Automatic Refueling System for Driverless Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of manual vehicle refueling due to the irregular distribution of gas stations, leading to long waiting times and low refueling efficiency, especially for driverless vehicles in unfamiliar areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatic refueling of driverless vehicles, which involves sending refueling requests when fuel levels are low, receiving preselected gas station information based on location and queuing conditions, determining the destination gas station, and initiating refueling after arrival, thereby optimizing the refueling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drivers manually find and queue at gas stations for refueling, then vehicles can be refueled, but refueling efficiency is low due to long waiting times and irregular gas station distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically selecting optimal gas stations and calculating routes before the vehicle arrives. The server pre-processes refueling requests, evaluates multiple gas stations based on real-time data (queuing information, distance, fuel prices), and determines the best destination in advance, eliminating the need for drivers to manually search and queue at gas stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously collecting real-time data from gas stations (queuing information, fuel availability, prices) and using this feedback to dynamically adjust refueling recommendations. The server receives feedback from multiple gas stations and selects the optimal one based on current conditions, thereby improving refueling efficiency and reducing waiting times.
2Ease of operation
If drivers queue at commonly known gas stations, then refueling can be performed, but time is wasted due to long queues and irregular gas station distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary (the server) that mediates between the driver and gas stations. The server acts as a intelligent intermediary that collects information from multiple gas stations, evaluates them based on various criteria (distance, queuing time, fuel prices), and presents the optimal choice to the driver, thereby simplifying the refueling process and reducing time waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for gas station selection from traditional criteria (distance only) to multiple dynamic parameters including real-time queuing information, fuel prices, and driving route compatibility. This multi-parameter evaluation system enables the server to select gas stations that optimize both convenience and time efficiency.
3Productivity
If the system selects gas stations based on multiple criteria (distance, queuing time, fuel prices), then refueling efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions within a single system: it collects refueling requests, gathers real-time data from multiple gas stations, evaluates candidates based on multiple criteria (distance, queuing time, fuel prices), calculates optimal routes, and communicates with vehicles. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a centralized system rather than distributing it across multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses at least a method, apparatus, and system for automatic refueling of a driverless vehicle. A specific implementation of the method includes: sending refueling request information when a fuel amount is lower than a preset value and a refueling condition is satisfied; receiving preselected gas station information corresponding to the refueling request information; determining, from the preselected gas station information, destination gas station information and driving route information of a destination gas station; sending refueling request information after arriving at the destination gas station based on the driving route information of the destination gas station; turning off an engine and/or an electric motor after receiving refueling permission information corresponding to the refueling request information, opening a fuel tank cap, and sending refueling confirmation information; and closing the fuel tank cap after receiving refueling completion information. This implementation improves the refueling efficiency.