Conformal charging system

Abstract

A wireless charging system for a vehicle and an operating method are provided. The system includes a vehicle having a chassis disposed opposite a ground surface. At least one battery is provided that is configured to provide energy to the vehicle. At least one power receiving coil is electrically coupled to the at least one battery and disposed within the housing adjacent the chassis opposite the ground surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 17 / 901,149, filed September 1, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to battery charging systems, and in particular to battery charging systems associated with vehicles. Background Art

[0004] Electric vehicles use electricity stored in energy storage devices (such as batteries) to provide energy to the motor, which in turn moves the vehicle. These batteries need to be recharged periodically to provide the desired energy to the vehicle. Recharging of the battery can be achieved in several ways, such as by plugging the vehicle into a power outlet connected to, for example, the utility grid. Alternatively, the vehicle can be configured to charge the battery wirelessly using induction. Inductive chargers use a transmitting coil and a receiving coil, which allows wireless charging when the vehicle is parked above the inductive charger. The receiving coil located on the vehicle is typically mounted under the chassis and extends into the space under the vehicle. It should be understood that this has the effect of reducing the ground clearance of the vehicle. In addition, such reduced ground clearance becomes increasingly problematic because of the physical space conflict between snow, snowbanks or large amounts of standing water and the undercarriage equipment.

[0005] In the event of snowfall or other types of freezing precipitation, at least such overhanging attachments may act as "snow plow" blades, which may then gradually push the snow and build up a mound beneath the vehicle, which may eventually lift the vehicle's tires off the ground surface with sufficient accumulation, thereby hindering and / or preventing the vehicle's forward movement. In the event of contact with standing water, the overhanging attachments or attachments may also hinder the vehicle's forward movement because plowing through liquid presents significantly greater resistance than air. Finally, particularly for vehicles that already have low inherent ground clearance, the overhanging attachments effectively create even lower and less desirable ground clearance through such overhanging equipment, which places such equipment in a position of increased physical contact vulnerability and degradation caused by road objects, etc.

[0006] While existing electric vehicles having inductive charging systems are suitable for their intended purposes, improvements are still needed, particularly in providing electric vehicles having inductive charging systems with the features described herein. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless charging system is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a chassis disposed opposite to a ground surface. At least one battery is provided, which is configured to provide energy to the vehicle. At least one power receiving coil is electrically coupled to the at least one battery and is arranged in a housing adjacent to the chassis opposite to the ground surface.

[0008] In addition to, or in lieu of, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a housing further comprising an enclosure space physically conforming to the power receiving coil.

[0009] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a housing that forms at least a portion of the chassis, wherein the chassis and housing form a substantially continuous surface.

[0010] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a housing disposed at a distance from the ground surface that is equal to or greater than a distance from the ground surface that an area of ​​the chassis adjacent to the housing is disposed.

[0011] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a housing comprising a surface adjacent to the chassis configured to allow magnetic and / or electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough to inductively couple the receive coil to the transmit coil during operation.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include the at least one power receiving coil being movably disposed within the housing.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a movement mechanism coupled to the at least one power receiving coil, the movement mechanism being configured to move the at least one power receiving coil within the housing.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless charging system is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a chassis disposed relative to a ground surface, the vehicle having a conformal space. At least one battery is provided, which is configured to provide energy to the vehicle. A receiving coil is electrically coupled to the at least one battery and movably coupled to the conformal space, the receiving coil being disposed in a shell having a lower surface adjacent to and continuous with the chassis. A moving mechanism is operably coupled to the vehicle to move the shell from a first position at least partially within the conformal space, and a second position, the second position being closer to the ground surface in one direction than the first position, wherein the moving mechanism moves the shell without reducing the gap between the chassis and the ground surface.

[0015] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a movement mechanism having at least one lifting cable by which the housing is suspended from the vehicle when in the second position.

[0016] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a movement mechanism having a cable configured to maintain an electrical connection between the receiving coil and the battery when the housing moves in the direction toward the ground surface.

[0017] In addition to or instead of one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a movement mechanism further having at least one motor operably coupled to the at least one lifting cable and configured to selectively move the housing between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0018] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a sealing member disposed between the housing and the chassis.

