Radio-Based Vehicle Coupling Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for autonomously coupling vehicles are unreliable due to sensitivity to changing light conditions and dirt, especially when no driver is present to intervene during the coupling process.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device equipped with a transceiver unit and transponders that use radio-based locating to detect the position of the other vehicle, providing precise distance measurement and additional information about the vehicle type, preventing incorrect coupling attempts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an image sensor is used for detecting the position of the other vehicle, then the system can provide visual information for coupling, but the detection reliability deteriorates under changing light conditions and dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity to light conditions and dirt

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical image sensor system with a radio-based detection system using transceivers and transponders. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of light conditions and dirt on detection reliability, as radio waves are not affected by these environmental factors. The transceiver unit on the first vehicle communicates with the transponder on the second vehicle to determine position and distance for coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If autonomous coupling is implemented without driver intervention, then productivity increases, but the system requires high detection precision to prevent incorrect coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidposition detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs radio-based time-of-flight measurement between transceiver and transponder to achieve high-precision distance measurement for autonomous coupling. This method provides accurate real-time position data necessary for automated operations without driver intervention, enabling the system to determine when vehicles are correctly positioned for coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses transponders that contain encoded information about vehicle type and coupling compatibility. This information copying allows the system to verify whether the second vehicle is suitable for coupling with the first vehicle, preventing incorrect coupling attempts and enabling reliable autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional information about vehicle type is stored in the transponder, then coupling compatibility verification is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle type recognition capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transponder serves multiple functions: it reflects radio signals for distance measurement, stores vehicle type information for compatibility verification, and provides coupling guidance data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures reliable and precise coupling of vehicles independently of environmental influences, enhancing safety and accuracy in autonomous vehicle operations.

Implementation Method 1

on the at least one reference point there can be fastened a transponder, which reflects a radio signal of the transceiver unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The locating results from a measuring of the travel time of radio signals, initiated by the transceiver unit, which signals are received, processed, and reflected by the transponder. From the measurement of the travel time of the radio signal, the direct distance from the transponder to the transceiver unit can be determined in real time.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11034200B2Device for detecting the position of a first or second vehicle to be coupled together

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 JOST WERKE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

A device for detecting the position of a first or second vehicle to be coupled together, having a sensor device which can be arranged on the first or second vehicle and which detects at least one reference point of the other second or first vehicle using sensors. A device for detecting the position of a first or second vehicle to be coupled together, said device allowing an operationally reliable and precise coupling regardless of present environmental influences. The sensor device has at least one transceiver unit, and the at least one reference point can be equipped with a transponder which reflects a radio signal of the transceiver unit.