Mechanical Arm Refueling Interface for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in refueling due to the lack of infrastructure designed to support energy supply, leading to reduced travel range and loss of functionality.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply station computer and remote computer system facilitate autonomous vehicle refueling through sensor detection, virtual interface control, and mechanical arm operation, enabling energy delivery to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicles use traditional refueling methods designed for human-controlled vehicles, then the refueling process cannot be completed without human intervention, but this results in loss of functionality and reduced travel range for autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs refueling operations independently without human intervention. The vehicle's system detects the energy supply station, positions itself correctly, and completes the coupling and refueling process automatically through its own control systems and sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an energy supply station with a mechanical arm as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle and the energy source. The mechanical arm facilitates the coupling process by precisely positioning the energy delivery receptacle to contact the vehicle's energy input receptacle, enabling automated refueling.
2Extent of automation
If infrastructure is designed to support autonomous vehicle refueling with mechanical arms and virtual interfaces, then automated energy supply is enabled, but the device complexity and infrastructure cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply station is designed with multi-functionality to handle various autonomous vehicle types and energy sources. The mechanical arm and coupling mechanisms can adapt to different vehicle configurations, making the infrastructure versatile rather than specialized for a single vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors and detection mechanisms that provide real-time feedback during the refueling process. The autonomous vehicle detects the energy supply station's position and status, while the station's sensors monitor the coupling process, enabling automated adjustments and ensuring proper connection before energy transfer begins.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional gas station infrastructure is used without modifications, then infrastructure cost is minimized, but autonomous vehicles cannot complete the refueling process independently
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs preliminary actions to prepare for refueling by detecting the energy supply station's location, navigating to the correct position, and positioning its energy input receptacle for coupling before the actual refueling process begins. This preliminary preparation enables seamless automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling process is segmented into distinct phases: detection of the energy supply station, navigation and positioning, coupling of the energy delivery and input receptacles, and execution of the energy transfer. This segmentation allows each phase to be independently controlled and monitored, ensuring reliable automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy supply station can include a mechanical arm, an energy delivery receptacle, and one or more processors. The processors can be configured to detect an arrival of a vehicle at the energy supply station; transmit an indication of the arrival to a remote computer, causing activation of a virtual interface; and move the mechanical arm, based on input at the virtual interface, to cause the energy delivery receptacle to contact or couple with an energy input receptacle of the vehicle.