybrid refuse vehicle or an all-electric refuse vehicle, for example, with an electric frame or chassis  12 . In hybrid refuse vehicles, the refuse truck can include both electric and hydraulic power systems. The frame  12  supports a primary battery  23  that is configured to supply electrical power to each of the prime mover  20 , shown as an electric motor, and the various systems on the body assembly  14  of the refuse truck  10 . A power distribution unit (PDU)  25  is in communication with the battery  23  and is configured to selectively monitor and supply electrical power from the battery  23  to each of the body assembly  14  and the prime mover  20 . The PDU  25  can be a controller, processor, central processing unit (CPU), or other type of programmable or non-programmable device that monitors the battery  23  and the systems on the body assembly  14  and frame  12  that request electrical power from the battery  23 . The PDU  25  is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the battery  23  to accommodate the power requests of the various systems on the frame  12  and body assembly  14  of the refuse truck  10 . The PDU  25  monitors the battery  23  and controls contactors within the battery  23  to direct electrical power to the various systems within the refuse truck  10 . In some examples, the PDU  25  prioritizes electrical power delivery through the refuse truck  10 . The PDU  25  can ensure that critical functions (e.g., the prime mover  20 , etc.) receive electrical power before auxiliary systems, like an E-PTO system, climate control systems, or radio, for example. 
     The PDU  25  can control the supply electrical power from the battery  23  to the body assembly  14 . In some examples, a disconnect is positioned between the PDU  25  and the body assembly  14  to selectively disable electrical power transmission from the battery  23  to the body assembly  14 . The disconnect provides selective electrical communication between the batteries  23  and the body assembly  14  that can allow the secondary vehicle systems (e.g., the lift system, compactor, etc.) to be decoupled and de-energized from the electrical power source. The disconnect can create an open circuit between the batteries  23  and the body assembly  14 , such that no electricity is supplied from the batteries  23  to the various systems on the refuse truck  10 . The refuse truck  10  can then be operated in a lower power consumption mode, given the reduced electrical load required from the batteries  23  to operate the refuse truck  10 . The disconnect further enables the refuse truck  10  to conserve energy when the vehicle subsystems are not needed, and can also be used to lock out the various vehicle subsystems to perform maintenance activities. The disconnect further allows an all-electric vehicle chassis to be retrofit with hydraulic power systems, which can be advantageous for a variety of reasons, as hydraulic power systems may be more responsive and durable than fully electric systems. 
     Concrete Mixing Truck 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 6   , a vehicle, shown as concrete mixing truck  200  includes a drum assembly, shown as a mixing drum  210 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the concrete mixing truck  200  is configured as a rear-discharge concrete mixing truck. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , the concrete mixing truck  200  is configured as a front-discharge concrete mixing truck. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the concrete mixing truck  200  includes a chassis, shown as the frame  12 , and a cabin, shown as the cab  18 , coupled to the frame  12  (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). The mixing drum  210  is coupled to the frame  12  and disposed behind the cab  18  (e.g., at a rear end thereof, etc.), according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   . In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , at least a portion of the mixing drum  210  extends beyond the front of the cab  18 . The cab  18  may include various components to facilitate operation of the concrete mixing truck  200  by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, a control panel, a control device, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.). 
     The concrete mixing truck  200  also includes a prime mover or primary driver, shown as prime mover  20 . The prime mover  20  provides power to a plurality of motive members, shown as wheels  21 , and to other systems of the vehicle. The prime mover  20  may be coupled to the frame  12  at a position beneath the cab  18 . The prime mover  20  may be configured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to various exemplary embodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, the prime mover  20  additionally or alternatively includes one or more electric motors coupled to the frame  12  (e.g., a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electrical power from an on-board storage device (e.g., batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.), and/or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.) and provide power to systems of the concrete mixing truck  200 . 
