Autonomous Vehicle Self-Scheduling Refueling via Wireless Queue Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refueling systems face challenges in efficiently managing the refueling of a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous, and occupant-piloted vehicles, as they require advanced communication and queuing systems to minimize wait times while satisfying occupant preferences, especially in environments where vehicles need to switch between autonomous and manual modes.

Innovation Solution

Equipping vehicles and refueling stations with computing devices and wireless technologies such as DSRC, BLE, and light-based communication allows vehicles to communicate and join service queues autonomously, determining the most efficient refueling options based on fuel type, occupant preferences, and wait times, ensuring seamless and efficient refueling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If autonomous vehicles use advanced communication and queuing systems to minimize wait times, then refueling efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication and queuing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle independently determines its refueling needs, selects appropriate queues, and executes refueling operations without human intervention. The vehicle's computing device autonomously communicates with fueling units and manages the refueling process, enabling self-service that improves efficiency while managing system complexity through automation of decision-making processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple service queues for different fuel types and configurations before vehicles arrive. By preparing these queues in advance and having vehicles select from pre-defined options, the system reduces real-time decision complexity while maintaining high refueling throughput and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system accommodates multiple fuel types and vehicle modes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel type and vehicle mode compatibilityVSAvoidrefueling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refueling system is divided into separate service queues for different fuel types (e.g., gasoline, diesel, electric). Each queue is managed independently with dedicated fueling units, allowing the system to handle multiple fuel types simultaneously without requiring a single complex unified system. This segmentation enables versatility while managing complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous vehicle is equipped with universal communication capabilities and computing devices that can interface with multiple types of fueling units across different queues. The vehicle's system can adapt to various fuel types and refueling methods through software-based control, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate hardware systems for each fuel type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11034338B2Autonomous vehicle self-scheduled refueling

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 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 wireless networks that communicate with vehicles to permit autonomous vehicles to self-schedule refueling at fueling stations serving a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous and occupant piloted vehicles.