The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Efficient autonomous trucks


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2022-02-08


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    G05D SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES , Systeme zum Steuern oder Regeln nichtelektrischer veränderlicher Größen / B60R Fahrzeuge, Fahrzeugausstattung oder Fahrzeugteile, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen , VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR / B60W CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION , Gemeinsame Steuerung oder Regelung von Fahrzeug-Unteraggregaten verschiedenen Typs oder verschiedener Funktion / B62D MOTOR VEHICLES , Motorfahrzeuge / G01S RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING , Funkpeilung



    EFFICIENT AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS

    PATNAIK VIJAYSAI / GROSSMAN WILLIAM | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    EFFICIENT AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS

    PATNAIK VIJAYSAI / GROSSMAN WILLIAM | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    EFFICIENT AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS

    PATNAIK VIJAYSAI / GROSSMAN WILLIAM | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    Efficient Autonomous Trucks

    PATNAIK VIJAYSAI / GROSSMAN WILLIAM | European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access

    Efficient Autonomous Trucks

    PATNAIK VIJAYSAI / GROSSMAN WILLIAM | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access