Autonomous Yard Truck Trailer Coupling and Dock Door Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The trucking industry relies on manual processes for connecting and disconnecting trailers from truck cabs, which is labor-intensive and poses safety concerns, especially in autonomous vehicle environments where automation is desirable.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for automating the connection and disconnection of trailers, including automated hitching, door operation, trailer identification, navigation, and safety mechanisms, utilizing a combination of mechanical actuators, sensors, and communication systems to enable autonomous operation of yard trucks within facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous trailers to perform self-service operations including self-identification through recognition systems, self-navigation to docking stations, and self-connection/disconnection through automated mechanical interfaces. The trailer independently executes coupling and uncoupling sequences without human intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced by automated mechanical systems. The patent employs automated coupling mechanisms with actuated linkages, pneumatic or hydraulic systems for landing gear operation, and robotic arms for connector manipulation. These mechanical substitution systems perform tasks previously requiring human physical action, thereby improving productivity while reducing safety risks associated with manual operations.
2Device complexity
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers, then device complexity is reduced, but safety concerns increase due to driver exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an autonomous control system as an intermediary between the trailer and the environment. This intermediary processes sensor data from cameras, LIDAR, and other detection devices to make navigation and coupling decisions. It mediates the interaction between the trailer and docking infrastructure, coordinating automated mechanical operations and safety monitoring functions to eliminate direct human exposure to hazardous areas while managing system complexity through modular software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous trailer system is segmented into independent functional modules: identification module with recognition algorithms, navigation module with path planning, coupling module with actuated mechanical interfaces, and safety module with sensor arrays. Each module operates semi-independently but communicates through standardized interfaces, allowing the system to achieve high safety through distributed decision-making while managing overall complexity through modular design principles.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for trailer operations, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous trailer employs universal interfaces and standardized protocols that enable a single system design to handle multiple operation types including coupling, uncoupling, navigation to various docking stations, and coordination with different facility infrastructures. The control system integrates multiple functions—identification, navigation, mechanical actuation, and safety monitoring—into a unified autonomous platform, thereby achieving high productivity through multi-functionality while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols and modular architecture that allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes.
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.