     The concrete mixing truck  200  may also include a transmission that is coupled to the prime mover  20 . The prime mover  20  produces mechanical power (e.g., via electrical power from an on-board energy storage device, due to a combustion reaction, etc.) that may flow into the transmission. The concrete mixing truck  200  may include a vehicle drive system that is coupled to the prime mover  20  (e.g., through the transmission). The vehicle drive system may include drive shafts, differentials, and other components coupling the transmission with a ground surface to move the concrete mixing truck  200 . The concrete mixing truck  200  may also include a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheels  21  that engage a ground surface to move the concrete mixing truck  200 . In one embodiment, at least a portion of the mechanical power produced by the prime mover  20  flows through the transmission and into the vehicle drive system to power at least some of the wheels  21  (e.g., front wheels, rear wheels, etc.). In one embodiment, energy (e.g., electrical energy, mechanical energy, etc.) flows along a power path defined from the prime mover  20 , through the transmission, and to the vehicle drive system. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the mixing drum  210  includes a mixing element (e.g., fins, etc.), shown as a mixing element  212 , positioned within the interior (e.g., an internal volume) of the mixing drum  210 . The mixing element  212  may be configured to mix the contents of mixture within the mixing drum  210  when the mixing drum  210  is rotated (e.g., by a drum drive system) in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise, clockwise, etc.) and drive the mixture within the mixing drum  210  out of the mixing drum  210  (e.g., through a chute, etc.) when the mixing drum  210  is rotated (e.g., by a drum drive system including a drum driver  214 ) in an opposing second direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.). The concrete mixing truck  200  also includes an inlet (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as charge hopper  220 , a connecting structure, shown as discharge hopper  222 , and an outlet, shown as chute  224 . The charge hopper  220  is fluidly coupled with the mixing drum  210 , which is fluidly coupled with the discharge hopper  222 , which is fluidly coupled with the chute  224 . In this way, wet concrete may flow into the mixing drum  210  from the charge hopper  220  and may flow out of the mixing drum  210  into the discharge hopper  222  and then into the chute  224  to be dispensed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing drum  210  is configured to receive a mixture, such as a concrete mixture (e.g., cementitious material, aggregate, sand, rocks, etc.), through the charge hopper  220 . 
     The drum driver  214  is configured to provide mechanical energy (e.g., in a form of an output torque) to rotate the mixing drum  210 . The drum driver  214  may be a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, a power take off shaft coupled to the prime mover  20 , or another type of driver. The drum driver  214  is coupled to the mixing drum  210  by a shaft, shown as drive shaft  230 . The drive shaft  230  is configured to transfer the output torque to the mixing drum  210 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the mixing drum  210  may be coupled to supports (e.g., pedestals, etc.), shown as pedestal  240  and pedestal  242 . The pedestal  240  and the pedestal  242  may be coupled to the frame  12  of the concrete mixing truck  200 . The pedestal  240  and the pedestal  242  may function to cooperatively couple (e.g., attach, secure, etc.) the mixing drum  210  to the frame  12  and facilitate rotation of the mixing drum  210  relative to the frame  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the mixing drum  210  is configured as a stand-alone mixing drum that is not coupled (e.g., fixed, attached, etc.) to a vehicle. In such an embodiment, the mixing drum  210  may be mounted to a stand-alone frame. The stand-alone frame may be a chassis including wheels that assist with the positioning of the stand-alone mixing drum on a worksite. Such a stand-alone mixing drum may also be detachably coupled to and/or capable of being loaded onto a vehicle such that the stand-alone mixing drum may be transported by the vehicle. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the mixing drum  210  defines a central, longitudinal axis  250 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing drum  210  is selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis  250  (e.g., by the drum driver  214 ). The longitudinal axis  250  may be angled relative to the frame (e.g., the frame  12  of the concrete mixing truck  200 ) such that the longitudinal axis  250  intersects with the frame  12 . For example, the longitudinal axis  250  may be elevated from the frame  12  at an angle in the range of five degrees to twenty degrees. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axis  250  may be elevated by less than five degrees (e.g., four degrees, three degrees, etc.) or greater than twenty degrees (e.g., twenty-five degrees, thirty degrees, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the concrete mixing truck  200  includes an actuator positioned to facilitate selectively adjusting the longitudinal axis  250  to a desired or target angle (e.g., manually in response to an operator input/command, automatically according to a control scheme, etc.). 
