Autonomous Truck Transfer Hub for Trailer Matching and Self-Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous trucking operations face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to manual handling of pre- and post-mission tasks, which are prone to human errors and high costs, especially in large fleets requiring multiple tasks for numerous vehicles.

Innovation Solution

Implementing automated transfer hub techniques for operations such as trailer delivery, tractor-trailer matching, hitching, refueling, parking spot calibration, load verification, brake inspection, and other processes to streamline and standardize vehicle preparation, reducing human intervention and errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of pre- and post-mission tasks is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human errors increase and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of human errorsVSAvoidautomation of pre- and post-mission tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous tractor-trailer system performs self-inspection, self-refueling, and self-preparation for missions without human intervention. The system autonomously navigates to refueling stations, undergoes inspections, and prepares for upcoming missions, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems including autonomous navigation, automated refueling mechanisms, and computerized inspection systems. These automated systems use sensors, processors, and actuators to perform tasks previously requiring human operators, reducing errors while maintaining flexibility through programmable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple tasks are performed for numerous vehicles in large fleets, then operational completeness is achieved, but time consumption and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speed of fleet operationsVSAvoidtime for pre- and post-mission tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous system enables continuous operation by eliminating idle time between missions. Tractors autonomously navigate to refueling stations and inspection areas without waiting for manual completion of tasks, and multiple tractors can operate simultaneously in the fleet, maintaining continuous productive action across the entire fleet

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions autonomously including pre-mission inspections, pre-refueling, and automated preparation sequences. By completing these tasks automatically before missions begin, the system eliminates time-consuming manual procedures and reduces overall task completion time for fleet operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated transfer hub techniques are implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of trucking missionsVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous tractor-trailer system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various tasks including autonomous navigation, refueling, inspection, and mission execution. This universal design consolidates multiple specialized systems into an integrated platform, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer hub acts as an intermediary between autonomous tractors and manual operations. It provides standardized interfaces for refueling, inspection, and mission assignment, simplifying the interaction between complex autonomous systems and human operators while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12116009B2Systems and operations of transfer hubs for autonomous trucking systems

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 WAYMO LLC

AI summary

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate, generally, to optimization of the autonomous vehicle technology and, more specifically, to a transfer hub for autonomous trucking operations. The transfer hub supports automated trailer delivery, trailer-tractor matching, trailer-tractor hitching, automated post-hitching visual inspection, automated refueling, parking spot calibration, load verification, load distribution assessment, automated brake inspection, and other improvements to the existing technology.