Modular Payload Interface for Safe Autonomous Vehicle Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in integrating payloads with varying specifications due to hardware constraints and the risk of accidental connection to incorrect ports, which can cause damage from overvoltage and require manual software/hardware modifications.
Innovation Solution
A system with modular payload connection ports and a payload interface that auto-detects and adjusts communication protocols and voltage levels using a user device and remote servers, enabling seamless integration of payloads with auto-detected or manual mode settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual software/hardware modifications are required to connect new components, then integration precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection port is divided into multiple independent pins, each capable of being individually enabled or disabled through software control. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary connection points for each payload type, achieving precise integration without requiring manual hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the connection port by enabling or disabling specific pins based on the detected payload type and communication protocol. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical port to serve multiple functions with different connection requirements, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection port is designed as a universal interface that can support multiple communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, UART) through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware interfaces for each protocol. This multi-functionality achieves broad protocol compatibility while maintaining a single physical port design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which pins are enabled, communication speed, data format) based on the detected protocol type. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed hardware configurations, the system achieves protocol versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If all pins are always enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental connection to wrong ports
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting the payload type and pre-configuring which pins should be enabled before the connection is made. This prevents accidental activation of incorrect pins by establishing the proper configuration in advance based on payload identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from payload detection (through identification circuits or communication handshaking) to determine which pins should be enabled. This closed-loop approach ensures that pins are activated only when appropriate for the connected payload, improving connection safety while maintaining ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for rapid payload interchangeability such as for rapid payload interchangeability in autonomous vehicles. A vehicle may include a payload interface and at least one modular payload connection port. The at least one modular payload connection port may include a plurality of pins. Each of the plurality of pins may be connected to the payload interface. The system may include a user device. For the at least one modular payload connection port, the user device may be configured to receive a user selection of a first communication protocol from a plurality of communication protocols and wirelessly transmit the user selection of the first communication protocol to the payload interface. For the at least one modular payload connection port, the payload interface may be configured to enable only some of the plurality of pins based on the first communication protocol.