Autonomous Tool Interchange Using PLM Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require human intervention for tool interconnection in dynamic outdoor environments lacking dedicated infrastructure, posing safety risks and inefficiencies due to the need for physical and power-transfer connections.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous vehicle autonomously aligns with and connects to connectable tools using sensors and power line modem communications, ensuring safe and efficient interconnection without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles autonomously interconnect with connectable tools in dynamic outdoor environments, then operational autonomy and efficiency are improved, but safety risks and reliability concerns worsen due to the absence of human supervision during tool interconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing PLM communications and verifying electrical connections before completing the physical tool interconnection. The autonomous vehicle detects the connectable tool, establishes communication through the electrical power connection, and verifies proper engagement before finalizing the connection, ensuring safety protocols are followed automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by using PLM communications to continuously monitor and verify the status of electrical connections and tool interconnection. The autonomous vehicle receives feedback through the electrical connection to confirm proper engagement and operational status, enabling autonomous decision-making while maintaining safety
2Reliability
If manual human assistance is used for tool interconnection, then safety and reliability are improved through direct supervision, but productivity and operational efficiency worsen due to the time required for human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-service by autonomously detecting, aligning with, and interconnecting to connectable tools without human assistance. The vehicle independently establishes PLM communications, verifies electrical connections, and manages the entire tool interchange process, eliminating the need for human intervention while maintaining safety through automated protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. Instead of human operators physically connecting tools, the autonomous vehicle uses automated alignment, detection, and connection mechanisms guided by PLM communications and electrical connection verification to perform tool interchanges
3Ease of operation
If traditional physical connection methods are used for tool interconnection, then ease of operation is improved through simple mechanical coupling, but adaptability worsens due to the inability to establish electrical and communication connections simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges physical connection, electrical connection, and communication establishment into a single integrated operation. When the autonomous vehicle connects to the connectable tool, all three functions occur simultaneously through the electrical power connection that also serves as the communication medium via PLM, eliminating the need for separate connection steps
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the tool, establishes PLM communications for data exchange, and serves as the medium for verifying proper connection. This multi-functional approach enhances adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity
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
Enables safe and efficient interconnection of tools in dynamic outdoor environments, enhancing operational autonomy and reducing human intervention for tool changes.
Implementation Method 1
establishing power line modem (PLM) communications between the autonomous vehicle and the connectable tool via an electrical power connection resulting from engaging the at least one electrical connection point
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an autonomous vehicle comprising at least one subsystem capable of determining a location corresponding to a connectable tool; determining an orientation for interconnecting with the connectable tool; aligning the autonomous vehicle for interconnecting with the connectable tool based on the location and the orientation of the connectable tool; engaging the connectable tool at one or more physical connection points and at least one electrical connection point; and establishing power line modem (PLM) communications between the autonomous vehicle and the connectable tool via an electrical power connection resulting from the engaging the at least one electrical connection point; and, before commencing full power operations over said electrical power connection, determining that the electrical power connection is without current diversion by transmitting a fixed amount of non-lethal electrical power from the autonomous vehicle to the connectable tool via the electrical power connection and determining whether the difference between the power transmitted by the autonomous vehicle and the power received by the connectable tool exceeds a threshold for indicating current diversion.