SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED OPERATION AND HANDLING OF AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS AND TRAILERS HAULED THEREBY

• Main Authors: Smith, Andrew F, Bate, Christopher T, Seminara, Gary Michael, Langenderfer, Stephen A, Rosenblum, Mark H, Nett, Jeremy M, Klein, Lawrence S, Cutter, Michael Patrick, Johannes, Matthew S, Rowley, Dale Dee, Bahl, Vikas, James, Peter, Sotola, Martin E
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 25.04.2024
• Subjects: CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES; HAND TOOLS; MANIPULATORS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLE CONNECTIONS; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.