     Control System 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , a vehicle (e.g., the refuse truck  10 , the concrete mixing truck  200 , etc.) may include a control system  700 , which may include a controller  710  that communicates with a telematics system  720 , a body system  740 , and/or a chassis system  760 . Although the control system  700  is described herein as being incorporated with the refuse truck  10 , it should be understood that in other embodiments the control system  700  is incorporated with other vehicles (e.g., the concrete mixing truck  200 , etc.) and/or includes additional, fewer, and/or different working components. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system  700  is configured to receive and/or send a variety of different vehicle parameters and/or information relating to the refuse truck  10 , in order to execute different vehicle functions (e.g., vehicle diagnostics, configurations, control functions, system updates, fleet management, etc.). For example, the controller  710  may be configured to receive vehicle identification information (e.g., a vehicle identification number, vehicle type, etc.) from the body system  740  (e.g., via the telematics system  720 ). Based on the vehicle identification information, the controller  710  may also be configured to determine a set of additional information (e.g., configuration data) to be received relating to the refuse truck  10  (e.g., parameters, conditions, statuses, etc.). The controller  710  may then receive that additional information/data from the body system  740  and/or the chassis system  760  (e.g., via the telematics system  720 ), and perform vehicle analysis (e.g., vehicle diagnostics, fleet management, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller  710  is further configured to communicate the additional information and/or the vehicle analysis to a network  780  (e.g., the internet, a fleet management system, etc.), for example for further analysis. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the controller  710  is shown to include processing circuitry  712  having a processor  714  and memory  716 . Processor  714  can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory  716  (e.g., memory device, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described herein. Memory  716  may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory  716  may also include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. 
     The controller  710  may also be configured to communicate with, and/or control operation of, the body system  740  on the body assembly  14  and/or on the frame  12  of the refuse truck  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the body system  740  may communicate with the controller  710  via an internal communications network, such as a controller area network (CAN bus) or another vehicle electronic communications protocol. According to an exemplary embodiment, the body system  740  is configured to communicate vehicle identification information (e.g., a vehicle identification number, vehicle type, etc.) to the controller  710  (e.g., via the telematics system  720 ), which may be used to determine additional information to be received, perform vehicle analysis (e.g., diagnostics, management, etc.), and/or send additional information relating to the refuse truck  10 , as discussed below. As shown in  FIG.  7   , the body system  740  includes a PDU module  742 , a programming module  744 , a display module  746 , a joystick module  748 , a keypad module  750 , a cab module  752 , a tailgate module  754 , a can module  756 , and a body sensor module  758 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the PDU module  742  is configured to send and/or receive information relating to the PDU  25 . For example, the PDU module  742  may send/receive information relating to an electric stop function of the refuse truck  10 , an output power of the refuse truck  10 , a power function of the body assembly  14 , power provided to a fan, power provided to a sensor (or sensors), power provided to the cab  18 , power provided to a human machine interface, whether or not the PDU is connected, etc. The programming module  744  may be configured to send/receive information relating to a programming port of the refuse truck  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the display module  746  is configured to send/receive information relating to (e.g., provided via) a display of the refuse truck  10 . For example, the display module  746  may send/receive information relating to vehicle speed, remaining battery life, motor temperature, fluid pressure, information about the subsystems on the vehicle, including the hydraulics, and the like. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the joystick module  748  is configured to send/receive information relating to (e.g., provided via) a joystick of the refuse truck  10 . For example, the joystick module  748  may send/receive information relating to a collection apparatus (e.g., the position and/or orientation of the lifting system  30 , etc.), the status of the transmission of the refuse truck  10  (e.g., drive gear, neutral gear, reverse gear, park gear, etc.), etc. The keypad module  750  may be configured to send/receive information relating to (e.g., provided via) a keypad of the refuse truck  10 . For example, and similar to the display module  746 , the keypad module  750  may send/receive information relating to vehicle speed, remaining battery life, motor temperature, fluid pressure, information about the subsystems on the vehicle, including the hydraulics, and the like. