Patent map (source: thedrive.com)
This tool is somewhat similar to the aerial gas station used on the plane. It is not clear whether the system is only suitable for stationary vehicles, or whether it can still work when the vehicles are driving. However, for safety reasons, it may only apply to stopped vehicles. As can be seen from the patent drawing, the self-driving tool is very close to the vehicle being refueled/charged, which may mean that the vehicle has stopped.
The patent shows that this system can be used for self-driving vehicles, but it does not mean that it cannot be used for ordinary vehicles. However, this idea of helping each other is very good. In addition, it is said that the system can theoretically use any fuel, such as hydrogen, gasoline and electricity. Moreover, the patent also introduces a method in detail, which can make the vehicle refuel many times during driving, and then return to refuel to improve efficiency. Therefore, the vehicle can use a lighter fuel load to improve efficiency without only being equipped with batteries.
Patent map (source: thedrive.com)
According to reports, this self-driving tool will use GPS to find vehicles, and then use a series of sensors such as proximity sensors to find ports for refueling or charging vehicles to extend the cruising range of the car. However, the document does not indicate that the driver needs to do this to make the system work, but the driver definitely needs to open the fuel port or the charging port, because different vehicles will have different configurations. Unless Toyota designs a standardized system that allows self-driving tools to open any type of fuel or charging port, drivers (or computers) must participate.
Finally, when this technology will be put into use is still unknown.
This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.