Soft Hitch Platooning for In-Transit Fuel and Charge Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-distance vehicle travel is hindered by frequent refueling and recharging stops, leading to increased driver downtime and travel duration due to the need for periodic refueling of large fuel tanks in commercial vehicles and periodic recharging of electric and hybrid electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A soft hitch vehicle platooning system that enables physical and electrical connection between vehicles, allowing for the transfer of electrical charge and fuel between lead and lag vehicles, reducing the need for frequent stops through autonomous control and communication between vehicles using a processor and non-transitory computer-readable memory for charging control operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If vehicles travel long distances with large fuel tanks and battery capacity, then range is improved, but vehicle weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vehicles into a platoon configuration where they travel together in a coordinated manner. This merging of vehicles allows them to share resources including fuel and electrical charge, enabling each vehicle to operate with smaller individual fuel tanks and batteries while maintaining extended operational range through the collective resource pool of the platoon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary resource sharing system within the platoon where fuel and electrical charge can be transferred between vehicles. This intermediary mechanism allows vehicles to replenish their energy supplies from neighboring vehicles in the platoon rather than carrying large onboard reserves, effectively reducing individual vehicle weight while maintaining range.
2Duration of action of moving object
If vehicles carry large fuel tanks and batteries for long-distance travel, then range is improved, but refueling and recharging stops are still required periodically, increasing driver downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing vehicles in the platoon to transfer fuel and electrical charge while traveling together. This continuous resource sharing eliminates the need for periodic stops at refueling or recharging stations, as vehicles can top up their supplies on-the-go from other platoon members, thereby maintaining continuous useful action without interruption to the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The platoon system provides self-service capabilities where vehicles can replenish their own fuel and electrical charge supplies by receiving transfers from other vehicles within the platoon. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external refueling or recharging infrastructure stops, allowing vehicles to maintain their operational supplies autonomously while traveling in the platoon configuration.
3Ease of operation
If vehicles travel in isolation, then operational simplicity is maintained, but range and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource carrying function across multiple vehicles in the platoon rather than requiring each individual vehicle to carry all necessary fuel and charge for the entire journey. This segmentation allows each vehicle to operate with smaller, simpler onboard reserves while the collective platoon provides the extended range capability through coordinated resource sharing.
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
This system reduces range anxiety and driver downtime by enabling vehicles to travel longer distances without the need for frequent refueling or recharging, increasing driver uptime by allowing lag vehicles to follow a lead vehicle and share electrical charge and fuel efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the first hitch includes a magnet and the first hitch and the second hitch are magnetically coupled via the magnet when the first hitch and the second hitch are connected
Implementation Method 2
the contact surface is elastomeric
Implementation Method 3
The instructions include providing an electrical charge to the second vehicle from the first vehicle and providing the electrical charge to the first vehicle from the second vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first hitch provided on a first vehicle and configured to connect to a second hitch provided on a second vehicle. The system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable memory comprising instructions that are executable by the processor. The instructions include determining whether the first hitch is connected to the second hitch. The instructions include performing a charging control operation based on the determination of whether the first hitch is connected to the second hitch.