System and method for transmitting wireless vehicle power to a vehicle device with a shift sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of transmitting wireless vehicle power to vehicle devices with offset sensors. A vehicle includes one or more low-load devices and a plurality of magnetic sensors operable between an offset detection mode for measuring a magnetic field of a power transmitting pad and obtaining magnetic field data and a power reception mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting pad to the one or more low-load devices. The vehicle further includes one or more processors and one or more memory modules including a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive the magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors and estimate a lateral offset of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a magnetic axis of the power transmitting pad.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification generally relates to charging systems and methods for dynamic wireless charging of vehicles, and more particularly, to charging systems and methods for utilizing magnetic sensors that estimate lateral misalignment and provide power to vehicle devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Current inductive charging technology for vehicles eliminates the need to plug a cable into the vehicle, as power is transferred wirelessly between a power source and the vehicle. Misalignment between the vehicle and the power source can decrease the efficiency and rate at which energy is transmitted to the vehicle, specifically the power receiving pad of the vehicle, during wireless power transfer from the power source to the vehicle. As a result, the time required to fully charge the vehicle’s battery increases.

[0003] Sensors for detecting misalignment can be useful for determining how misalignment can be minimized. However, these sensors are only configured to detect misalignment, while the power receiving pad is used to receive power from the power source and deliver power to the vehicle’s battery. Therefore, when additional power is needed to power additional devices, such as devices needed during autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, power must be received at the power receiving pad from the power source, and subsequently distributed or transmitted to the additional devices. This places additional stress on the power receiving pad. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more low load devices, a plurality of magnetic sensors operable between a misalignment detection mode for measuring a magnetic field of a power transmitting pad and obtaining magnetic field data and a power reception mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting pad to the one or more low load devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory modules including a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive the magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors and estimate a lateral misalignment of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a magnetic axis of the power transmitting pad.

[0005] In another embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more low load devices, a power receiving pad for wirelessly receiving energy from a power transmitting pad, a plurality of magnetic sensors operable between an offset detection mode for measuring a magnetic field of the power transmitting pad and obtaining magnetic field data and a power receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting pad to the one or more low load devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory modules including a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive the magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors and estimate a lateral offset of the power receiving pad relative to a magnetic axis of the power transmitting pad.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method for providing dynamic wireless power transfer to one or more low load devices of a vehicle includes operating a plurality of magnetic sensors in an offset detection mode, detecting a magnetic field provided by a power transmitting pad using the plurality of magnetic sensors to obtain magnetic field data, using the magnetic field to estimate a lateral offset of a power receiving pad relative to a magnetic axis of the power transmitting pad, and switching the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in a power receiving mode to wirelessly transmit power from the power transmitting pad to the one or more low load devices.

[0007] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, taken with the drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The embodiments set forth in the attached drawings are indicative of the types of embodiments that can be practiced within the scope of the claims. There are, of course, other embodiments of the application that are devoid from the attached drawings that can be practiced within the scope of the claims. The following detailed description, when read in connection with the drawings, will best understand the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments.

[0009] Figure 1 A bottom view of a vehicle including a power receiving system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0010] Figure 2 A power transmitting system and a proximate vehicle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein are schematically depicted;

[0011] Figure 3 A chart indicating individual power outputs of each power transmitting pad of a power transmitting system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0012] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of a power receiving system and a power transmitting system is schematically depicted;

[0013] Figure 5flowcharts depicting operations of a power transmitting system and a power receiving system in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0014] Figure 6 depicted are block diagrams showing computing hardware utilized in one or more devices for implementing various systems and processes in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments described herein relate to vehicles, systems, and methods for utilizing a plurality of magnetic sensors to estimate a lateral offset between a power receiving system on a vehicle and a power transmitting system in a roadway and wirelessly transmitting power from the power transmitting system to low load devices via the plurality of magnetic sensors. As such, the magnetic sensors disclosed herein provide a dual functionality.

[0016] By utilizing the magnetic sensors to transmit power, in addition to the power transmitted by the power receiving disc of the power receiving system, additional power can be transmitted to various components of the vehicle, such as a plurality of low load devices. The low load devices can be devices that are specifically utilized during wireless power transfer from the power transmitting system. As described in greater detail herein, the low load devices can include devices that assist in automatic or semi-automatic driving to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle such that the offset between the vehicle and the power transmitting system can be minimized. Utilizing the magnetic sensors to transmit power to these devices eliminates the need to adjust the power requirements of the power receiving disc and instead utilizes the magnetic sensors to satisfy the additional power requirements.

