Autonomous Vehicle Fueling Centralized Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refueling systems for autonomous vehicles lack efficient centralized scheduling and communication protocols to optimize refueling processes while accommodating occupant preferences, leading to inefficiencies and increased waiting times.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless communication network between vehicles and refueling stations using technologies like cellular, Wi-Fi, and DSRC, enabling vehicles to transmit fueling requests and receive control signals to autonomously navigate to designated refueling zones, thereby optimizing refueling operations and satisfying occupant preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If autonomous vehicles refuel without centralized scheduling, then vehicles can independently access refueling services, but refueling station utilization is inefficient and waiting times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling station utilizationVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having vehicles register their refueling requests and preferences in advance through the wireless communication network. The centralized controller pre-processes these requests, determines optimal refueling schedules, and prepares assignment decisions before vehicles arrive at the station, thereby reducing on-site waiting time and improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles transmit their refueling status, preferences, and arrival times to the centralized controller via wireless communication. The controller continuously monitors station capacity and vehicle queues, dynamically adjusting scheduling decisions based on real-time feedback to optimize both utilization and waiting time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If wireless communication networks are implemented for centralized scheduling, then refueling processes are optimized and waiting times reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling process efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication network is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse communication needs through a single unified system. It simultaneously manages vehicle registration, preference transmission, scheduling coordination, real-time monitoring, and notification delivery, thereby optimizing refueling processes without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized controller acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple vehicles and the refueling infrastructure. It receives communication from various vehicles, processes their requests against station capacity constraints, and coordinates refueling assignments, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving optimized refueling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11691521B2Autonomous vehicle fueling with centralized scheduling

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 FORD MOTOR CO

AI summary

Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with a fueling control computer that communicates with vehicles via wireless networks to move vehicles between waiting zones, service zones and served zones. Refueling stations can include liquid fuel, compressed gas and electric charging.