Autonomous Vehicle Loading by Contact Pushing to Cut Spillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in loading materials at construction sites due to spillage issues when entering and leaving loading areas, which affects productivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a second autonomous vehicle pushes a first vehicle along the loading area and past a loading device, ensuring continuous material discharge with reduced risk of spillage by maintaining contact and controlling the distance between the vehicles to zero, using a second driving mode that includes generating negative torque or zero torque to facilitate seamless loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If autonomous vehicles enter and leave loading areas independently, then vehicle operation autonomy is maintained, but material spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two autonomous vehicles by having the second vehicle push the first vehicle through the loading area. This combination of vehicles creates a coordinated system where the pushing action ensures continuous material discharge while reducing spillage, effectively resolving the contradiction between maintaining autonomy and preventing material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The second autonomous vehicle acts as an intermediary between the loading device and the first vehicle. By positioning itself between these elements and pushing the first vehicle, it mediates the material transfer process to ensure continuous discharge and prevent spillage, while the central control unit coordinates this intermediary action.
2Loss of substance
If vehicles maintain distance during loading, then collision risk is reduced, but material spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the distance parameter between vehicles during the loading process. The second vehicle pushes the first vehicle to maintain zero distance during critical loading phases, then releases it when loading is complete. This parameter change ensures continuous material discharge while the control system prevents collision by monitoring and adjusting distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static vehicle positioning to dynamic pushing motion. The second vehicle actively pushes the first vehicle through the loading area, creating a dynamic interaction that ensures continuous material flow. The control system dynamically adjusts the pushing force and distance to prevent collision while maintaining loading efficiency.
3Productivity
If loading is interrupted to retrieve dropped material, then spillage is addressed, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous loading action by having the second vehicle push the first vehicle through the entire loading area without interruption. The pushing action ensures that material continuously discharges from the loading device onto the first vehicle, eliminating gaps where spillage could occur and removing the need to stop for material retrieval, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to method of operating a fleet of autonomous vehicles at a work site having a loading area at which a loading device is provided for loading material onto said autonomous vehicles. The method comprises controlling a first vehicle to drive in a first driving mode until it reaches a start position of the loading area, deactivating the first driving mode by controlling the first vehicle to be positioned in the loading area in a second driving mode, controlling a second vehicle to come into contact with and to push the first vehicle along the loading area and past the loading device for loading material onto the first vehicle as the first vehicle passes by the loading device, and reactivating the first driving mode of the first vehicle when the second vehicle has pushed the first vehicle to an end position of the loading area.