Towable Autonomous Dray for EV Towing Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicles, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), lack the necessary towing capacity to haul large trailers, leading to the need for larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs, which are often environmentally unfriendly and not always necessary for daily commutes.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered, unmanned vehicle (Towable Autonomous Dray or TOAD) that follows a conventional vehicle to tow trailers, providing additional hauling capacity without requiring fully autonomous technology, using a liquid/gaseous fueled power plant and mechanical or electrical coupling to transmit power, and communicating vehicle dynamics wirelessly or manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If EVs or HEVs are used for daily commuting, then environmental friendliness and fuel efficiency are improved, but towing capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the towing function into a separate autonomous module (TOAD) that attaches to the EV/HEV. The passenger vehicle maintains its lightweight, environmentally-friendly design while the dedicated towing module provides the necessary hauling capacity, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and towing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The TOAD acts as an intermediary between the EV/HEV and the trailer. It receives power from the passenger vehicle's battery, provides the mechanical force needed for towing, and enables the environmentally-friendly vehicle to perform heavy-duty tasks without compromising its core advantages.
2Force
If trucks or SUVs are used for towing, then towing capacity is improved, but environmental friendliness and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a large truck or SUV for occasional towing, the system segments the vehicle into a lightweight passenger vehicle for daily use and a separate autonomous towing module deployed only when needed. This eliminates the need to maintain a gas-guzzling vehicle for rare towing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the vehicle configuration based on towing needs. The TOAD module attaches to the EV/HEV only when towing is required, transforming the vehicle's capability temporarily without permanently increasing its size or environmental impact.
3Force
If a pickup truck is purchased for occasional towing needs, then towing capacity is improved, but cost and difficulty of ownership increase
Solution Approach 1:
The TOAD module provides universal towing capability that can attach to various passenger vehicles (EVs, HEVs, gas cars). This multi-functional approach allows one autonomous unit to serve multiple vehicle types and multiple towing scenarios, eliminating the need to own a dedicated pickup truck.
Solution Approach 2:
The TOAD is an autonomous vehicle that self-navigates, self-steers, and self-manages the towing operation. It communicates with the passenger vehicle's systems and operates independently, reducing the complexity of ownership compared to manually operating a large truck.
4Extent of automation
If fully autonomous vehicle technology is implemented, then autonomous towing capability is improved, but device complexity and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial autonomy focused specifically on the towing function rather than full vehicle autonomy. The TOAD handles autonomous navigation and towing control, while the passenger vehicle remains manually operated for non-towing purposes, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired autonomous towing capability.
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
Enables vehicles with lower towing capacities, such as EVs and HEVs, to handle towing tasks efficiently, reducing the need for larger, less environmentally friendly vehicles and lowering energy consumption by providing a semi-autonomous towing solution that can replace a significant number of pickup trucks.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid/gaseous fueled power plant may provide power that may be sent to the pilot vehicle or unit wheels mechanically and/or electrically
Implementation Method 2
A mechanical transmission and/or an electrical coupling may be utilized to transmit power
Implementation Method 3
power may be sent by utilizing a hydraulic system in embodiments of the present disclosure
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned and self-powered vehicle or Towable Autonomous Dray (TOAD) may follow a vehicle and tow a trailer, haul a load, and/or recharge a pilot vehicle. The TOAD may be semi-autonomous and may attach to a pilot vehicle by an electronic identification. Further, wireless charging of the pilot vehicle may be provided by the TOAD. Smart trailer brakes, electric trailer axles, and a mechanically coupled tow vehicle may be provided by the TOAD in combination with additional units. A smart trailer controller may include a smart head unit and a smart tail unit in a trailer that may offer trailer security and increased safety. A smart trailer brake controller on the pilot vehicle and a smart module on the trailer may be applied where no unmanned vehicle is employed, such as, in a classic pick-up/trailer combination.