Systems and methods for automatic air and electrical connections on autonomous cargo vehicles
US11643154B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The technology relates to autonomous vehicles having hitched or towed trailers for transporting cargo and other items between locations. Aspects of the technology provide a smart hitch connection between the fifth-wheel of a tractor unit and the kingpin of a trailer. This avoids requiring a person to make physical pneumatic and electrical connections between the fifth-wheel and kingpin using external hoses and cables. Instead, the necessary connections are made internally, autonomously. For instance, the fifth-wheel may provide air pressure via one or more slots arranged on a connection surface, and the trailer is configured to receive the air pressure through one or more openings on a contact surface of the kingpin. An electrical connection section of the fifth-wheel may also provide electrical signals and/or power to an electrical contact interface of the kingpin. Rotational information about relative alignment of the trailer to the tractor unit may also be provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.