[0019] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include at least the lower surface being made of a material configured to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough.

[0020] In addition to, or in lieu of, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a housing further comprising an enclosure space physically conforming to the power receiving coil.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes providing a housing having a conformal space in a vehicle adjacent to a chassis opposite to a ground surface. A receiving coil is disposed in the conformal space. The receiving coil is electrically coupled to a battery in the vehicle. Inductive coupling is selectively generated between the receiving coil and a transmitting coil, the transmitting coil being operably disposed to the ground surface. The battery is charged when the inductive coupling is generated.

[0022] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include forming a lower surface of the housing to provide a continuous surface with the chassis.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include moving the housing from a first position to a second position, the second position being closer to the ground surface than the first position.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include generating an inductive coupling when the housing is in the second position.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include moving the housing from the second position to the first position, the first position being within the conformal space of the vehicle.

[0026] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include movement of the housing being performed using a lifting cable.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include creating an environmental seal between the housing and the chassis when the housing is in the first position.

[0028] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the conformal space of the housing being substantially conformal to a shape of the receive coil.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include moving the receiving coil within the housing.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include moving the receive coil in response to an electrical characteristic of the inductive coupling.

[0031] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The subject matter regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 An exemplary underside view of a vehicle chassis equipped with a conformal CCS housing (with the cover not in place) is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 A view of an exemplary underside of a vehicle chassis equipped with a conformal CCS housing with a cover installed is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 A view of an exemplary underside of a vehicle chassis equipped with a conformal CCS housing with a cover installed with a representative cover shield element in place is shown.

[0036] Figure 4A A side view of a vehicle with an exemplary undercarriage for performing ground measurements with clean tires is shown.

[0037] Figure 4B A side view of a vehicle with an exemplary undercarriage for performing ground measurements with snow accumulated on the tire tread is shown.

[0038] Figure 4C A side view of a vehicle with an exemplary undercarriage for performing ground measurements on tires equipped with chains is shown.

[0039] Figure 5A A cutaway side view of a vehicle equipped with an exemplary movable conformable shell in a “stowed” position is shown.

[0040] Figure 5B A cutaway side view of a vehicle is shown equipped with an exemplary movable conformable shell in a "lowered" position.

[0041] Figure 5C A top cross-sectional view of a chassis mounted battery layout surrounding a conformal housing enclosure is shown.

[0042] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a conformal charging system (CCS) that advantageously provides wireless charging capabilities to electric vehicles (EVs) without changing or compromising the vehicle's exterior dimensions or aerodynamics. Thus, the exterior ground clearance dimensions or offset of a vehicle equipped with CCS are the same as a vehicle of the same model not equipped with CCS. This applies not only to passenger vehicles, but also to commercial, transportation, industrial, or other types of vehicles and equipment (such as construction equipment). CCS can be used in conjunction with virtually any type of wireless charging equipment or standard and is agnostic in this regard.

[0044] The current proposed vehicle wireless charging standards include a 3.5-11.4 inch ground assembly (GA) 410 ( Figure 4A ) The "Z" axis or vertical transmit coil to receive coil separation distance between the transmit coil 412 and the receive vehicle assembly (VA) coil. The GA 410 may include a control system and movement system such as that described in commonly owned U.S. Patent 10,988,042, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The transmit coil 412 may be positioned on the ground surface 400 as shown or disposed flush with or below the ground surface.

[0045] The Conformal Charging System (CCS) provides advantages in allowing wireless electric vehicle charging capabilities and equipment to be used in a manner superior to those systems that "attach" or attach to the lower side embodiments of the vehicle recharging equipment configuration, and thus avoid the previously mentioned problems of traditional prior art vehicle charging devices.

[0046] The various embodiments disclosed herein provide a sealed VA equipment housing structure that effectively becomes an integral part of the underside or chassis of the vehicle, rather than attaching the recharging equipment (such as a charging coil) on or under the vehicle's chassis / chassis as with prior art vehicles. It should be understood that the chassis of most electric vehicles are configured to be aerodynamic, smooth, or in some cases flat, to avoid features that create drag and reduce the vehicle's mileage efficiency because electric vehicles do not include many of the components seen in internal combustion engines, such as, but not limited to, for example, a driveline (e.g., transmission and drive shafts), an exhaust system, and a rear differential.

