{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "description": "The technology relates to autonomous vehicles having hitched or towed trailers for transporting cargo and other items between locations. Aspects of the technology provide a smart hitch connection between the fifth-wheel of a tractor unit and the kingpin of a trailer. This avoids requiring a person…",
  "path": "/patents/1348132",
  "publishedAt": "2023-07-27T00:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "at://did:plc:oql6ds5vnff4ugar6rruliwd/site.standard.publication/3mn3ohu7oxx5w",
  "tags": [
    "B62D53/125",
    "WAYMO LLC"
  ],
  "textContent": "The technology relates to autonomous vehicles having hitched or towed trailers for transporting cargo and other items between locations. Aspects of the technology provide a smart hitch connection between the fifth-wheel of a tractor unit and the kingpin of a trailer. This avoids requiring a person to make physical pneumatic and electrical connections between the fifth-wheel and kingpin using external hoses and cables. Instead, the necessary connections are made internally, autonomously. For instance, the fifth-wheel may provide air pressure via one or more slots arranged on a connection surface, and the trailer is configured to receive the air pressure through one or more openings on a contact surface of the kingpin. An electrical connection section of the fifth-wheel may also provide electrical signals and/or power to an electrical contact interface of the kingpin. Rotational information about relative alignment of the trailer to the tractor unit may also be provided.",
  "title": "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC AIR AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ON AUTONOMOUS CARGO VEHICLES"
}