Autonomous Yard Truck Trailer Hitching and Dock Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, using robotic manipulators, sensors, and communication with a server for autonomous operation in environments like shipping yards and ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processes are used for connecting and disconnecting trailers, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous trucks to perform hitching, unhitching, and service connection tasks without human intervention. The automated manipulators and sensors allow the truck to service itself and its trailers independently, eliminating the need for drivers to perform manual connection tasks while significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated robotic manipulators equipped with sensors and control systems. The system uses automated mechanisms for hitching, unhitching, brake connection, and electrical service attachment, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical systems that increase efficiency and consistency
2Device complexity
If manual processes are used for trailer connection, then device complexity is reduced, but safety concerns increase due to driver exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces automated manipulators and sensors as intermediary devices between the driver and the trailer connection process. These intermediaries perform the hazardous tasks of approaching, hitching, and connecting services, keeping drivers at a safe distance from potential dangers while managing the increased device complexity through integrated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous truck performs safety-critical tasks independently without requiring driver exposure to hazardous conditions. The vehicle autonomously approaches trailers, performs hitching maneuvers, connects service lines, and conducts safety checks, eliminating human exposure to blind spots, moving equipment, and potential collisions
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for trailer handling, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: manipulators for hitching operations, sensors for detection and alignment, control systems for coordination, and communication interfaces for server interaction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity, managing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The automated manipulators and sensors are designed to perform multiple functions: hitching and unhitching operations, brake service connection and disconnection, electrical service attachment and detachment, and safety inspections. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into unified automated components, improving productivity while controlling device complexity
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.