Autonomous Vehicle Refueling Signaling and NFC Payment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in refueling, including difficulty in signaling attendants for refueling, ensuring correct fuel and payment, and avoiding fraudulent transactions, especially in self-serve stations without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a computing device with a processor and communication subsystem in autonomous vehicles to confirm proximity to a refueling station, signal attendants, and ensure secure payment through near-field communication (NFC) for verification and payment, utilizing flashing lights or audio signals for attention and NFC-enabled smart cards for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual refuelling procedures are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time loss and productivity reduction occur due to facility closures and scheduling constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous refuelling system enables vehicles to refuel themselves without human intervention. The vehicle autonomously navigates to the refuelling station, positions itself, and receives fuel through automated coupling mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual operation and facility closures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning refuelling stations at strategic locations and pre-coordinating refuelling schedules with vehicle routes. This allows vehicles to refuel during normal operations without disrupting service schedules or requiring facility closures.
2Productivity
If autonomous refuelling systems are implemented, then productivity and time efficiency improve, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous refuelling system is divided into separate functional modules: autonomous navigation subsystem, vehicle identification subsystem, coupling mechanism subsystem, and fuel delivery subsystem. This segmentation allows each module to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refuelling station is designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can accommodate different vehicle types and fuel types. The system can serve multiple functions including refuelling, vehicle authentication, and data communication, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If refuelling facilities are closed for manual operations, then safety and control are maintained, but service availability and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical refuelling operations with automated mechanical and electronic systems. Sensors, actuators, and control systems monitor and manage the refuelling process, maintaining safety through precise control while enabling continuous operation without facility closures.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous refuelling system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including sensors that monitor fuel flow, pressure, temperature, and vehicle position. This real-time feedback ensures safe operation while maintaining continuous service availability, as the system can detect and respond to anomalies without interrupting the refuelling process or requiring facility closure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables efficient and secure refueling of autonomous vehicles by ensuring the correct fuel is dispensed and payment is made to the correct vendor, reducing the need for human intervention and preventing fraudulent transactions.
Implementation Method 1
ensuring secure payment through near-field communication (NFC) for verification and payment
Data Source
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AI summary
A method at an autonomous vehicle for signaling a refueling attendant, the method including confirming that the autonomous vehicle is proximal to a refueling station; providing a signal to the refueling attendant; waiting for refueling to commence; and if, after a threshold period, refueling has not commenced, repeating the providing the signal.