Methods and systems for semi-autonomous vehicular convoys
AssigneePeloton Technology, Inc.
InventorsJoshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.
Claims20
A convoy-capable vehicle equipped with a computerized vehicular convoying control system, the convoy-capable vehicle comprising:
- a computerized convoying controller coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) and configured to monitor and control acceleration and deceleration of the convoy-capable vehicle;
- a transceiver configured to facilitate communications between the convoy-capable vehicle and at least one other convoy-capable vehicle, wherein
- the vehicle additionally has an aerodynamic design optimized for the purpose of convoying.
An aerodynamic aid for optimizing airflow over a tractor trailer truck comprising:
- one or more accessories on one or more of:
- the top, bottom, sides, front, and back of the tractor trailer truck,
- said one or more accessories being adjustable to convert between configurations such that the truck is one of:
- a lead vehicle in a platoon, a following vehicle in a platoon, or a solitary traveling vehicle.
A method for optimizing the airflow over a first vehicle while the first vehicle is engaged in a convoy with a second vehicle, comprising:
- determining the convoy status of the first vehicle to be one of:
- a lead vehicle in a platoon, a following vehicle in a platoon, or a solitary traveling vehicle, and
- adjusting an adjustable aerodynamic aid to settings that correspond to the determined convoy status.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.