[0047] In one embodiment, the CCVS is streamlined by utilizing an environmentally sealed inner housing case containing EV recharging equipment (such as a receiving coil, etc.) in a conformal manner without affecting the overall outer chassis or any space below the underside dimensions. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the CCVS defines a substantially continuous surface of the chassis. As a result, there is little or substantially no drag due to incorporating the CCVS into the vehicle.

[0048] In these embodiments, the VA receive coil will reside in a housing that is physically conformal to the size of the contained recharging receive coil(s) so as to allow for physical separation / isolation of the typically high voltages handled by the receive coils from other lower voltage vehicle components and vehicle occupants, as well as reducing or minimizing the desired separation space for the VA within the vehicle body itself. Such equipment housings may be made of light stamped or formed metal and, depending on the embodiment, will be mounted to or flush with the underside of the chassis, effectively placing the associated recharging equipment on the chassis of the vehicle, or the conformal housing may be welded into the chassis structure itself.

[0049] Since wireless charging systems typically utilize inductive charging technology that inherently generates a magnetic field, the shape, size, and conformality of the metal housing can also be configured to control stray or undesired magnetic fields in order to optimize or improve inductive field coupling, increase proximity "spillover" radiation safety factors, etc.

[0050] The underside cover of such a housing would be configured to be transparent to typical charging magnetic fields and would be made of a non-metallic radio frequency (RF) or electromagnetic transparent material. In other words, the cover or lower surface of the housing may be made of a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to pass through. In some embodiments, select areas of the "charging field transparent" cover may also include some areas made of materials such as highly permeable magnetic alloys (mu-metal) or other materials that are inherently capable of controlling or limiting RF or magnetic emissions, which can be used to further form and / or define the overall area that will be transparent to electromagnetic or other such charging fields.

[0051] In other alternative embodiments, the conformal housing and / or cover / lower surface may utilize materials such as resin compounds or the like, with shielding portions molded therein. The sizing of such conformal housings will be appropriate for and varied with the specific equipment (i.e., battery or power pack) proximate the conformal housing so as to minimize spatial impact on the equipment or the space surrounding or on the housing. In one embodiment, the conformal housing enclosure will be located within or surrounded by a battery pack layout. Advantageously, such embodiments will not only shield the cables connecting the VA receive coil to the battery pack from physical damage and corrosion, but such arrangements will also shorten the VA to battery pack interconnect distance, thereby reducing cable resistance, thereby allowing for superior interconnection.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, a typical CCS housing shell structure will have an "open" side or area that allows external access for equipment installation, maintenance access, etc. Such "open" areas will be equipped with sealing elements (e.g., such as a cover with a gasket) to provide an environmental seal inside the conformal structure to reduce or prevent any harmful moisture from entering. As initially discussed herein, the size of the housing and the housing cover can be largely determined by the circumstances of the charging equipment it houses. In one embodiment, the conformal shell will reside in a shallow recess (lip) in the chassis of the vehicle. The size of such a recess can be set to allow the conformal shell and gasket to be flush with the outer surface of the chassis.

[0053] In another embodiment, the recharging coil itself, which would normally be held in a fixed position relative to the housing cover within the conformal housing, would optionally be equipped to be positionally adjustable toward or away from the cover while still residing within the conformal housing to further adjust and optimize the gap between the GA, CCS outer cover, or lower surface of the receive coil housing. Depending on the size, shape, and shielding elements of the CCS cover and the distance between the VA receive coil and the CCS cover, this would also allow the received electromagnetic field pattern to be dynamically shaped as well. Additionally, this embodiment would also allow the received field strength to be attenuated when the VA receive coil is moved away from the cover "window", thereby allowing certain higher charge capacity or rate GA transmit coils to be compatible with a wider range of VA receive coil voltages, charging current levels, etc.

