Autonomous Trailer Hitching and Door Handling in Yard Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trucking industry relies heavily on manual processes for connecting and disconnecting trailers to truck cabs, which is inefficient and poses safety concerns, especially in autonomous trucking environments where automation is desired.
Innovation Solution
The system automates the connection and disconnection of trailers to truck cabs using robotic manipulators, sensors, and processors to facilitate hitching, door opening, and safety mechanisms, reducing human intervention and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers to truck cabs, then human control and flexibility are maintained, but efficiency is reduced and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous trucks to perform hitching and unhitching operations independently without human intervention. The automated manipulators execute connection and disconnection tasks based on pre-programmed sequences and sensor feedback, allowing the system to serve itself in critical operational functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations performed by drivers are replaced by automated robotic manipulators equipped with sensors and control systems. The physical actions of connecting hoses, cables, and mechanical components are executed by automated end-effectors guided by vision systems and control algorithms, substituting human mechanical operations with automated systems.
2Reliability
If manual operations are performed by drivers, then adaptability to various situations is maintained, but safety risks increase due to exposure to hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous truck performs hazardous operations such as hitching, unhitching, and connecting service lines without human exposure. The system uses automated manipulators and sensor arrays to execute these tasks safely, removing operators from potentially dangerous environments while maintaining operational reliability through programmed safety protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-programmed safety protocols and sensor-based detection to prevent hazardous situations before they occur. Vision systems detect obstacles and anomalies, while control algorithms anticipate potential failures and execute corrective actions, providing a cushion against safety risks before they materialize.
3Productivity
If automated manipulators are used for hitching operations, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated hitching system is divided into modular functional components: manipulators for mechanical connection, separate systems for hose and cable connection, vision systems for detection, and control algorithms for coordination. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated manipulators are designed with multi-functionality to perform various tasks including mechanical hitching, connecting service lines, and positioning components. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, managing system complexity while maintaining high operational speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple removable connections are made between cab and trailer, then functional requirements are met, but the number of operations increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple connection operations into a coordinated automated sequence. Manipulators simultaneously or sequentially connect mechanical components, hoses, and cables in an integrated process, reducing the total time required compared to manual step-by-step operations while maintaining all necessary functional connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system and control algorithms perform preliminary detection and planning of connection points before physical connection begins. This preliminary action allows the automated manipulators to execute connections in an optimized sequence, reducing overall connection time while ensuring all functional requirements are met.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.