Autonomous Yard Truck Trailer Coupling and Docking Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trucking industry relies heavily on manual processes for connecting and disconnecting trailers to and from truck tractors, which is inefficient and poses safety concerns, especially in autonomous trucking environments where automation is desirable.
Innovation Solution
The system automates the connection and disconnection of trailers by using a processor-controlled autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck equipped with sensors, a server for navigation, and mechanisms for unlatching doors, securing them open, and ensuring safe docking, including a conical guide structure for pneumatic connections, extendable arms for electrical connections, and robotic door-opening assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers, 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 self-service operations including self-docking, self-connecting (pneumatic, electrical, data lines), and self-securing to trailers without human intervention. The automated manifesting system also allows trucks to automatically generate and exchange documentation, eliminating manual administrative tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems including robotic arms for connecting pneumatic and electrical lines, automated door opening mechanisms, and computer-controlled docking systems that use sensors and processors to guide and secure trailers.
2Reliability
If manual operations are performed by drivers, then adaptability to various situations is maintained, but safety risks increase due to blind spots and physical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces automated intermediary systems including robotic mechanisms for physical connections, sensor arrays for environmental perception, and communication systems for coordination between trucks, trailers, and facility infrastructure, eliminating the need for drivers to perform hazardous manual tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
Dangerous manual operations such as climbing onto trailers, connecting heavy pneumatic lines, and operating near moving equipment are replaced with automated robotic systems controlled by processors, eliminating physical exposure to hazards while maintaining operational capability.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for trailer handling, then efficiency and safety are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple trailer types and connection standards. The manifesting system serves multiple functions including documentation, tracking, and communication, while the docking system integrates pneumatic, electrical, and data connections through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor arrays that provide real-time feedback on truck position, trailer connection status, and environmental conditions. This feedback enables automated adjustment and verification of operations, ensuring reliable performance while reducing the need for complex manual monitoring and control mechanisms.
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.