[0054] The position of the outer surface of the conformal housing cover within the chassis of the vehicle can be designed to allow the receive coil or coil housed therein to be adjustable and spaced from the cover to further allow for variable spacing to improve or optimize the distance from the ground assembly (GA) transmit coil. This allows the GA transmit coil to be placed directly against the outer CCS cover surface in some embodiments, while still allowing the VA receive coil (inside the conformal housing) to have adjustment flexibility to achieve a desired or optimized magnetic coupling magnitude in some cases. In addition, if "slight" or small "Z" axis (i.e., vertical with respect to the ground plane) adjustment is desired, this embodiment will allow the use of a fixed GA mechanism in some cases to achieve improved or optimal "Z" axis spacing between the transmit and receive power coils.

[0055] This will be advantageous, for example, when the GA transmit coil is pressed upwardly against the underside of the conformal housing cover, where in some cases it will not inherently be at an optimal or desired Z-axis spacing. This is advantageous in that, in addition to its simplicity in construction and operation, this provides an inherent ability to automatically compensate for any unexpected ground clearance variations, including those vehicles equipped with specially heavy tread tires (e.g., winter tires and / or mud tires) and any snow and ice accumulation on the tire tread, the use of tire chains, and the use of oversized tires that would effectively increase the tire diameter of the vehicle. This Z-axis compensation will ensure preferred or improved current transfer relative to the Z-axis. As used herein, the "Z-axis" is a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground surface or ground plane.

[0056] In other embodiments, such as where it is desired to recharge a variety of different types of vehicles that may be equipped with a CCS (i.e., with widely varying chassis heights), another embodiment may allow some vehicles to have the ability to lower the entire conformal housing (typically via a non-metallic cable) from its normal "nested" position to allow for a wider range of GA to VA spacings. For this embodiment, the entire conformal receive coil assembly, whose perimeter "lip" normally remains mounted in a fixed position relative to the chassis of the vehicle, will optionally be equipped with the ability to be moved (e.g., lowered and then raised again) from against the chassis of the vehicle. The weight of the conformal housing and receive coil will be sufficient to allow the housing and coil to be lowered unassisted. For this embodiment, the VA receive coil (still within the conformal housing / enclosure) will only be temporarily moved (e.g., lowered) below the chassis ground clearance level and remain lowered for the duration of the charging process. As discussed in more detail herein, at the end of the charging process, the conformal housing / enclosure will then be retracted to an internal (to the vehicle) position within / above the chassis, where the cover or lower surface will adapt back to the closed position by mechanical means and / or tension on the lift / lower cables. The upper profile of the conformal housing cover will typically abut against a complementary recessed lip of the chassis, which will be equipped with a flexible gasket to maintain an environmental seal of the conformal assembly to the chassis.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, combined adjustment elements within the CCS housing and moving the entire conformal shell assembly itself from the vehicle may be combined to further extend the GA to VA adjustment range.

[0058] Reference Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of the underside of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 is shown. The vehicle 100 includes a control system 110 operably coupled to a VA receiving coil 103. The receiving coil 103 is arranged in a conformal housing 102 adjacent to or integrated with the chassis 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving coil 103 is mounted and completely enclosed in the housing 102. For clarity, the housing cover 104 is not shown. The vehicle 100 also includes a battery 112, which may be composed of one or more individual batteries or battery cells. The battery 112 is electrically coupled to receive electrical energy from the receiving coil 103. The battery 112 is also operably coupled to the control system 110 and a plurality of motors 114 for providing energy to rotate the tires 116 and move the vehicle 100. It should be understood that although the illustrated embodiment shows four motors 114, this is for illustrative purposes and the claims should not be so limited. The CCS described herein can be used with vehicles having any number of motors.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 , illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an underside of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 , a chassis 101 , and exemplary locations of a conformal housing 102 and a housing cover 104 .

[0060] Reference Figure 3 , shows an exemplary embodiment of the underside of an electric vehicle (EV) 100, chassis 101, and exemplary locations of a conformal housing 102 and housing cover 104. In the depicted embodiment, cover 104 is provided with a selective electromagnetic shielding region 105.

