Electronic Convoy Tethering for Pilot-Led Driverless Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-truck tractor-trailer configurations are inefficient and costly, with human drivers responsible for controlling the convoy, and partially autonomous trucks face challenges in transitioning between operational domains, necessitating improved operation and flexibility in autonomous truck systems.
Innovation Solution
A method of digitally coupling a pilot vehicle with a driverless truck through on-board data processing and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, allowing a human driver to control both vehicles, simulating a physical connection and maintaining a target longitudinal clearance, enabling flexible and efficient convoy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple vehicles are equipped with full autonomous driving systems and sensors, then each vehicle can operate independently, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous driving system is segmented into two roles: a pilot vehicle with full autonomous capabilities and follower vehicles with simplified teleoperation interfaces. This segmentation allows the complex autonomous system to be concentrated in one vehicle while followers use simpler, more cost-effective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot vehicle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a regular autonomous vehicle and a control station for the entire convoy. The pilot vehicle's autonomous system not only navigates itself but also controls the follower vehicles, eliminating the need for redundant autonomous systems in each follower.
2Device complexity
If follower vehicles have limited visibility and control capabilities, then system cost is reduced, but safety and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot vehicle acts as an intermediary between the operator and the follower vehicles. The operator controls the pilot vehicle directly, and the pilot vehicle's autonomous system mediates control signals to the follower vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable operation despite their limited onboard capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through electronic tethering between the pilot and follower vehicles. The follower vehicles transmit sensor data and status information back to the pilot vehicle, allowing the autonomous system to monitor and adjust control signals in real-time to maintain safety.
3Productivity
If vehicles travel in close proximity to maximize road capacity, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical distance maintenance with electronic communication and software-based control. Instead of relying on physical spacing and human reaction times, the electronic tethering system transmits control signals and sensor data between vehicles, enabling precise distance maintenance and collision avoidance through software algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower vehicles autonomously maintain safe distances from the pilot vehicle through electronic control signals. The autonomous system continuously adjusts the follower vehicles' positioning and speed based on real-time data, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining safety margins.
Data Source
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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.