[0017] As used herein, the term "vehicle longitudinal direction" refers to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the + / - vehicle X direction depicted in Figure 1 FIG. 1). The term "vehicle lateral direction" refers to the direction across the vehicle (i.e., in the + / - vehicle Y direction depicted in Figure 1 FIG. 1) and transverse to the longitudinal vehicle direction. The term "vehicle vertical direction" refers to the up-to-down direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the + / - vehicle Z direction depicted in Figure 1(The depicted directions are in the + / - Z direction of the vehicle). As used herein, "upper" and "above" are defined in the positive Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in the figure. "lower" and "below" are defined in the negative Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in the figure. Furthermore, the terms "outboard" or "outward" as used herein refer to the relative position of an assembly with respect to the vehicle's centerline. The terms "inboard" or "inward" as used herein refer to the relative position of an assembly with respect to the vehicle's centerline. Because vehicle structures can typically be symmetrical about the vehicle's centerline, the directions indicated by the terms "inboard," "inward," "outboard," and "outward" may be mirror images of the vehicle's centerline when evaluating components positioned along opposite sides of the vehicle.

[0018] Typically, the embodiments described herein relate to a vehicle's power receiving system, which generally includes one or more low-load devices and multiple magnetic sensors operable between an offset detection mode for measuring the magnetic field of a power transmitting disk and obtaining magnetic field data, and a power receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting disk to one or more low-load devices. Various embodiments of the system and its operation are described in more detail herein. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the accompanying drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 10 includes a front end 12, a rear end 14, and a body 16 having a bottom surface 18 extending between the front end 12 and the rear end 14 of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 includes a power receiving system 20, which includes components for detecting power transmission from or within the road (such as...). Figure 2 The diagram shows a plurality of magnetic sensors 22 for the magnetic field of the power transmission system 24 (a plurality of power transmitting disks 26 shown and discussed herein), and a power receiving disk 28 for wirelessly receiving power from the power transmission system 24. When referring generally to the power transmitting disk 26, the power transmitting disk may be designated as 26. However, as shown, when referring specifically to the power transmitting disk 26, the power transmitting disk 26 may be designated as a first power transmitting disk 26a, a second power transmitting disk 26b, a third power transmitting disk 26c, etc., which are arranged in the driving direction D. Although reference is made herein to the power receiving disk 28 for wirelessly receiving power from the power transmitting disk 26, it will be understood that the power receiving disk 28 may be capable of receiving power from any known or yet-to-be-developed embodiment of the power transmitting disk (such as existing in-ground systems). In an embodiment, a wireless charging system is provided that includes a power receiving system 20 and a power transmitting system 24 as disclosed herein.

[0020] The vehicle 10 includes at least two magnetic sensors 22 for detecting a magnetic field and measuring the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field provided by each power transmitting pad 26 of the power transmitting system 24. In some embodiments, as shown, the vehicle 10 includes three magnetic sensors 22. However, more or less than three magnetic sensors 22 can be provided. It should be appreciated that providing additional magnetic sensors 22 on the vehicle 10 results in a more accurate estimation of the position of the power transmitting pads 26 relative to the power receiving pad 28. The magnetic sensors 22 can be any suitable magnetic field sensor device capable of detecting the presence of a magnetic field and the specific magnitude of the magnetic field. When referred to generally as magnetic sensors 22, the magnetic sensors 22 can be denoted as 22. However, as shown, when referred to individually as magnetic sensors 22, the magnetic sensors 22 can be denoted as a first magnetic sensor 22a, a second magnetic sensor 22b, and a third magnetic sensor 22c.

[0021] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors 22 are provided on the bottom surface 18 of the vehicle 10 proximate to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 such that the magnetic sensors 22 encounter the magnetic field of each power transmitting pad 26 before the power receiving pad 28. The magnetic sensors 22 can be equally spaced from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and, thus, aligned with the longitudinal or magnetic axis A of the power transmitting pads 26 when positioned in the center of the lane of the roadway. However, in the event that the power transmitting pads 26 are not positioned in the center of the lane, the magnetic sensors 22 can be fixedly or movably repositioned to the location of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle transverse direction along the bottom surface 18 of the vehicle 10 to align the magnetic sensors 22 with the magnetic axis A of the power transmitting pads 26 while maintaining the position of the vehicle 10 within the center of the lane. As shown, the magnetic sensors 22 are positioned in a triangular configuration with the first magnetic sensor 22a positioned in the vehicle forward direction relative to the second magnetic sensor 22b and the third magnetic sensor 22c. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors 22 are aligned symmetrically with the central longitudinal axis of the power receiving pad 28.

[0022] Positioning the magnetic sensors 22 proximate to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 and spaced apart from the power receiving pad 28 allows the magnetic sensors 22 to estimate the offset relative to the front power transmitting pad 26 when the power receiving pad 28 of the vehicle 10 is receiving power from at least one rear power transmitting pad 26. In doing so, the data from the magnetic sensors 22 can be used in an artificial neural network to estimate whether there is any lateral offset between the vehicle 10, specifically the power receiving pad 28, and the power transmitting pads 26 such that the position of the vehicle 10 can be adjusted accordingly as it travels along the roadway and over the subsequent power transmitting pads 26.