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the cab module  752  is configured to send/receive information relating to the cab  18 . For example, the cab module  752  may send/receive information relating to cab controls (e.g., climate controls, steering, lights, etc.), cab warnings (e.g., cab warning lights, cab alarm, etc.), driver preferences (e.g., mirror positioning, seat positioning, driver profiles, etc.), etc. Similarly, the tailgate module  754  may be configured to send/receive information relating to the tailgate  26 . For example, the tailgate module  754  may send/receive information relating to the rear brakes, a rear taillight, a tailgate warning (e.g., tailgate lights, tailgate alarms, etc.), the position and/or orientation of a rear axle, etc. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the can module  756  is configured to send/receive information relating to a carry can (e.g., a refuse container, etc.). For example, the can module  756  may send/receive information relating to the position/orientation of a refuse container, the arms  32 , the forks  34 , the grabber  38 , an actuator, etc., the weight/force applied at a refuse container, the arms  32 , the forks  34 , the grabber  38 , an actuator, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the body sensor module  758  is configured to send/receive information to/from sensors positioned about the body assembly  14 . For example, the body sensor module  758  may send/receive information to/from sensors positioned at the receptacle  16 , the cab  18 , the panels  22 , the cover  24 , the lifting system  30 , etc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the controller  710  is also configured to communicate with, and/or control operation of, the chassis system  760  on the frame  12  of the refuse truck  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis system  760  communicates with the controller  710  via an internal communications network, such as a controller area network (CAN bus) or another vehicle electronic communications protocol As discussed above, according to an exemplary embodiment, after the controller  710  receives vehicle identification information (e.g., a vehicle identification number, a vehicle type, etc.) from the body system  740  (e.g., via the telematics system  720 ), the controller  710  is configured to determine what additional information (e.g., configuration data) is to be received relating to the refuse truck  10  (e.g., vehicle parameters, conditions, statuses, etc.). In this regard, the controller  710  may further be configured to receive the additional information/data from the chassis system  760  (e.g., via the telematics system  720 ), perform vehicle analysis (e.g., vehicle diagnostics, fleet management, etc.), and/or communicate the additional information to a network  780 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the chassis system  760  includes an engine control module  762  (hereinafter “ECU  762 ”), a transmission control module  764  (hereinafter “TCU  764 ”), a body module  766 , a hydraulic module  768 , an axle module  770 , a light module  772 , and a chassis sensor module  774 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the ECU  762  is configured to send/receive information relating to the prime mover  20 . For example, the ECU  762  may send/receive information relating to the power provided to various components of the refuse truck  10  (e.g., the controller  710 , a hydraulic system, the wheels  21 , etc.), battery and/or fuel levels, the efficiency of the prime mover  20 , etc. The TCU  764  may be configured to send/receive information relating to the transmission of the refuse truck  10 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the body module  766  is configured to send/receive information relating to various components of the refuse truck  10  (e.g., the body assembly  14 ). For example, the body module  766  may send/receive information relating to the position/orientation of the arms  32  (e.g., in home, up/down in ramp, extended, etc.), the position/orientation of the grabber  38  (e.g., extended, stowed, etc.), the position/orientation of the packer  62  (e.g., extended, retracted, etc.), the position/orientation of the doors (e.g., the top door  36 , side door, etc.), the position/orientation of the tailgate (e.g., opened, closed, etc.), etc. Further, the body module  766  may be configured to send/receive information relating to the brakes and/or speed of the refuse truck  10  (e.g., electronic stop enabled/disabled, speed limiter enabled/disabled, etc.), the lights (e.g., taillights, cab lights, etc.), the ignition, the position/orientation of the refuse truck  10  as a whole (e.g., turned left, turned right, inclined, declined, etc.), etc. