Digital Convoy Coupling for Pilot-Led Driverless Truck Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-truck tractor-trailer configurations are inefficient and costly, with traditional tractors requiring human drivers and separate control for trailers, limiting the effectiveness of level 4 autonomous trucks during transitions between human and autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for digitally coupling a pilot vehicle with a driverless truck, allowing a human driver to control a convoy by electronically tethering the vehicles through on-board digital data processing and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, simulating a physical connection to maintain target longitudinal clearance and coordinate driving instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional tractor-trailer configurations are used with human drivers, then vehicles can be controlled and operated, but costs increase and efficiency decreases due to expensive driver cabins and separate control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple vehicles into a single pilot vehicle through digital coupling. The pilot vehicle control module communicates with and controls both the pilot vehicle and the driverless vehicle, eliminating the need for separate driver cabins in each vehicle and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical connection between vehicles through digital tethering. The electronic communication link replicates the control and coordination functions of a physical coupling, allowing the pilot vehicle to control the driverless vehicle without requiring actual mechanical connection or separate driver stations
2Extent of automation
If level 4 autonomous trucks operate independently, then autonomous driving is achieved, but safety and coordination are compromised during transitions between human and autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital coupling system as an intermediary between the pilot vehicle and the driverless vehicle. This electronic tether provides continuous communication and coordination during transitions, ensuring safety and reliability by maintaining a virtual connection that coordinates actions between autonomous and human-operated vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback communication between the pilot vehicle control module and the driverless vehicle control module. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring and coordination during transitions between autonomous and human operation, enhancing safety by ensuring both vehicles are aware of each other's state and intentions
3Strength
If physical coupling is used to connect vehicles, then mechanical connection is established, but the risk of injuries during connecting and disconnecting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with an electronic communication system. The digital tethering establishes a virtual connection between vehicles through data communication, eliminating the need for physical coupling mechanisms and thereby removing the injury risk associated with mechanical connecting and disconnecting operations
4Power
If traditional tractor configurations are used, then propulsion and control are provided, but energy consumption increases due to heavy driver cabins and larger vehicle size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driver cabin from the driverless vehicle, removing the heavy and energy-intensive component. The pilot vehicle retains the driver cabin for human operation, while the driverless vehicle operates without it, reducing its weight and energy consumption during autonomous operation while maintaining overall propulsion capability through the convoy system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a convoy including a pilot vehicle and a driverless vehicle is presented. It includes electronically tethering the driverless vehicle to the pilot vehicle by establishing communication between a pilot vehicle control module and a driverless vehicle control module. It further includes receiving a longitudinal control user input in the pilot vehicle control module and communicating a longitudinal motion request from the pilot vehicle control module to the driverless vehicle control module, the longitudinal motion request being indicative of the longitudinal control user input. It finally includes controlling a propulsion and braking system of the driverless vehicle in response to the longitudinal motion request received from the pilot vehicle and controlling a propulsion and braking system of the pilot vehicle, while tethered to the driverless vehicle, to maintain a target longitudinal clearance from the driverless vehicle.