Autonomous Vehicle Straddling Mechanism for Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-road vehicle designs are inadequate for efficient load handling, transport, energy utilization, and autonomous procedures, particularly in navigating public roads and handling various types of loads and passengers.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous on-road vehicle system equipped with a control sub-system, sensors, and actuators that enables self-driving, straddling, and lifting of loads, allowing it to transport both cargo and passengers by creating a clearance for connectors to grab and lift loads above ground, while navigating public roads and switching loads between vehicles in a convoy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an autonomous vehicle uses traditional towing methods to transport loads, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the vehicle cannot efficiently handle diverse loads and navigate public roads with regular traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs a dynamically adjustable straddling mechanism with linear actuators that control the clearance between the vehicle body and the load. This allows the vehicle to adapt its structure in real-time to accommodate different load types and sizes, transforming from a static to a dynamic configuration system that can handle diverse cargo while maintaining road legality
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle structure is divided into separable components: the main vehicle body, the load platform, and the connector system. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables flexible reconfiguration for different transport scenarios, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity
2Productivity
If the vehicle creates clearance for connectors to grab loads above ground, then load handling efficiency improves, but the vehicle height and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs preliminary positioning maneuvers to align the connector with the load before engagement. The control subsystem pre-calculates the optimal straddling position and adjusts the clearance accordingly, enabling efficient load handling without requiring excessive structural complexity or permanent height increases
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle autonomously navigates public roads with regular car traffic, then transportation accessibility improves, but the control system complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control subsystem integrates multiple functions: autonomous navigation, traffic interaction, load handling control, and safety monitoring. By creating a universal control platform that performs all these functions, the system achieves road navigation capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as a single integrated system is more efficient than multiple separate systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses straddling mechanism to lift loads, then load transport capability improves, but the mechanical complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The straddling mechanism is designed to minimize energy consumption by optimizing the clearance height and leverage points. The linear actuators are positioned to create mechanical advantage, reducing the energy required for lifting. The system maintains just enough clearance for effective load engagement rather than excessive height, achieving equipotential efficiency in the lifting operation
Data Source
AI summary
On-road autonomous vehicles and other vehicles operative to: autonomously collect and transport a load over public roads, autonomously collect and transport a passenger in a cabin, autonomously collect transport and place a functional load according to a request, autonomously collect and use a functional load, exchange a functional load between at least two on-road autonomous vehicles in a convoy, lift and transport a load by at least two on-road autonomous vehicles, charge batteries of the on-road autonomous vehicle on the move, provide a hybrid air-gap and mechanical protection for a passenger cabin, protect the on-road vehicle from impact with foreign objects, control a length thereof, reduce drag on the vehicle, and adapt to carry a long load.