Mobile Fuel Station Refueling Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle refueling methods are inefficient, requiring drivers to travel long distances to reach stationary refueling stations, leading to wasted time and fuel, especially for autonomous vehicles which could benefit from a more convenient and efficient refueling system.
Innovation Solution
A mobile refueling system that uses communication between vehicles and a network to locate and dispatch a mobile fuel station equipped with separate fuel reservoirs and hybrid fuel lines, allowing for autonomous refueling without manual intervention, along with data analysis to optimize service routes and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a stationary refueling station is used, then the refueling infrastructure is simple and cost-effective, but vehicle users must travel long distances and waste fuel to reach the station
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having vehicles travel to stationary refueling stations, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the refueling station to the vehicles. The mobile refueling station travels to where vehicles are located, eliminating the need for users to travel long distances and reducing fuel waste associated with seeking refueling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditionally stationary refueling station into a mobile platform that can dynamically relocate to serve vehicles. This dynamic capability allows the refueling station to adapt to vehicle locations and refueling demands, reducing the inefficiency of fixed-location refueling infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If manual refueling procedures are required, then the refueling process is simple and direct, but user convenience and user-friendliness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous refueling capability where the system can perform refueling operations without manual user intervention. The mobile refueling station and vehicle systems can automatically communicate, locate each other, and execute the refueling process, thereby increasing user convenience while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicle technologies are implemented, then driving efficiency and convenience are improved, but the lack of mobile refueling infrastructure limits their operational autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile refueling station is designed to serve multiple vehicle types and fuel requirements, providing a universal refueling solution that adapts to different autonomous vehicle needs. This multi-functional capability ensures that autonomous vehicles can maintain their operational efficiency regardless of the specific refueling context or vehicle type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method whereby a mobile fuel station may refuel vehicles is disclosed. Fuel reservoirs are provided in a mobile fuel station that may store fuel and dispense fuel through a hybrid fuel line. Fuel nozzles are provided which can be detachably connected to the hybrid fuel line and can measure and display fuel dispensed from the mobile fuel station. Communication devices and a network are provided that allow a vehicle and a mobile fuel station to communicate location and status information wirelessly with the network. The network uses vehicle location data to create an optimized fueling path and predict vehicle refueling locations. A prepay deposit account or other automatic payment services that allow refueling and maintenance services to be provided at a user's convenience are also disclosed and claimed herein.