Freight Drafting Coordination to Cut Fuel Loss and Wait Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of drafting techniques among freight vehicles is hindered by logistical challenges, including limited coordination and communication among independent freight operators, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A network computer system that monitors and coordinates drafting arrangements between freight operators, optimizing routes, reducing wait times, and enhancing fuel efficiency by matching operators for maximum drafting time and minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If independent freight operators attempt to coordinate drafting arrangements manually, then fuel efficiency can be improved through drafting, but coordination complexity and communication overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that coordinates drafting arrangements between multiple freight operators. The server receives location and route data from operators, calculates optimal drafting pairings, and communicates instructions back to operators. This centralizes the coordination function, reducing the communication overhead that would otherwise exist between all pairs of operators directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual coordination and communication mechanisms with an automated computer-based system. The server uses algorithms to automatically match operators for drafting based on their location, route, and other parameters, eliminating the need for operators to manually communicate and negotiate drafting arrangements.
2Loss of energy
If freight operators wait for optimal drafting opportunities, then fuel efficiency improves, but wait time and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and identifications of optimal drafting arrangements in advance. The server continuously monitors operator locations and routes, pre-calculating potential drafting opportunities before operators arrive at specific locations. This allows operators to be informed of upcoming drafting opportunities ahead of time, reducing unplanned wait times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system that continuously adjusts drafting arrangements based on real-time operator locations, routes, and preferences. The server can modify drafting pairings and instructions on-the-fly as conditions change, optimizing the balance between fuel efficiency gains and time loss by adapting to current operational conditions rather than using fixed, pre-planned arrangements.
3Loss of energy
If multiple freight operators are coordinated for drafting arrangements, then overall fuel efficiency increases, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication channels into a single centralized communication system. Instead of operators needing to communicate directly with each other in a many-to-many fashion, all communication passes through the central server, which consolidates information about multiple operators and their routes, then communicates only relevant pairing information to each operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server acts as an intermediary that manages information flow between multiple operators. It collects route and location data from all operators, processes this information to identify optimal drafting pairs, and then communicates only the necessary drafting instructions to each relevant operator, filtering out unnecessary information and reducing overall communication overhead.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system facilitates safer and more efficient drafting practices by improving coordination, reducing downtime, and enhancing fuel efficiency, thereby addressing the logistical and safety challenges faced by independent freight operators.
Implementation Method 1
Drafting, sometimes referred to as platooning or slipstreaming, is a common technique that can be used by vehicles of different types to reduce air resistance or drag. In the context of freight vehicles, drafting occurs when one freight vehicle closely trails another freight vehicle on a roadway. In such an arrangement, the movement of a first freight vehicle creates a slipstream with a low-pressure zone that is positioned behind the vehicle, allowing a second vehicle to trail in the low-pressure zone of the first vehicle to reduce air drag.
Data Source
AI summary
A network computer system can monitor a plurality of mobile computing devices to determine a current location of a corresponding freight operator of a plurality of freight operators. The network computer system can record the current location of each of the plurality of freight operators in a data store of the set of memory resources. Additionally, the network computer system can repeatedly query the data store to determine when at least two freight operators of the plurality of freight operators that satisfy a set of drafting conditions. The set of drafting conditions including a proximity condition as between the at least two freight operators and a candidate commencement location in response to the determination, the network computer system can implement a drafting arrangement between the at least two freight operators.