[0023] As described herein, magnetic sensor 22 is configured to detect a magnetic field, which is then used to estimate the lateral offset between the power receiving disk 28 and the power transmitting disk 26 relative to the magnetic axis A of each power transmitting disk 26. Therefore, magnetic axis A is associated with a central axis extending through each of the power transmitting disks 26. As referred to herein, "lateral offset" means the displacement of the magnetic axis A between the power receiving disk 28 and the power transmitting disk 26 in the lateral direction of the vehicle. It should be understood that the rate of energy wirelessly transmitted to the vehicle 10 is maximized when the power receiving disk 28 is directly aligned with or on the magnetic axis A (i.e., the magnetic field) of the power transmitting disk 26. Lateral offset or displacement in the lateral direction of the vehicle may reduce the rate of energy transfer between the power receiving disk 28 and the power transmitting disk 26.

[0024] Regarding the power receiving disk 28, it may be located on the underside surface 18 of the vehicle body 16 of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, similar to the magnetic sensor 22, the power receiving disk 28 may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 to align with the center and magnetic field of the power transmitting disk 26. However, as described above, if the power transmitting disk 26 is not positioned in the center of the lane, the power receiving disk 28 may be repositioned, either fixedly or movably, along the underside surface 18 of the vehicle 10. The power receiving disk 28 may be any suitable wireless power receiving device, such as an induction coil, for wirelessly receiving charge from the inductive power transmitting disk.

[0025] As described herein, the power transmitting disk 26 may be part of an existing underground system configured to wirelessly transmit power from the power transmitting disk 26 to a power receiving disk 28, which in turn can be used to charge the battery 32 of the vehicle 10 or to directly power the vehicle 10 by bypassing the battery 32. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, a power transmission system 24 is illustrated, comprising a plurality of power transmission disks 26. Each power transmission disk 26 may be structurally identical, and therefore, a reference to one power transmission disk 26 applies to each power transmission disk 26. The power transmission disks 26 are arranged to form a power transmission component 34. Each power transmission disk 26 includes at least one coil 36. Each power transmission disk 26 includes a front end 38, a rear end 40, a first side 42, and a second side 44, the sides 42, 44 extending between the front end 38 and the rear end 40. When a vehicle 10 travels along a road lane where the power transmission component 34 is located, the front end 38 points in the forward travel direction D. A plurality of connecting members 46 may be provided along the sides 42, 44 of the power transmission disks 26. As shown, no connecting members 46 are provided at the front end 38 and the rear end 40 of the power transmission disks 26.

[0026] Furthermore, each power transmitting pad 26 can include a resonant network 48, a high frequency inverter 50, and a microcontroller 52. In some embodiments, the power transmitting pads 26 also include a pad communication device 54 electrically connected to the microcontroller 52 for wireless communication with the vehicle communication device 30 to receive instructions from the vehicle 10, and this is discussed herein. The power transmitting pads 26 are each connected to a power source 56 via a power line 58 for powering the coils 36, and the microcontroller 52 of each power transmitting pad 26 can be optionally connected to a server 60 via a controller area network line 62. In some embodiments, the power transmitting pads 26 can be wirelessly connected to the server 60 via the pad communication device 54, thereby eliminating the need for the controller area network line 62. In some embodiments, the power transmitting pads 26 can receive instructions from the vehicle 10 via the server 60, rather than the power transmitting pads 26 receiving instructions from the vehicle 10 directly via the pad communication device 54.

[0027] In some embodiments, the power transmitting pads 26 are linearly arranged to abut one another at opposite front and rear ends. However, it should be appreciated that the front ends 38 and the rear ends 40 of the power transmitting pads 26 provide less power than the amount of power provided along the sides 42, 44 of the power transmitting pads 26. Thus, this can result in a discontinuity or reduction in the size of the magnetic field between adjacent power transmitting pads 26. To address this deficiency, in some embodiments, the front end 38 of at least some of the power transmitting pads 26 can overlap with the rear end 40 of the immediately adjacent power transmitting pad 26, thereby forming an overlap region 64. This ensures that the transfer of power to the vehicle 10 is uniform and there is no significant variation across the power transmitting component 34.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 The graph indicates the power transmitted from each of the power transmitting pads 26 to the power receiving pad 28 as the vehicle 10 moves along the length of the power transmitting component 34 in the vehicle forward direction (in the +X direction). As described below, the power transmitting pads 26 are configured to switch from an offset estimation mode to a power transmission mode. Furthermore, the power transmitting pads 26 are configured to coordinate with one another as to when to initiate the offset estimation mode and switch to the power transmission mode. Initially, each power transmitting pad 26 is deactivated. When instructed, the power transmitting pads 26 are activated into the offset estimation mode to generate a magnetic field that is detected by the magnetic sensors 22. Subsequently, when the power receiving pad 28 passes over the power transmitting pad 26, the power transmitting pad 26 switches to the power transmission mode to transmit power to the power receiving pad 28.

