Autonomous Vehicle Refueling via Virtual Interface and Robotic Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in refueling due to the lack of infrastructure designed to support energy resupply, leading to reduced travel range and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An energy supply station equipped with sensors and a mechanical arm, controlled via a remote computer interface, autonomously refuels the vehicle by detecting its arrival, generating a virtual interface for operator guidance, and supplying energy through a mechanical arm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous vehicles use traditional refueling methods designed for human-operated vehicles, then the refueling process requires human intervention, but autonomous vehicles lack human operators to perform manual refueling actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling automationVSAvoidrefueling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle performs refueling independently through automated systems. The vehicle's processor controls actuators to open the fuel tank, and the dispensing system automatically delivers fuel without human intervention, enabling the vehicle to service itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations performed by human drivers are replaced with automated mechanical systems. actuators replace human hands to open fuel tanks, and automated dispensing mechanisms replace human-controlled nozzles to deliver fuel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If refueling infrastructure is designed for human-operated vehicles, then the infrastructure requires human interaction, but autonomous vehicles cannot perform manual interactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure adaptabilityVSAvoidrefueling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refueling system incorporates dynamic components that can move and adjust automatically. The fuel dispensing apparatus includes movable parts controlled by processors that can adapt to the autonomous vehicle's fuel tank position and orientation, enabling automated interaction without fixed human-operated interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The refueling infrastructure is designed to serve both human-operated and autonomous vehicles. The system can detect vehicle type and switch between manual and automated refueling modes, making the infrastructure versatile for different vehicle categories

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If autonomous vehicles refuel without specialized infrastructure, then existing gas stations can be used, but the vehicles cannot access energy supply efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling efficiencyVSAvoidenergy supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An automated dispensing system acts as an intermediary between the fuel storage infrastructure and the autonomous vehicle. This intermediary component handles the automated transfer of fuel, coordinating between the vehicle's request and the fuel delivery mechanism to ensure efficient and reliable energy supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12384418B2Systems and methods for supplying energy to an autonomous vehicle via a virtual interface

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 TORC ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

An autonomous vehicle can include a sensor and one or more processors. The processors can be configured to automatically control the autonomous vehicle to an energy supply station responsive to determining to resupply energy to the autonomous vehicle; detect, via the sensor, an object corresponding to the energy supply station, the object indicating to initiate energy supply to the autonomous vehicle; responsive to detecting the object, control the autonomous vehicle to stop at a defined position relative to the energy supply station; and open an energy input receptacle of the autonomous vehicle to receive energy from the energy supply station.