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic module  768  is configured to send/receive information relating to a hydraulic system of the refuse truck  10 . For example, the hydraulic module  768  may send/receive information relating to hydraulic cylinders within the lifting system  30  (e.g., hydraulic fluid levels, coil resistance levels, oil level, oil temperature, etc.), hydraulic pumps, the lifting system  30  as a whole (e.g., weight applied to a front load sensor, a rear load sensor, etc.), etc. The axle module  770  may be configured to send/receive information relating to various axles of the refuse truck  10 . For example, the axle module  770  may send/receive information relating to the position/orientation of a tag axle (e.g., up, down, etc.), a pusher axle (e.g., up, down, etc.), a front/rear axle, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light module  772  is configured to send/receive information relating to various lights of the refuse truck  10 . For example, the light module  772  may send/receive information relating to the status of work lights (e.g., an arm work light, a side work light, a hopper work light, etc. is/are working, out, etc.), front lights (e.g., left light, right light, cab light, etc. is/are working, out, etc.), midship lights (e.g., left light, right light, taillights, etc. is/are working, out, etc.), etc. Also according to an exemplary embodiment, the chassis sensor module  774  is configured to send/receive information to/from sensors positioned about the chassis (e.g., the frame  12 ). For example, the chassis sensor module  774  may send/receive information to/from sensors positioned at the frame  12 , the prime mover  20 , the wheels  21 , the batteries  23 , axles of the refuse truck  10 , etc. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  7   , according to an exemplary embodiment the control system  700  also includes the telematics system  720 . The telematics system  720  may be configured to communicate with the body system  740  and the chassis system  760  (and/or the network  780 ), so as to send/receive information relating to the refuse truck  10 . Similar to the controller  710 , in an exemplary embodiment, the telematics system  720  may communicate with the body system  740  and/or the chassis system  760  via an internal communications network, such as a controller area network (CAN bus) or another vehicle electronic communications protocol. As discussed above with regard to the controller  710 , the telematics system  720  may be configured to receive vehicle identification information (e.g., a vehicle identification number, a truck type, etc.) from the body system  740 . Based on the vehicle identification information, the telematics system  720  may be configured to determine what additional information (e.g., configuration data) is to be received relating to the refuse truck  10  (e.g., vehicle parameters, conditions, statuses, etc.). Further, the telematics system  720  may also be configured to perform vehicle analysis (e.g., vehicle diagnostics, fleet management, etc.). In this regard, the telematics system  720  may receive additional information/data relating to the refuse truck  10  from the body system  740  and/or the chassis system  760 , perform vehicle analysis, and/or communicate the additional information/analysis to a network  780 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , in an exemplary embodiment the telematics system  720  is in direct communication with the chassis system  760 . In other embodiments, the telematics system  720  is otherwise in communication with the chassis system  760 , for example via a gateway that bridges the telematics system  720  and the chassis system  760 . Further, according to an exemplary embodiment the telematics system  720  is configured to communicate with the network  780  (e.g., the internet, a fleet management system, etc.). In this regard, the telematics system  720  may be configured to communicate the additional information/analysis relating to the refuse truck  10  to the network  780 , for example for further analysis of vehicle functions (e.g., diagnostics, configurations, control functions, system updates, etc.). In some embodiments, the telematics system  720  is configured to communicate with the network  780 , and/or the body system  740  and the chassis system  760 , so as automatically update the components of the control system  700 . In an exemplary embodiment, the telematics system  720  is a controller area network (CAN bus) configured to communicate with the body system  740  and/or the chassis system  760 . In other embodiments, the telematics system  720  is/includes other suitable communication system(s) (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, real-time communications (RTC), graph neural network (GNN), simultaneous global positioning system, Glonass, BeiDou, Galileo, 3-axis accelerometer/inclinometer, etc.). 
     It should be understood that while  FIG.  7    illustrates a control system  700  having a controller  710 , a telematics system  720 , a body system  740 , and a chassis system  760 , in other embodiments the control system  700  includes additional, fewer, and/or different working components. For example, the control system  700  may include a human machine interface, a user interface, an alert system, camera modules, lighting systems modules, global positioning system modules, cab control modules, suspension modules, motor modules, battery modules, a mixing drum module, a drum drive module, a hopper module, etc. 
