Autonomous Yard Truck Trailer Coupling and Docking Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trucking industry relies on manual processes for connecting and disconnecting trailers to trucks, which are inefficient and pose safety concerns, especially in autonomous trucking environments where automation is desirable.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for automating the connection and disconnection of trailers to truck cabs, including automated hitching, door opening, trailer identification, and safety mechanisms, using robotic manipulators, sensors, and processors to facilitate autonomous operation in controlled environments like shipping yards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers to trucks, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor efficiency decreases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous trucks to perform connection and disconnection operations independently without human intervention. The automated coupling mechanism, robotic manipulators, and sensor systems work together to allow the truck-trailer assembly to self-connect and self-disconnect, eliminating manual labor while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems including robotic manipulators, automated coupling mechanisms, and sensor-based detection systems. These automated systems perform tasks previously requiring human physical intervention, such as connecting pneumatic lines, electrical connections, and mechanical coupling
2Reliability
If manual operations are performed by drivers, then adaptability to various trailer configurations is maintained, but safety risks increase due to blind spots and physical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor systems and automated detection mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the truck and the environment, detecting trailers, obstacles, and connection points without requiring human visual or physical assessment. This intermediary system eliminates blind spots and safety risks associated with manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous truck performs safety checks, obstacle detection, and connection verification independently through integrated sensors and control systems, eliminating the need for manual safety assessments by drivers
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for trailer connection and disconnection, then labor efficiency and safety are improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is designed to handle multiple functions including trailer detection, coupling, pneumatic connection, electrical connection, and disconnection using integrated robotic manipulators and sensor systems. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a unified automated platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all connection and disconnection operations autonomously without requiring external assistance or complex coordination systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high operational efficiency
4Loss of time
If drivers manually connect pneumatic and electrical lines, then adaptability to different connection points is maintained, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual connection operations are replaced with automated robotic manipulators that can quickly position and connect pneumatic and electrical lines. The sensor systems detect connection points and guide the automated connection process, eliminating the time-consuming manual search and connection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and positioning of connection points before actual connection occurs. Sensors identify pneumatic and electrical connection locations in advance, allowing the robotic manipulators to prepare and execute connections efficiently without manual intervention
Data Source
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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.