Selectively combineable independent driving vehicles

Abstract

An apparatus and system for: combining independent driving vehicles into a single assembly for condensed, efficient, variable capacity transportation on common routes; and for separating into independent vehicles for flexibility on diverse routes. Connection logistics are exchanged locally via line of sight optical channel. Retractable coupling and mated coupling on opposing ends of the vehicles provide multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) to accommodate misalignment during initial dynamic engagement, and lock as rigidly coupled assembly with zero DOF. Mating vehicles' doors open during transit,permitting inter-vehicle movement and consolidation of passengers en route to urban locales, and release of empty vehicles. On return, independent vehicles combine to dense passenger vehicles from urban locales for redistribution of passengers in individual vehicles that later separate for diverse destinations. Slaved vehicle systems allow one vehicle to control coupled vehicles' systems of retractable suspension, coordinated steering, power sharing. Utility vehicles couple to assembly for service.

Description

[0001] Cross-Reference for Difference Application [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 140,807, filed March 31, 2015, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, entitled "SELFDRIVING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE )", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of vehicle transportation, and in one embodiment, to combining independently driven vehicles into a single unit rigid assembly for more efficient transportation on major routes, and to combining the rigid assembly Separation into independent autonomous vehicles for flexible routing on diverse routes. Background technique [0004] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of prior art (e.g., without limitation, method, fact, or common wisdom) that should not is to be construed a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] However, such self-driving cars have space constraints and can accommodate only a fixed number of individuals and can drive to one location or destination at a given time

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