[0061] Reference Figure 4A , shows an exemplary side view of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 with a standard / unmodified or "clean" tire 402A positioned on a ground surface 400. The standard tire 402A provides ground clearance to the vehicle 100 as indicated by arrow 401. In the illustrated embodiment, when the vehicle 100 is positioned over the transmitting coil 412, the GA control system 410 provides power to the transmitting coil to generate a magnetic field. The receiving coil 103 is positioned to inductively couple with the transmitting coil 412 and generate power to charge the battery 112.

[0062] Reference Figure 4B , shows an exemplary side view of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 with a snow-covered tire 402B positioned on a ground surface 400. Ground clearance is shown by measurement 401. It should be appreciated that the snow-covered tire 402B increases the vehicle ground clearance, which also increases the distance between the transmitter coil 412 and the receiver coil 103.

[0063] Reference Figure 4C, shows an exemplary side view of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 having a tire 404 equipped with tire chains positioned on a ground surface 400. The tire 404 with tire chains has ground clearance shown by arrow 401.

[0064] It should be appreciated that when tires are changed (e.g., snow tires or chains are added) or the condition of the tires is changed (e.g., snow builds up), ground clearance 401 may also change. Thus, ground clearance 401 for a standard or clean tire 402A is less than the ground clearance provided when snow builds up on tire 402B or when tire chains are added to tire 404. Due to the increase in ground clearance 401, the receive coil may no longer be positioned at a desired height above ground surface 400.

[0065] Reference Figure 5A , shows an exemplary side view of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 with a cutaway area 500 showing a conformal assembly housing 501 containing a receiving recharging coil 502 disposed within the housing 501. In this embodiment, the conformal housing 501 resides within an area above, part of, or within the chassis area 101 of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the recharging coil 502 can be moved within the housing 501. This movement can be performed using a suitable mechanism 520, such as, but not limited to, a sliding or scissor-type mechanism configured to move the recharging coil 502 in at least one of the x-direction, y-direction, or z-direction. It should be understood that by moving the recharging coil 502 within the housing, the performance or electrical transfer characteristics of the inductive coupling between the recharging coil 502 and the transmitting coil can be changed. In other words, the movement mechanism 520 can be used to correct for misalignment between the recharging coil and the transmitting coil.

[0066] Steering Figure 5B, shows an exemplary side view of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 with a cutaway area 500 showing a conformal assembly housing 501 containing a receiving recharging coil 512 contained within the housing 501. In this figure, the conformal housing 501 has been temporarily lowered from its conformal "interior" area 505 to a position below the chassis 101 of the vehicle by a moving mechanism (e.g., such as a lifting cable 506). In one embodiment, when in the illustrated position, the housing 501 is suspended by the lifting cable 506. In this embodiment, the charging coil within the conformal housing 501 is electrically coupled to a battery via a cable 504, which is configured to maintain an electrical connection when the housing 501 moves between a first position in the conformal interior area 505 and a second position in which the housing moves in a direction of a ground surface. In one embodiment, the cable 504 is coupled to a self-reeling mechanism that retracts the cable when the housing 501 is raised from the lowered position or is an inherently "curled Q" or coiled self-retracting cable (e.g., a coiled shape that extends and retracts in a manner similar to a tension spring). It should be understood that although Figure 5B The illustration of shows the housing 501 as being completely lowered to the ground surface, but this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the housing 501 may be suspended at a predetermined distance above the ground surface or the transmitting coil.

[0067] In one embodiment, the moving mechanism further includes at least one motor 510 coupled to the lifting cable to move the housing 501 between the raised position and the lowered position ( Figure 5B ). It should be understood that the movement mechanism may include other types of movement systems, such as, for example, but not limited to, pneumatic, hydraulic, scissor lift, or rack and pinion arrangements, to cause movement of the housing 501. In one embodiment, the housing 501 includes a seal 512 disposed around the perimeter of the housing 501 adjacent to the top and / or sides of the lower surface. The seal member 512 is configured to provide an environmental seal between the housing 501 and the chassis 101 when the housing 501 is in a raised position (e.g., at least partially disposed within the conformal region 505).

