Autonomous Control Vehicle Coupling for Intermodal Delivery Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation networks face inefficiencies due to variations in delivery times across different modalities, such as rail transport, and bottlenecks at terminals and depots, which can be time-consuming and disrupt the flow of cargo and passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising an unoccupied control vehicle that can autonomously propel itself and interface with driver-operable vehicles, using sensors and energy management systems to optimize movement and energy distribution, allowing for seamless coordination and efficient delivery of cargo across multiple transportation modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional driver-operable vehicles are used in transportation networks, then human control and flexibility are maintained, but delivery time variation increases due to human response time and operational inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human drivers with autonomous control systems that use sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) and computer vision algorithms to detect and respond to track conditions, eliminating human response time variability and achieving consistent, reliable delivery schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-navigation, self-monitoring, and self-correction of its path using onboard sensors and controllers, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining reliable and consistent operational performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If cargo is transloaded from one modality to another at terminals and depots, then intermodal transportation is enabled, but bottlenecks occur that disrupt flow and increase delivery time variation
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle system performs preliminary positioning and coordination actions before reaching transfer points, using predictive algorithms to anticipate arrival times and coordinate with receiving vehicles, thereby preventing bottlenecks and maintaining continuous cargo flow across modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from sensors and communication networks to monitor cargo flow status at transfer points, dynamically adjusting vehicle schedules and routing decisions to prevent bottlenecks and maintain efficient intermodal transportation
3Ease of manufacture
If vehicles stop at rail yards and cargo depots for loading, unloading, joining, or refueling, then cargo handling operations are performed, but delivery time variation increases due to waiting and operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle system minimizes idle waiting time by continuously optimizing routing and scheduling decisions, using real-time data to coordinate arrivals with cargo availability and reduce unnecessary delays at loading and unloading points
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle operations based on real-time conditions at cargo depots and rail yards, modifying speed, arrival time, and routing decisions to minimize waiting periods while maintaining safe and efficient cargo handling operations
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system is provided that has an unoccupied control vehicle with no onboard driver. The control vehicle has a first propulsion system that can propel the control vehicle along a route, and optionally to stop or slow the control vehicle. One or more onboard power sources that can generate, store or both generate and store energy for powering at least the first propulsion system. A controller having one or more processors can autonomously control the propulsion system to move the control vehicle along one or more routes, and to interface with and couple to a driver-operable vehicle that has a second propulsion system. The controller can obtain control over the second propulsion system when the control vehicle is interfaced and coupled with the driver-operable vehicle.