Vehicle Convoy Joining via Wireless Marshaling Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current standards for vehicle marshaling, such as those by ETSI and SAE, lack automated solutions for vehicle onboarding, leading to delays and inefficiencies in marshaling processes, especially when supporting multiple features like plant marshaling, depot marshaling, and electric vehicle charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables a new vehicle to join an existing automated vehicle marshaling convoy using wireless communication, where the vehicle transmits a request to the infrastructure system, receives routing-localization information, and controls its sub-systems to enter the convoy based on this information and a marshaling message, eliminating the need for manual operators and addressing synchronization issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operators are used for vehicle onboarding in marshaling processes, then vehicle joining can be controlled and coordinated, but delays occur in vehicle marshaling and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system autonomously transmits its current location and snapshot information to the infrastructure system, receives routing-localization information, and controls its own sub-systems to join the marshaling convoy without manual operator intervention. The infrastructure system automatically processes the join request and provides routing guidance, enabling the vehicle to self-onboard into the convoy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coordination with wireless communication systems. The vehicle system uses sensors to detect location, transmits data via wireless communication, receives routing information digitally, and automatically controls steering and propulsion sub-systems to join the convoy, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electronic control.
2Productivity
If automated vehicle onboarding is implemented, then productivity and speed of marshaling are improved, but system complexity increases due to wireless communication and automated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The infrastructure system serves multiple functions: it receives join requests from vehicles, processes location data, calculates routing-localization information, manages permission validation, and communicates with the marshaling convoy. The vehicle system also performs multiple functions including self-location detection, wireless communication, route following, and autonomous control of sub-systems, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Loss of time
If vehicles join convoy before full assembly, then marshaling time is reduced and productivity improved, but reliability and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system detects its current location and prepares join requests before full assembly is complete. The infrastructure system pre-calculates routing-localization information and validates permissions in advance, allowing the vehicle to begin the joining process early. The automated control system continuously monitors and adjusts vehicle trajectory to ensure safe integration into the convoy even before complete assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting a request to join a marshaling convoy, receiving routing-localization information in response to the request, and controlling one or more sub-systems within a vehicle to enter a marshaling convoy based on the routing-localization information and a marshaling message, wherein the marshaling message causes the marshaling convoy to accommodate the vehicle.