Hard-Connected Vehicle Platooning for Reliable Follower Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional commercial vehicle platooning systems rely on wireless communication which is prone to packet loss, delay, and sensor limitations, leading to poor performance and the need for driver intervention, especially when third-party vehicles interfere.
Innovation Solution
Mechanically connecting vehicles in a platoon through hard connects that include a mechanical linkage, sensor units, and a control unit to autonomously control powertrain, steering, and braking systems, allowing data transfer and smooth motion across varying terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless communication is used for vehicle platooning, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to packet loss, delay, and sensor limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical linkage serves as an intermediary physical connection between the lead vehicle and follower vehicle, replacing unreliable wireless communication with direct mechanical signal transmission. The linkage physically couples the vehicles to enable robust data transfer and coordinated control without susceptibility to packet loss or electromagnetic interference.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for vehicle platooning, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens leading to driver intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic/wireless communication systems with a mechanical linkage system that physically connects vehicles. This mechanical substitution provides more reliable signal transmission and control, eliminating the need for driver intervention caused by wireless communication failures, packet loss, or sensor limitations.
3Reliability
If mechanical linkage is added for hard connect, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides physical connection between vehicles, transmits control signals, enables data transfer, and allows for compliant motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high reliability.
4Reliability
If hard connect with mechanical linkage is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation may worsen due to compliance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage incorporates compliance mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of connection characteristics. The linkage can adapt its stiffness and motion characteristics based on operating conditions, terrain variations, and vehicle dynamics, making the compliance aspect manageable and not overly complicating operation while maintaining reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle platooning system includes a lead vehicle including a lead powertrain system, a lead steering system, and a lead breaking system, a follower vehicle including a follower powertrain, a follower steering system, a follower braking system, and a follower vehicle control unit wherein the follower powertrain system, the follower steering system, and the follower braking system are each controllable by the vehicle control unit, and a hard connect including a mechanical linkage physically connected between the lead vehicle and the follower vehicle, a sensor unit, and a hard connect control unit configured to control the operation of the follower powertrain system, the follower steering system, and the follower braking system of the follower vehicle based on sensor data provided to the hard connect control unit by the sensor unit.