[0029] In some embodiments, when in the offset estimation mode, the power transmitting pad 26 operates at a frequency between 2 kHz and 6 kHz. In some embodiments, when in the offset estimation mode, the power transmitting pad 26 operates at a frequency between 4 kHz and 5 kHz. Further, in some embodiments, when in the offset estimation mode, the power transmitting pad 26 provides power between 3 amps and 10 amps. In some embodiments, when in the offset estimation mode, the power transmitting pad 26 provides power between 4 amps and 7 amps. In some embodiments, when in the power transmitting mode, the power transmitting pad 26 operates at a frequency between 20 kHz and 100 kHz. In some embodiments, when in the power transmitting mode, the power transmitting pad 26 operates at a frequency between 70 kHz and 90 kHz. Further, in some embodiments, when in the power transmitting mode, the power transmitting pad 26 provides current between 40 amps and 80 amps.

[0030] In example embodiments, the first power transmitting pad 26a initially receives a signal from another power transmitting pad 26, the server 60, or the vehicle 10 directly indicating that the vehicle 10 is approaching the first power transmitting pad 26a and instructing the power transmitting pad 26a to switch to the power transmitting mode. At the same time, the second transmitting pad 26b will be activated to start the offset estimation mode to estimate the lateral and / or vertical offset before the power receiving pad 28 of the vehicle 10 passes the second transmitting pad 26b.

[0031] As described herein, the power of the power transmitting pad 26 is greater at the sides 42, 44 of the power transmitting pad 26. Thus, as shown, the power output of the first power transmitting pad 26a gradually increases from XI to X2. At X2, the first power transmitting pad 26a reaches the maximum power output and maintains this power output from X2 to X3. At X3, the power output of the first power transmitting pad 26a begins to decrease. At the same time, the second power transmitting pad 26b is instructed to switch from the offset estimation mode to the power transmitting mode to start transmitting power to the power receiving pad 28. Thus, between X3 and X4, which defines the overlap region 64 between the first power transmitting pad 26a and the second power transmitting pad 26b, the power provided by the first power transmitting pad 26a gradually decreases and the power of the second power transmitting pad 26b gradually increases. The rate of power decrease of the first power transmitting pad 26a matches or corresponds to the rate of power increase of the second power transmitting pad 26b to provide uniform power at the overlap region 64 of the first power transmitting pad 26a and the second power transmitting pad 26b.

[0032] At X4, the first power transmitter pad 26a is turned off to conserve power, and the second power transmitter pad 26b maintains constant power output until X5, at which point the above process is repeated with respect to the third power transmitter pad 26c at X6-X8. Although only three power transmitter pads 26 are shown, it should be understood that the above steps can be repeated for each power transmitter pad 26 in the power transmitting component 34 such that the power transmitter pads 26 are operated in sequence. The power output is maintained uniform between adjacent power transmitter pads 26.

[0033] It is contemplated that any number of power transmitter pads 26 can be employed, and each have any suitable geometry, such as including one curve or multiple curves formed in their sides 42, 44 between the back end 40 and the front end 38. However, when the power transmitter pads 26 include a bend formed therein, each side 42, 44 of the power transmitter pad 26 has the same bend to maintain a constant width of the power transmitter pad 26, and thus the magnetic field provided.

[0034] Reference is now made to Figure 4 The magnetic sensors 22a, 22b, 22c of the vehicle 10 are shown positioned above a front power transmitter pad, such as the power transmitter pad 26b, and the power receiving pad 28 of the vehicle 10 is shown positioned above a rear power transmitter pad, such as the power transmitter pad 26a. Further, each of the magnetic sensors 22 is shown electrically coupled to a low load device 70 via a compensation 72 and a rectifier 74. It should be understood that the connection between each magnetic sensor 22 and the corresponding low load device 70 is not limited to the specific arrangement of the compensation 72 and the rectifier 74 as disclosed herein. Thus, other components and connections for allowing energy to be transmitted from the magnetic sensor 22 and / or converted to the low load device 70 are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although only a single low load device 70 is shown coupled to each magnetic sensor 22, it should be understood that multiple low load devices 70 can be electrically coupled to each magnetic sensor 22.

[0035] It should be understood that in embodiments, the magnetic sensor 22 receives energy from the power transmitter pad 26 to estimate the offset, or alternatively transmits energy to the low load device 70. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 operates between an offset detection mode in which the magnetic sensor 22 operates in the manner discussed herein to detect lateral offset, or alternatively in a power receiving mode in which energy is transmitted from the magnetic sensor 22 to the low load device 70. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 alternates between the offset detection mode and the power receiving mode when conditions are met, which are discussed in greater detail herein. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 22 can alternate from the offset detection mode to the power receiving mode when a first condition is met, and from the power receiving mode back to the offset detection mode when a second condition is met.

