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US 11,307,596 B2Granted
Reconfigurable autonomous ground service vehicles and control system
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsSteve G. Mackin, Peter J. Knudsen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ground service vehicle system employs autonomous vehicles that can be reconfigured with interchangeable service modules to provide different services. The autonomous service vehicles can be remotely controlled and dispatched in swarms to provide different services at a location.
Claims20
An autonomous ground service vehicle, comprising:
- a base vehicle configured to operate autonomously, the base vehicle including a drive system and a communication system configured to communicate with a remote station;
- at least one service module releasably coupled with the base vehicle and configured to performing a service;
- and
- wherein the service module includes onboard power operated jacks configured to elevate the service module above a surface when the service module is removed from the base vehicle.
1 more element
An autonomous ground vehicle service system, comprising:
- a plurality of ground service vehicles each reconfigurable to provide differing services, each of the ground service vehicles including an autonomous base vehicle having a drive system and a communication system, each of the autonomous base vehicles further including an autonomous control system configured to operate the autonomous base vehicle autonomously;
- a plurality of service modules each configured provide a service, each of the service modules being further configured to be releasably coupled with any one of the autonomous base vehicles, thereby configuring the autonomous base vehicle to provide a service;
- a control station configured to wirelessly communicate with and coordinate operation of the autonomous base vehicles;
- and
- wherein each of the service modules includes onboard power operated jacks configured to elevate the service module above a surface when the service module is removed from the autonomous base vehicle.
2 more elements
A method of providing ground based services in an airport, comprising:
- directing power driven autonomous vehicles to self-drive to locations of service modules configured to provide services;
- using the autonomous vehicles to direct the service modules to elevate;
- self-driving the autonomous vehicles beneath the service modules;
- lowering the service modules onto the autonomous vehicles;
- coupling the autonomous vehicles with the service modules based on services required to be performed at locations in the airport;
- and
- directing the autonomous vehicles to self-drive to locations in the airport where the services are required to be performed.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.