Gasgoo Auto News? Vehicles breaking down and getting stuck on the side of the road has been a problem since the invention of the automobile. However, according to foreign media reports, Toyota seems to have found a solution and applied for a patent for this. The patent describes a system that uses a self-driving tool to automatically refuel or charge a stalled gasoline or electric vehicle.
Patent image (Image source: thedrive.com)
The tool is somewhat similar to an aerial refueling station for aircraft. It is unclear whether the system will only work with stationary vehicles. , or it can still work when the vehicle is moving. However, for safety reasons, this may only apply to stopped vehicles. As can be seen from the patent images, the self-driving tool is very close to the vehicle that is refueling/charging, which may mean that the vehicle has stopped.
The patent states that such a system can be used in self-driving vehicles, but it does not indicate that it cannot be used in ordinary vehicles. But the idea of ??helping each other is a good one. Additionally, the system is said to theoretically work with any fuel, such as hydrogen, gasoline, and electricity. And the patent also details a method that would allow the vehicle to refuel multiple times while driving, thereby improving efficiency. Therefore, without just having a battery, the vehicle can take advantage of a lighter fuel load to increase efficiency.
Patent diagram (image source: thedrive.com)
According to reports, this self-driving tool will use GPS to find the vehicle, and then use a series of sensors such as proximity sensors to find the vehicle. Ports for refueling or charging to extend the car's range. However, the document does not specify that the driver needs to be hands-on for the system to work, only that the driver will definitely need to open the fuel filler or charging port, because different vehicles will have different configurations. Unless Toyota designs a standardized system that allows the self-driving tool to open any kind of fuel or charging port, the driver (or computer) will have to get involved.
Finally, it is not yet known when this technology will be put into use.
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.