[0036] As used herein, the term“low-load device” refers to any device that is capable of receiving and operating in response to receiving low power transmissions from the power transmitting pad 26 via the magnetic sensor 22. As discussed herein, the magnetic sensor 22 is configured to receive energy from the power transmitting pad 26 having a low frequency and a low power. Thus, the low-load device 70 is capable of operating in response to receiving the energy when the power transmitting pad 26 is operating in the offset estimation mode, which provides energy having a frequency between 2 kHz and 6 kHz and a power between 3 amps and 10 amps.

[0037] In embodiments, the low-load device 70 is a device that is used when the vehicle 10 is operating in an autonomous and / or semi-autonomous driving mode and the vehicle 10 is positioned over the power transmitting pad 26. Non-limiting examples of suitable low-load devices 70 include LiDAR, RADAR, GPS devices, cameras, sensors, offset monitors / displays / indicators, and the like. An example of an offset monitor, display, or indicator can include a display screen that is capable of displaying whether the vehicle 10 is currently experiencing an offset from the power transmitting pad 26, what adjustments need to be made to reduce the offset, whether the magnetic sensor 22 is currently receiving power from the power transmitting pad 26, what mode the magnetic sensor 22 is currently operating in, and the like.

[0038] In embodiments, the low-load device 70 does not include a battery for storing power received from the magnetic sensor 22. Thus, the low-load device 70 is only capable of being operated when the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in the power receiving mode and is positioned over the power transmitting pad 26. Alternatively, in embodiments, the low-load device 70 is electrically coupled to a battery 76. Specifically, each low-load device 70 can be electrically coupled to a different corresponding battery, or alternatively each low-load device 70 can be electrically coupled to the same battery 76, as shown. The battery 76 is configured to store energy received from the magnetic sensor 22 so that the low-load device 70 can be utilized at times other than when the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in the power receiving mode and is positioned over the power transmitting pad 26, such as, for example, when the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in the offset detection mode and / or is not positioned over the power transmitting pad 26.

[0039] A non-limiting example of a condition that determines whether the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in the misalignment detection mode or the power reception mode is whether the magnetic sensor 22 receives a request to operate one or more of the low-load devices 70. The request can be received from a user requesting operation of a particular low-load device in the low-load devices 70, such as, for example, a misalignment monitor that displays a misalignment of the magnetic sensor 22 relative to the power transmitting pad 26. In embodiments, the instruction can be received in response to adjusting a position of the vehicle 10 to cause the magnetic sensor 22 to align with the power transmitting pad 26 and enable power reception by the magnetic sensor 22. Thus, use of one or more of the low-load devices 70 can be desirable to detect a misalignment between the magnetic sensor 22 and the power transmitting pad 26 and determine necessary adjustments in the position of the vehicle 10 to reduce the misalignment.

[0040] Another non-limiting example of a condition that determines the mode in which the magnetic sensor 22 is to operate is a length of time that the magnetic sensor 22 has operated in one of the modes. For example, if the magnetic sensor 22 has operated in the power reception mode for a length of time that exceeds a threshold time limit, the magnetic sensor 22 can at least temporarily switch to operating in the misalignment detection mode. Similarly, if the magnetic sensor 22 has operated in the misalignment detection mode for a length of time that exceeds a threshold time limit, the magnetic sensor 22 can switch from the misalignment detection mode to the power reception mode. In embodiments, the threshold time limits can be the same such that the magnetic sensor 22 operates in the misalignment detection mode and the power reception mode for equal amounts of time. In other embodiments, the threshold time limits can be different such that the magnetic sensor 22 operates in one mode more often than in the other mode. In embodiments, the threshold time limit for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in the power reception mode is greater than the threshold time limit for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in the misalignment detection mode. This allows the magnetic sensor 22 to primarily transmit energy to the low-load devices 70 while receiving power from the power transmitting pad 26, but still regularly detect any misalignments so that the position of the vehicle 10 can be adjusted accordingly. This is particularly useful when the low-load devices 70 are not electrically coupled to the battery 76 and can only be operated when the magnetic sensor 22 is positioned over the power transmitting pad 26.

[0041] As described above, the low-load devices 70 can be electrically coupled to the batteries 76 to store energy such that the low-load devices 70 can be operated when the magnetic sensors 22 are not actively receiving power from the power transmitting pad 26. In these embodiments, the magnetic sensors 22 can operate in the power reception mode until the power level of the batteries 76 of one or more of the low-load devices 70 exceeds a maximum power level. The maximum power level can represent the power capacity of the batteries 76. Thus, once the power level of the batteries 76 reaches the maximum power level, the magnetic sensors 22 can operate in the offset estimation mode because the low-load devices 70 can not need to actively receive energy. Further, in embodiments, the magnetic sensors 22 can operate in the offset detection mode until the power level of the batteries 76 of one or more of the low-load devices 70 reaches a minimum power level, at which point the magnetic sensors 22 switch back to the power reception mode to provide energy to the low-load devices 70, specifically the batteries 76, and raise the power level of the batteries 76 above the minimum power level. The minimum power level can represent a power level below which one or more of the low-load devices 70 can not be able to be operated.

