Autonomous Utility Vehicle Handover in Restricted Loading Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for operating commercial vehicles are inadequate for handling special maneuvers in unique, limited areas such as loading stations or goods courts, leading to inefficiencies and increased accident risks due to driver insecurity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handover module, a movement module, and an implementation module that enables a driverless commercial vehicle to autonomously navigate and perform actions within a limited area, including loading and unloading, maintenance, and refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driver manually operates the commercial vehicle in restricted areas, then the driver can perform special maneuvers, but the driver feels unsafe and loses time due to unfamiliarity with the area
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the commercial vehicle to autonomously perform maneuvers in restricted areas without driver intervention. The autonomous driving system navigates the vehicle through loading stations and goods courts, eliminating the time loss and safety issues associated with manual operation in unfamiliar areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system (driver operating the vehicle) with an autonomous driving system that uses sensors, processors, and control algorithms to navigate the vehicle. This substitution eliminates the human element's limitations in terms of speed and safety perception.
2Productivity
If the driver manually maneuvers the vehicle in special areas, then the vehicle can be controlled, but the driver's working time is reduced and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous driving system allows the vehicle to service itself by performing navigation and maneuvering tasks without driver intervention. This frees the driver from low-value tasks and increases the vehicle's operational efficiency and utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-plans routes and maneuvers through restricted areas, allowing the vehicle to execute complex navigation tasks automatically. This preliminary planning enables the driver to focus on higher-value tasks while the autonomous system handles routine navigation.
3Extent of automation
If existing autonomous systems are used, then navigation is automated, but the driver retains responsibility and the system only performs simple vehicle controls
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous driving system fully assumes responsibility for vehicle operation in restricted areas. The system independently makes decisions about navigation, maneuvering, and safety, completely transferring control from the driver and eliminating driver responsibility for these operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for operating a driverless utility vehicle (10) in a restricted region. The restricted region has an entry (21), an exit (22), and a specified destination (201). The system comprises a transfer module (110) for transferring control of the utility vehicle (10) from the driver of the utility vehicle (10) to the system (100) at the entry (21) and from the system (100) to the driver of the utility vehicle (10) at the exit (22). The system (100) additionally comprises a movement module (120) for autonomously moving the utility vehicle (10) from the entry (21) to the specified destination (201) and from the specified destination (201) to the exit (22) and an execution module (130) for autonomously handling the utility vehicle (10) while the utility vehicle (10) is located at a specified destination (201) in order to change a state of the utility vehicle (10) by means of the handling process.