     Refuse Truck Control and Diagnostics 
     The control schematic and architecture shown in  FIG.  7    can be used to execute a variety of different vehicle functions and modes within the refuse truck  10 . For example, and as demonstrated in  FIG.  7   , the refuse truck  10  can include a body system  740  and a chassis system  760 . The body system  740  and/or the chassis system  760  may include one or more sensors positioned about the body assembly  14  and/or the frame  12 . The sensors may be configured to monitor the position, orientation, condition, status, etc. of various components of the refuse truck  10 , and communicate with the controller  710  and/or the telematics system  720 . The sensors and controller  710  and/or the telematics system  720  can together receive, analyze, and/or communicate information relating to the various components of the refuse truck  10 , as discussed below. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , a process  800  for controlling and/or monitoring parameters of a vehicle is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the refuse truck  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   , and the process  800  is executed using the components of the control system  700  of  FIG.  7   . In other embodiments, the vehicle is the concrete mixing truck  200  of  FIGS.  5 - 6   , and the process  800  is executed using the components of the control system  700  of  FIG.  7   , along with additional components (e.g., a mixing drum module, a drum drive module, a hopper module, etc.). 
     At step  802 , vehicle identification information is received, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle identification information is a vehicle identification number that identifies a vehicle configuration (e.g., the refuse truck  10 , a front loading refuse truck, a side loading refuse truck, a rear loading refuse truck, the concrete mixing truck  200 , etc.); however, in other embodiments the vehicle identification information includes other vehicle information (e.g., vehicle type, vehicle model, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle identification information is directly received by the telematics system  720  from the body system  740  (e.g., via direct communication, etc.). In some embodiments, the vehicle identification information is received by the telematics system  720  from another suitable source (e.g., a sensor, a user device, the network  780 , etc.). In other embodiments, the vehicle identification information is received by another component of the control system  700  (e.g., the controller  710 , etc.). 
     At step  804 , additional vehicle information to be received is determined, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, after the vehicle identification information is received (and the vehicle configuration is determined), additional vehicle information to be received is determined based on the vehicle configuration. For example, it may be determined that additional information is needed relating to the PDU  25  (e.g., power provided to a fan, sensor, the cab, a human machine interface, etc.), the cab  18  (e.g., cab controls, warnings, alarms, etc.), the tailgate  26  (e.g., rear brakes, taillights, warnings, etc.), the body assembly  14  (e.g., position/orientation of the arm  32 , grabber  38 , packer  62 , doors, etc.), a hydraulic system, an axle (e.g., position/orientation of tag axle, front/rear axle, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, the information to be received is determined by user preferences, manufacturer preferences, predetermined formulas (algorithms, equations, etc.), and/or another suitable method. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional information to be received is determined by the telematics system  720 ; however, in other embodiments, the additional information to be received is determined by other components of the control system  700  (e.g., the controller  710 ). 
     At step  806 , the additional information is received, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, after the additional information to be received is determined (e.g., via the telematics system  720  based on the vehicle configuration), the additional information is received from the body system  740  and/or the chassis system  760 . The telematics system  720  may receive the additional information directly (e.g., via direct communication) from the modules  742 - 758  of the body system  740  and/or the modules  762 - 774  of the chassis system  760 . In some embodiments, the telematics system  720  receives the additional information indirectly (e.g., via a gateway) from the modules  762 - 774  of the chassis system  760 . In yet other embodiments, other components of the control system  700  (e.g., the controller  710 ) receive the additional information from the body system  740 , the chassis system  760 , and/or another suitable source (e.g., a sensor, a user device, the network  780 , etc.). 
     At step  808 , vehicle analysis is performed, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, after the telematics system  720  receives the additional information (e.g., all suitable vehicle information), the telematics system  720  performs vehicle analysis. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle analysis is vehicle diagnostics and/or fleet management analysis, which may be performed at predetermined intervals (e.g., set days, times, intervals, etc.) and/or in real-time. In some embodiments, the telematics system  720  may further be configured to control components of the refuse truck  10  (e.g., control systems, the prime mover  20 , the arm  32 , grabber  38 , packer  62 , doors, etc.) based on the vehicle analysis. In other embodiments, the telematics system  720  is further configured to communicate the vehicle analysis (and/or the additional information) to the network  780 , for example for further analysis (e.g., vehicle diagnostics, fleet management, etc.) and/or processing. In yet other embodiments, other components of the control system  700  (e.g., the controller  710 ) is configured to perform vehicle analysis, control the vehicle, and/or communicate the vehicle analysis and/or additional information to other components (e.g. a sensor, a user device, the network  780 , etc.). 
     Although this description may discuss a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is outlined. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the electromechanical variable transmission as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.