[0042] Referring now to Figure 5 , with reference to the system shown in Figures 1-4 , a method 100 is shown for alternating the magnetic sensors 22 between estimating the lateral offset of the vehicle 10 relative to the power transmitting pad 26 and transmitting energy to the low-load devices 70.

[0043] At step 102, the vehicle 10, specifically the magnetic sensors 22, are positioned relative to the power transmitting pad 26, such as the power transmitting pad 26b shown in Figure 4 Although the method disclosed herein discusses the specific example of the vehicle 10 moving over the power transmitting pad 26 in the direction of travel D and the power transmitting pad 26 alternating between operating modes based on the relative position of the vehicle 10, it should be understood that the present disclosure of estimating the lateral offset and wirelessly transmitting power from the magnetic sensors 22 to the low-load devices 70 is equally applicable to the case where the vehicle 10 is parked over a single power transmitting pad 26 and remains stationary.

[0044] At step 104, the power transmitting pad 26 is initially activated to operate in the offset estimation mode, for example, by powering the power transmitting pad 26. Prior to this, the power transmitting pad 26 can be deactivated to conserve energy. In some embodiments, the power transmitting pad 26 can be activated by receiving a signal from the server 60, which can communicate with the vehicle 10 directly or indirectly through one or more network connections.

[0045] At step 106, the magnetic sensors 22 are initially operating in a misalignment detection mode to detect the magnetic field of the power transmitting pad 26 on which the magnetic sensors 22 operating in the misalignment estimation mode are located. Thus, the magnetic sensors 22 of the vehicle 10 detect the magnetic field of the power transmitting pad 26 to estimate misalignment. As discussed in greater detail herein, the detection of the magnetic field by the magnetic sensors 22 is used to estimate lateral misalignment.

[0046] In the event that the vehicle 10 moves across the power transmitting pad 26, the power transmitting pad 26 is instructed to switch to a power transmission mode to transmit energy from the power transmitting pad 26 to the power receiving pad 28. The energy received by the power receiving pad 28 can be used to charge the battery 32 of the vehicle 10, or can be used to directly power the power electronics components of the vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that when energy is used to directly power the vehicle 10, the size of the battery 32 can be reduced or eliminated entirely. Thus, the magnetic sensors 22 are positioned over another power transmitting pad 26 operating in the misalignment estimation mode.

[0047] At step 108, while the magnetic sensors 22 are still operating in the misalignment detection mode, the trained artificial neural network of the power receiving system 20 can estimate the lateral misalignment of the vehicle 10 relative to the power receiving pad 28 and the power transmitting pad 26 based on the data received from the magnetic sensors 22 regarding the magnetic field. Additional information regarding the estimation of lateral misalignment between the vehicle 10 and the power transmitting pad 26 with the magnetic sensors 22 can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 885,010, filed May 28, 2020, entitled “Systems and Methods for Wireless Vehicle Power Transfer and Misalignment Estimation,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0048] As discussed herein, the magnetic sensors 22 switch between the misalignment detection mode and the power receiving mode in response to either the first condition or the second condition being satisfied. At step 110, while the magnetic sensors 22 are operating in the misalignment detection mode, it is determined whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0049] A non-limiting example of the first condition being satisfied at step 110 is whether a request to operate the low-load device 70 is received. The request can be received in response to an action performed by a user requesting operation or use of a particular low-load device 70 in the low-load devices 70. Alternatively, the request can be automatically received in response to the location of the vehicle 10 being adjusted such that the magnetic sensors 22 are aligned with the power transmitting pad 26.

[0050] Another non-limiting example of the first condition being satisfied at step 110 is whether the power level of a battery electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor 22 falls below a minimum power level. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 can operate in the excursion detection mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more of the low-load devices 70 falls below the minimum power level.

[0051] Another non-limiting example of the first condition being satisfied at step 110 is whether the power level of a battery electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor 22 falls below a minimum power level. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 can operate in the excursion detection mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more of the low-load devices 70 falls below the minimum power level.

[0052] If the first condition is determined to be satisfied at step 110 based on any of the examples discussed herein, the magnetic sensor 22 is switched to operate in the power reception mode at step 112. It should be appreciated that the examples discussed above do not form an exhaustive list of ways in which the first condition can be satisfied. Instead, if the first condition is not satisfied at step 110, the method 100 returns to step 106 and the magnetic sensor 22 remains in the excursion detection mode.

[0053] In response to the first condition being satisfied at step 110, the magnetic sensor 22 is switched from the excursion detection mode to the power reception mode at step 112. At step 114, the magnetic sensor 22 receives energy from the power transmitting pad 26 on which the magnetic sensor 22 is positioned and directs this received energy to the low-load device 70. The magnetic sensor 22 remains in the power reception mode to direct energy to the load device 70 until a second condition is satisfied. At step 116, it is determined whether the second condition is satisfied while the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in the power reception mode.

