Patent ID: 8033349
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: B60L,B60W,B62D,G05D,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a battery-powered vehicle having steerable wheels and a power steering system, a motor electrically coupled to the battery for powering vehicle traction wheels and a controllable vehicle suspension system for vertically adjusting the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: determining vehicle position relative to a stationary element of an electrical connector for a utility power grid; determining a position of a second element of the electrical connector supported on the vehicle; determining relative positions of the stationary element and the second connector element using x-axis, y-axis and z-axis coordinates; using the motor to incrementally advance the position of the vehicle in an x-axis direction on a heading toward the stationary connector element; using the power steering system to guide the vehicle toward the stationary connector element as vehicle y-axis position adjustments are made to align the connector elements; and using the vehicle controllable suspension system to adjust the vehicle incrementally in a z-axis direction as vehicle position adjustments are made to align the connector elements; the vehicle thereby being maneuvered with a heading in an auto-seek mode to mechanically connect the connector elements.