Autonomous Delivery Trailer Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles optimized for ridesharing lack sufficient cargo space for package delivery, and attaching a trailer can obstruct sensors, complicating communication and navigation for effective package delivery.
Innovation Solution
A trailer designed for autonomous package delivery that communicates with the autonomous vehicle, equipped with sensors and a package manipulation mechanism, and includes a high-speed data connection to overcome sensor occlusion and facilitate navigation and package handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a trailer is attached to the autonomous vehicle for package delivery, then cargo space is improved, but sensor occlusion occurs which worsens navigation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function between the autonomous vehicle and the trailer. The vehicle has forward-facing sensors for navigation, while the trailer has its own sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) to detect obstacles behind and beside the vehicle, segmenting the sensing responsibilities to eliminate blind spots created by the trailer attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer acts as an intermediary with its own sensor suite and communication system. The trailer's sensors detect obstacles in areas blocked from the vehicle's perspective, and this information is transmitted to the vehicle's control system, allowing the trailer to serve as a sensing extension rather than just a passive cargo carrier
2Productivity
If the autonomous vehicle is used for both ridesharing and package delivery, then utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to trailer attachment and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle is designed with universal functionality to perform both ridesharing and package delivery tasks. The vehicle's control system can operate in different modes (ridesharing mode with cargo compartment, delivery mode with trailer attachment), allowing one vehicle to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate fleets for different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on the task at hand. The vehicle can attach or detach the trailer depending on whether package delivery is required, and the control system adjusts its behavior accordingly - using the cargo compartment for ridesharing and the trailer for delivery tasks, making the system flexible rather than statically complex
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on the autonomous vehicle for navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but attaching a trailer obstructs these sensors which worsens navigation reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation sensing system is segmented between the vehicle and trailer, with each carrying sensors optimized for their respective viewing zones. The vehicle's forward-facing sensors maintain navigation accuracy for the vehicle's path, while the trailer's sensors provide redundant and complementary detection for areas the vehicle cannot see, ensuring overall navigation reliability is maintained despite the attachment
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology provides a delivery trailer to be hitched to an autonomous vehicle for autonomous delivery of packages. The delivery trailer can include sensors to provide data to the autonomous vehicle to which it is to overcome limitations caused by any occlusion of sensors on the autonomous vehicle by the trailer. Furthermore, the present technology addresses several challenges related to autonomous package delivery.