[0054] A non-limiting example of the second condition being satisfied at step 116 is whether the magnetic sensor 22 has operated in the power reception mode for more than a threshold time limit. At step 116, the length of time that the magnetic sensor 22 has operated in the power reception mode is determined, and the second condition is satisfied when the length of time exceeds the threshold time limit. As discussed herein, the threshold time limit for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in the excursion detection mode and the threshold time limit for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in the power reception mode can be the same. In other embodiments, the threshold time limits can be different.

[0055] Another non-limiting example of the second condition being satisfied at step 116 is whether the power level of the battery electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor 22 exceeds the maximum power level. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 22 can operate in a power receiving mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more of the low-load devices 70 exceeds the maximum power level.

[0056] It should be understood that the examples discussed above do not form an exhaustive list of ways in which the second condition can be satisfied. In response to the second condition being satisfied at step 116, method 100 returns to step 106, causing the magnetic sensor 22 to switch back to offset estimation mode. Alternatively, if it is determined at step 116 that the second condition is not satisfied, method 100 returns to step 112, and the magnetic sensor 22 continues to operate in power receiving mode.

[0057] Turn Figure 6 The block diagram illustrates an exemplary computing environment 200 through which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented, such as, for example, a magnetic sensor 22 and / or any of its sub-components, and Figures 1-4 Any other computing device depicted herein. Exemplary computing environment 200 may include non-volatile memory 208 (ROM, flash memory, etc.), volatile memory 210 (RAM, etc.), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least one processor 202 is coupled to non-transitory memory, such as non-volatile memory 208 and / or volatile memory 210. Exemplary computing environment 200 may utilize RAM, ROM, cache, fiber optic, EPROM / flash memory, CD / DVD / BD-ROM, hard disk drive, solid-state storage device, optical or magnetic storage device, disk, electrical connection with wires, any system or device of magnetic, optical, semiconductor, or electronic type, or any combination thereof, in a non-limiting example manner.

[0058] The exemplary computing environment 200 may include one or more displays and / or output devices 204, such as monitors, speakers, headphones, projectors, wearable displays, and / or holographic displays. As discussed above, the driver of vehicle 10 may receive notifications via the displays and / or output devices 204 instructing the vehicle 10 to lateral offset relative to the power transmission disk 26. The exemplary computing environment 200 may also include one or more input devices 206, which may include, for example, any type of mouse, keyboard, disk / media drive, memory stick / thumb drive, memory card, pen, joystick, gamepad, touch input device, biometric scanner, voice / auditory input device, motion detector, camera, scale, etc.

[0059] The network interface 212, which can include the vehicle communication device 30, can facilitate communications through one or more networks 214 via wire, via a wide area network, via a local area network, via a personal area network, via a cellular network, via a satellite network, etc. Suitable local area networks can include wired Ethernet and / or wireless technologies such as, for example, Wi-Fi. Suitable personal area networks can include wireless technologies such as, for example, IrDA, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and / or other near-field communication protocols. Suitable personal area networks can similarly include wired computer buses such as, for example, USB and Firewire. Suitable cellular networks include, but are not limited to, technologies such as LTE, WiMAX, UMTS, CDMA, and GSM. The example computing environment 200 can include one or more network interfaces 212 to facilitate communications with one or more remote devices, which can include, for example, client and / or server devices such as a server in communication with the power transmission system 24. The network interface 212 can also be described as a communication module as these terms can be used interchangeably. By way of non-limiting example, the network interface 212 can be communicatively coupled to any device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data via one or more networks 214, which can correspond to Figures 1-4 any of the computing devices depicted in any of the Figures.

[0060] The network interface 212 can include a communication transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving any wired or wireless communications. For example, the network interface 212 can include an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a Wi-Fi card, a WiMax card, mobile communication hardware, near-field communication hardware, satellite communication hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices.

[0061] The computer-readable media 216 can include multiple computer-readable media, each of which can be a computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable signal medium. The computer-readable media 216 can reside in, for example, the input device 206, the non-volatile memory 208, the volatile memory 210, or any combination thereof. Computer-readable storage media can include tangible media capable of storing instructions associated with or used by devices or systems. By way of non-limiting example, computer-readable storage media include RAM, ROM, cache, fiber optics, EPROM / flash memory, CD / DVD / BD-ROM, hard drives, solid-state storage devices, optical or magnetic storage devices, magnetic diskettes, drives or cartridges, any other storage device capable of storing data, or any combination thereof. Computer-readable storage media also can include systems, apparatuses, or devices, for example, having magnetic, optical, semiconductor, or electrical types of storage. Computer-readable storage media excludes propagated signals and carrier waves.

[0062] In light of the above, it will be appreciated that defined herein is a vehicle comprising a plurality of magnetic sensors operable between a misalignment detection mode and a power reception mode. When the magnetic sensors are in the misalignment detection mode, the magnetic sensors are configured to detect a magnetic field of a power transmitting disc to estimate a lateral misalignment between the vehicle and the power transmitting disc. Alternatively, when the magnetic sensors are in the power reception mode, the magnetic sensors receive power from the power transmitting disc and transmit the power to an electrically coupled low load device.

