Autonomous Vehicle Control for Freight Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems for autonomous transport vehicles do not effectively prevent freight collapse across various situations, including loading, unloading, uphill, and downhill travel, as they require separate deceleration and stopping settings and lack comprehensive solutions for preventing freight instability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus equipped with a load unit, weight sensors to estimate the center of mass, and a control unit that adjusts acceleration rates and movement directions based on the center of mass measurements to prevent freight collapse, using a combination of weight sensors and a control system to manage acceleration, deceleration, and turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate deceleration and stopping settings are used, then stopping accuracy is improved, but control complexity increases and freight collapse prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate deceleration and stopping control into a unified control system that manages both functions simultaneously. The control unit integrates center of mass position data with acceleration rate control to handle multiple operational scenarios (loading, unloading, uphill, downhill, turning) through a single coordinated control mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously adjusting acceleration rates based on real-time center of mass position measurements. The control system adapts acceleration parameters according to the vehicle's operational state and load distribution, enabling precise stopping and deceleration without requiring separate fixed settings for each scenario.
2Stability of the object's composition
If acceleration rate is controlled based on center of mass position, then freight stability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously measuring the center of mass position using weight sensors and using this information to adjust acceleration rates. The control unit receives real-time data about load distribution and modifies vehicle acceleration accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains freight stability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical restraint systems with a control-based approach. Instead of using additional mechanical devices to secure freight, the system uses intelligent control of acceleration rates based on center of mass position, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and control algorithms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If direction of movement is adjusted on inclination, then freight collapse is prevented, but vehicle operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the direction of movement before the vehicle encounters significant inclination effects. The control unit proactively modifies the travel path or orientation based on detected slope conditions and center of mass position, preventing freight instability before it occurs rather than correcting it after the fact, thus minimizing additional operation time.
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
The system effectively prevents freight collapse by dynamically adjusting acceleration rates and movement directions, ensuring the center of mass remains stable across different terrains and conditions, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor for estimating a position of a center of mass of the load
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control apparatus is provided. The vehicle control apparatus comprises a load unit for loading a load; a weight sensor for estimating a position of a center of mass of the load; a drive unit; and a control unit for controlling autonomous travelling of a vehicle by controlling the drive unit, wherein the control unit estimates a position of the center of mass of the load based on a weight measured by the weight sensor, and controls an acceleration rate of the vehicle in accordance with the position of the center of mass.