Multi-Point Virtual Towing Route Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual towing systems face challenges in maintaining consistency between the paths of trailer and tractor vehicles, especially when they have different starting and destination points, limiting the effectiveness of the towing service.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point virtual towing method where a trailer vehicle is towed by multiple tractor vehicles along segmented routes, with a system that generates and selects optimal tow route schedules based on proposed virtual tow parameters, including link-up and drop-off locations and timeframes, to ensure efficient and reliable transportation from an origin to a destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single tractor vehicle is used for virtual towing, then the system complexity is low, but the ability to serve multiple destinations and optimize routes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual towing service into multiple independent tractor vehicle assignments, where each tractor handles a specific route segment or destination. The system divides the overall towing request into manageable segments that can be assigned to different tractors based on their availability and route compatibility, enabling multi-destination service while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal virtual towing system where a single trailer can be served by multiple different tractor vehicles throughout its journey. The system enables tractors to perform multiple functions by serving different trailers at different times and routes, while the arbitration module provides universal coordination to manage these diverse assignments efficiently.
2Productivity
If multiple tractor vehicles are used for virtual towing, then route optimization and service coverage improve, but the coordination and arbitration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the arbitration module continuously receives status information from multiple tractor vehicles and trailers, evaluates current system state, and dynamically adjusts assignments to optimize routes. This feedback loop enables real-time route optimization while the automated arbitration process manages coordination complexity by systematically processing assignments rather than requiring manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic assignment system where tractor vehicle assignments are not fixed but can be adjusted in real-time based on changing conditions. The arbitration module dynamically reassigns trailers to different tractors, modifies route segments, and optimizes assignments as vehicles become available or conditions change, enabling route optimization while the automated dynamic adjustment reduces coordination complexity compared to static manual assignments.
3Reliability
If virtual towing follows the trailer's complete route, then towing coverage is maximized, but tractor vehicle availability and route consistency become limiting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trailer's complete route into multiple assignable segments that can be distributed among available tractor vehicles. Instead of requiring one tractor to follow the entire route, the system divides the journey into segments that match tractor availability and capabilities, maximizing towing coverage while adapting to vehicle constraints through flexible segment assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The arbitration module acts as an intermediary between the trailer's route requirements and the available tractor vehicles. It mediates by finding optimal matches between trailer segments and tractor capabilities, coordinating multiple tractors to collectively cover the complete route, and managing the complexity of route flexibility versus vehicle availability constraints through centralized intelligent arbitration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of multipoint virtual towing of a trailer vehicle by a plurality of different tractor vehicles is provided. A multi-point virtual tow route schedule is determined which segments a requested trailer tow path into tow segments and distributes the segments among different tractor vehicles optimally achieve the purpose of towing the trailer vehicle from an origin to a destination. A best multi-point virtual tow route schedule is selected from candidate multi-point virtual tow route schedules generated from proposed virtual tow parameters corresponding to prospective tractor vehicles offering tow services. The selected multi-point virtual tow route schedule includes a route origin, a route destination, and a plurality of tow segments each corresponding to an accepted tractor vehicle, a link up location, link up location distance range, a link up timeframe, a drop off location, a drop off location distance range, and a drop off timeframe.