Attachable Autonomy Module for Safe Working Vehicle Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous travel support systems for working vehicles lack the ability to efficiently add additional functions to existing vehicles, particularly in terms of autonomous travel modes and safety considerations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous travel support device that is structurally and electrically attachable to and detachable from a working vehicle, equipped with a processor to execute a program that allows the vehicle to switch between manual and autonomous travel modes based on user input and safety conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an autonomous travel support device is made structurally and electrically attachable to and detachable from a working vehicle, then additional functions can be added to existing working vehicles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous travel support device is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can be attached to different types of working vehicles. The device includes a controller, sensors, and communication modules that can function across multiple vehicle types, allowing one device design to serve multiple purposes and vehicle platforms without requiring vehicle-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous travel support device is divided into separate functional modules including a controller unit, sensor array, communication module, and power supply. These modular components can be independently installed, removed, or replaced, simplifying the attachment process to existing vehicles while maintaining system functionality. The segmentation allows for easier integration without requiring complete system redesign for each vehicle type.
2Productivity
If the working vehicle is equipped with autonomous travel mode using a preset autonomous travel model, then operational efficiency is improved, but the reliability of mode switching decreases when safety conditions are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors safety conditions including sensor data about the environment, vehicle status, and operational parameters. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically determines whether conditions are safe for switching between manual and autonomous modes. The system provides feedback to the operator about the safety status and requires confirmation for mode switching, ensuring that transitions only occur when predetermined safety conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
Before enabling autonomous travel mode, the system performs preliminary checks of safety conditions including environmental sensors, vehicle system status, and communication connectivity. The controller pre-validates whether the current environment and vehicle state are suitable for autonomous operation, and only after these preliminary actions confirm safety does the mode switching proceed. This prevents unsafe transitions by requiring safety verification before mode change.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an autonomous travel support device (30) is provided that is structurally and electrically attachable to and detachable from a working vehicle (10). The working vehicle is configured to travel in response to a first operation input by a user (55, 20). The autonomous travel support device (30) comprises a processor (33) configured to execute a reception step of receiving a switching input being an input for switching a travel mode of the working vehicle (10) to a first mode or a second mode; and a vehicle control step of causing the working vehicle to travel in response to the first operation input in a case where the travel mode is set to the first mode, and of causing the working vehicle (10) to travel autonomously using a preset autonomous travel model in a case where the travel mode is set to the second mode.