Autonomous Vehicle Hatch Orientation for Obstacle-Aware Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accessing their surroundings due to environmental constraints, such as obstacles, which can hinder efficient loading and unloading of passengers or cargo, as traditional door mechanisms do not adapt to contextual needs.
Innovation Solution
A contextual accessway opening system that determines the need for access point orientation based on environmental and historical data, utilizing a multi-hinged door with various hinge arrangements and actuators to adjust the door's orientation for optimal access, such as creating a ramp or stairs, to accommodate specific tasks and terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed door mechanisms are used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot adapt to environmental constraints and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The door mechanism is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The door can change its orientation and configuration based on environmental constraints and operational needs, allowing it to adapt to obstacles and optimize access pathways while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows the door to create complex access pathways by arranging individual segments in different configurations, enabling adaptation to environmental constraints without requiring an entirely complex mechanism.
2Productivity
If the door is oriented optimally for access, then loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage from obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the environment and pre-positions the door segments to optimal orientations before loading or unloading operations begin. This advance preparation ensures efficient access pathways are established while avoiding obstacles that could cause damage, allowing productivity improvement without increasing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The door positioning system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor environmental conditions and adjust door orientation in real-time. This feedback allows the system to optimize access efficiency while detecting and avoiding obstacles that could pose damage risks, balancing productivity and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hinge arrangements are used to create ramps and stairs, then access capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that can create various configurations including ramps, stairs, and standard door openings. By using a standardized hinge design that performs multiple functions, the system enhances access capability while controlling overall complexity through component standardization rather than requiring specialized mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for contextual accessway opening is provided. The embodiment may include determining an occurrence of an activity utilizing a vehicle access point is to occur within a preconfigured period of time. The embodiment may also include identifying a contextual orientation of a door of the vehicle access point based on environmental data and historical data. The embodiment may further include generating a plan to orient the door according to the identified contextual orientation. The embodiment may also include performing the generated plan.