[0063] Note that recitations herein of components being "configured" or "programmed" to perform particular tasks or to cause particular actions to be taken are structural recitations. More specifically, recitations herein that a component is "configured" or "programmed" to perform particular tasks or to cause particular actions to be taken are structural recitations of the component in the sense that the component is specifically designed and constructed to perform the recited task or to cause the recited action to be taken.

[0064] Unless otherwise specified, the order of execution or performance of the operations of the examples of the disclosure illustrated and described herein need not be performed in the order illustrated. That is, unless otherwise specified, the operations can be performed in any order, and examples of the disclosure can include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

[0065] Note that the terms "substantially," "approximately," and "about" can be utilized herein to represent the inherent determination of an amount or other representation that can vary from one quantitative comparison, measurement, or other representation to another, depending on experimental or other error limits. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation can vary from a stated reference, and not result in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0066] While particular embodiments have been shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionally, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, it should be understood that not all aspects of the claimed subject matter need be utilized in connection with one another in order to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the appended claims encompass all changes and modifications of the subject matter within the scope and spirit of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: One or more low-load devices; Multiple magnetic sensors are capable of operating between an offset detection mode for measuring the magnetic field of the power transmitting disk and obtaining magnetic field data, and a power receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting disk to the one or more low-load devices. One or more processors; as well as One or more memory modules, the one or more memory modules including a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: Receive the magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors; Estimate the lateral offset of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to the magnetic axis of the power transmitting disk; as well as The plurality of magnetic sensors, in response to receiving a request to operate one or more of the plurality of low-load devices, switch from the offset detection mode and operate in the power receiving mode.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes at least three magnetic sensors positioned near the front end of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of low-load devices, each of the plurality of low-load devices being electrically coupled to one of the plurality of magnetic sensors.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the plurality of low-load devices include a camera, a LiDAR sensor, or an ECU.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to switch from the offset detection mode and operate in the power receiving mode in response to a time length exceeding a threshold time limit during which the plurality of magnetic sensors operate in the offset detection mode.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the offset detection mode in response to determining that the power level of the one or more low-load devices exceeds a maximum power level.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the power receiving mode in response to the power level of the one or more low-load devices dropping below a minimum power level.

8. A vehicle comprising: One or more low-load devices; A power receiving disk used to wirelessly receive energy from a power transmitting disk; Multiple magnetic sensors are capable of operating between an offset detection mode for measuring the magnetic field of the power transmitting disk and obtaining magnetic field data, and a power receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting disk to the one or more low-load devices. One or more processors; as well as One or more memory modules, the one or more memory modules including a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: Receive the magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors; Estimate the lateral offset of the power receiving disk relative to the magnetic axis of the power transmitting disk; as well as The plurality of magnetic sensors switch from the offset detection mode to the power receiving mode in response to the length of time during which the plurality of magnetic sensors operate in the offset detection mode exceeding a threshold time limit.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the vehicle includes at least three magnetic sensors positioned near the front end of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of low-load devices, each of the plurality of low-load devices being electrically coupled to one of the plurality of magnetic sensors.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the plurality of low-load devices include a camera, a LiDAR sensor, or an ECU.

12. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the power receiving mode in response to receiving a request to operate one or more of the plurality of low-load devices.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the offset detection mode in response to determining that the power level of the one or more low-load devices exceeds a maximum power level.

14. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the power receiving mode in response to the power level of the one or more low-load devices dropping below a minimum power level.

15. A method for providing dynamic wireless power transmission to one or more low-load devices in a vehicle, the method comprising: Operate multiple magnetic sensors in offset detection mode; The plurality of magnetic sensors are used to detect the magnetic field provided by the power transmitting disk to obtain magnetic field data; The magnetic field is used to estimate the lateral offset of the power receiving disk relative to the magnetic axis of the power transmitting disk; as well as In response to receiving a request to operate one or more of a plurality of low-load devices, the plurality of magnetic sensors are switched from the offset detection mode to operate in power receiving mode to wirelessly transmit power from the power transmitting disk to one or more low-load devices.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Determine the length of time during which the plurality of magnetic sensors have operated in the offset detection mode; as well as In response to determining that the time length exceeds a threshold time limit, the plurality of magnetic sensors are switched from the offset detection mode to the power receiving mode.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Determine the power level of the one or more low-load devices; as well as In response to determining that the power level of the one or more low-load devices exceeds the maximum power level, the plurality of magnetic sensors are switched from the power receiving mode to the offset detection mode.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Determine the power level of the one or more low-load devices; as well as In response to determining that the power level of the one or more low-load devices is below the minimum power level, the plurality of magnetic sensors are switched from the offset detection mode to the power receiving mode.

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