[0068] Steering Figure 5C , shows an exemplary top view of a chassis 101 of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 configured with a plurality of batteries 506. In this embodiment, a conformal housing 508 is disposed in a conformal region 507. Figure 5C In the embodiment shown, the battery 506 surrounds the conformal charging enclosure space, but other embodiments may have batteries or battery packs located in areas other than directly surrounding the conformal housing 508.

[0069] It should be understood that the information provided herein includes but is not limited to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C In one or more embodiments of the embodiments, chassis 101 is a generally smooth surface and the conformal shell does not include features that extend significantly below the plane of the chassis to hinder operation of the vehicle.

[0070] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, "about" may include a range of ±8% or 5% or 2% of a given value.

[0071] In addition, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" should be understood to include any integer greater than or equal to one, i.e., one, two, three, four, etc. The term "plurality" should be understood to include any integer greater than or equal to two, i.e., two, three, four, five, etc. The term "connection" may include indirect "connection" and direct "connection". It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower", etc. may be used herein to modify various elements. Unless otherwise specified, these modifications do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order of the modified elements.

[0072] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts described, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element parts and / or their groups.

[0073] Although the present disclosure is provided in detail only in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, changes, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless charging system, comprising: A vehicle having a chassis disposed relative to the ground; at least one battery configured to provide energy to the vehicle; as well as At least one power receiving coil is electrically coupled to the at least one battery and is disposed within the housing adjacent the chassis opposite the ground surface.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The housing also includes a housing space that is physically conformal to the power receiving coil.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The housing forms at least a portion of the chassis, wherein the chassis and the housing form a substantially continuous surface.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The housing is disposed at a distance from the ground surface that is equal to or greater than a distance from a region of the chassis adjacent to the housing to the ground surface.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The housing includes a surface adjacent the chassis configured to allow magnetic and / or electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough to inductively couple the receive coil to the transmit coil during operation.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one power receiving coil is movably disposed within the housing. 7 . The system of claim 6 , further comprising a movement mechanism coupled to the at least one power receiving coil, the movement mechanism configured to move the at least one power receiving coil within the housing.

8. A wireless charging system, comprising: A vehicle having a chassis disposed relative to a ground surface, the vehicle having a conformal space; at least one battery configured to provide energy to the vehicle; a receiving coil electrically coupled to the at least one battery and movably coupled to the conformal space, the receiving coil being disposed in a housing having a lower surface adjacent to and continuous with the chassis; as well as A movement mechanism operably coupled to the vehicle to move the housing from a first position at least partially within the conformal space, and a second position, the second position being closer in direction to the ground surface than the first position, wherein the movement mechanism moves the housing without reducing a clearance between the chassis and the ground surface.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The movement mechanism includes at least one lifting cable by which the housing is suspended from the vehicle when in the second position.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The moving mechanism includes an electrical cable configured to maintain an electrical connection between the receiving coil and the battery when the housing moves in the direction toward the ground surface.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The movement mechanism also includes at least one motor operably coupled to the at least one lift cable and configured to selectively move the housing between a lowered position and a raised position.

12. The system of claim 9, further comprising a sealing member disposed between the housing and the chassis.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein: At least the lower surface is made of a material configured to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The housing also includes a housing space that is physically conformal to the power receiving coil.

15. A method comprising: providing a housing having a conformal space adjacent to a chassis opposite a ground surface in a vehicle; placing a receiving coil in the conformal space; electrically coupling the receiving coil to a battery in the vehicle; selectively generating an inductive coupling between the receiving coil and a transmitting coil, the transmitting coil being operably disposed to the ground surface; as well as The battery is charged when the inductive coupling is generated.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming a lower surface of the housing to provide a continuous surface with the chassis.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the housing from a first position to a second position, the second position being closer to the ground surface than the first position.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The inductive coupling is generated when the housing is in the second position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the housing from the second position to the first position, the first position being within a conformal space of the vehicle.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The moving of the housing is performed using lifting cables.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising creating an environmental seal between the housing and the chassis when the housing is in the first position.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The conformal space of the housing substantially conforms to a shape of the receive coil.

23. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the receiving coil within the housing.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The movement of the receive coil is responsive to an electrical characteristic of the inductive coupling.

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