Modular Autonomous Vehicle Units for Scalable Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicles are limited in their functionality and flexibility, often requiring multiple vehicles to handle different tasks and conditions, which restricts their load capacity and adaptability in various operating environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable autonomous vehicle system comprising interchangeable vehicular units with different propulsion systems and control units that can operate independently or synchronously, allowing for flexible configuration and adaptation to various tasks and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous vehicles are designed with fixed size and structure for specific tasks, then task specialization is improved, but adaptability to different tasks and operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle system is divided into multiple independent modular units, each with its own propulsion system and control unit. These units can operate independently for specialized tasks or combine with other units to form larger vehicles for different tasks, resolving the contradiction between task specialization and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular vehicular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow them to function in multiple roles. A single unit type can serve as a standalone vehicle or combine with other units to form larger configurations, enabling one design to perform multiple functions across different task requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of autonomous vehicles is increased to handle various tasks, then task coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple specialized vehicle types, the system uses a fleet of identical or similar modular units that can be dynamically configured. The same unit design covers multiple task requirements by combining with different numbers and types of other units, reducing the variety of components needed and simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicles operate independently, then operational simplicity is improved, but load capacity and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple autonomous vehicular units can automatically merge with each other through standardized interfaces to form larger combined vehicles. When high load capacity is required, units combine their resources; when not needed, they operate independently. This dynamic merging capability allows the system to scale load capacity on-demand without permanently increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous vehicle (AV) systems are disclosed that may be deployed as a single vehicular unit or multiple units that operate synchronously. An AV system may deploy a flexible and scalable number of autonomous vehicles of different sizes, capacities, and propulsion systems that either transport smaller or lighter goods alone or connect with other vehicular units to form a larger, higher capacity vehicle. Each of these units is configured to navigate independently, as well as synchronously with companion units. For example, a unit may be paired with one, two, or three or more other units to provide greater capacity in which to carry goods.