Autonomous Yard Truck Trailer Hitching and Door Handling
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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, brake and electrical service connection, door operation, trailer identification, navigation, and safety mechanisms, utilizing robotic manipulators, sensors, and a processor-controlled system for autonomous operation in environments like shipping yards and ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The automated hitching system enables the truck to perform connection and disconnection operations independently without human physical intervention. The robotic manipulator autonomously positions and secures the trailer to the truck chassis, allowing the system to serve itself in the hitching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic manipulator uses sensors, processors, and automated actuators to substitute human hands and eyes in the physical tasks of connecting and disconnecting trailers, transitioning from manual mechanical systems to automated electromechanical systems.
2Reliability
If manual operations are performed by drivers, then system simplicity is maintained, but safety risks increase due to exposure to moving vehicles and heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs safety-critical functions autonomously without requiring human operators to be in dangerous positions. The robotic manipulator independently executes connection and disconnection tasks, eliminating the need for drivers to manually handle heavy components near moving vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic manipulator acts as an intermediary between the driver and the trailer connection process. It mediates the interaction by performing physical manipulation tasks remotely, protecting the human operator from direct exposure to hazardous conditions while maintaining control over the operation.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for trailer connection, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual operations with automated robotic manipulation. The robotic system uses sensors, processors, and automated actuators to rapidly position and secure trailers, significantly reducing connection time compared to manual methods while improving operational throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs connection operations independently and rapidly without requiring human intervention at each step. The robotic manipulator autonomously executes the entire hitching sequence, from positioning to securing, enabling faster turnaround times and improved productivity.
4Loss of time
If drivers manually connect service lines and operate doors, then system simplicity is maintained, but loss of time during hitching and unhitching operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate manual tasks into a single automated operation. The robotic manipulator simultaneously handles service line connection, door operation, and trailer securing in an integrated sequence, eliminating the time required to perform these tasks separately by hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs connection and disconnection operations continuously without interruption or delays associated with manual task switching. The robotic manipulator maintains continuous motion and operation throughout the hitching and unhitching processes, eliminating idle time and improving operational efficiency.
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.