System and method for wireless vehicle power transfer to vehicle device using misalignment sensor

Abstract

To provide a charging system and method for dynamic wireless charging of a vehicle.SOLUTION: The present vehicle includes: one or more low load devices; and 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 receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmitting pad to the one or more low load devices. The prevent vehicle also includes: one or more processors; and one or more memory modules including a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the computer-readable instructions cause the one or more processors to receive the magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors, and estimate lateral misalignment of the plurality of magnetic sensors with respect to a magnetic axis of the power transmitting pad.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification generally relates to a charging system and method for dynamic wireless charging of a vehicle, and more specifically, to a charging system and method for utilizing a magnetic sensor that estimates lateral misalignment to supply power to a vehicle device.

Background Art

[0002] Current inductive charging technology for vehicles eliminates the need to plug a cable into the vehicle because power is transmitted wirelessly between the power source and the vehicle. Misalignment between the vehicle and the power source during wireless power transfer from the power source to the vehicle reduces the efficiency and speed of the energy transmitted to the vehicle, particularly the power receiving pad of the vehicle. As a result, the time required to fully charge the vehicle's battery becomes longer.

[0003] Sensors for detecting misalignment are useful for determining how to minimize misalignment. However, while these sensors are only configured to detect misalignment, the power receiving pad is used to receive power from the power source and supply power to the vehicle's battery. Therefore, when additional power is required to supply power to additional devices required during autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, the power must be received at the power receiving pad from the power source and then distributed or transmitted to the additional devices. This places an additional burden on the power receiving pad.

Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] In other embodiments, the vehicle includes one or more low-load devices, a power receiving pad for wirelessly receiving energy from a power transmission pad, a plurality of magnetic sensors operable between a misalignment detection mode for measuring the magnetic field of the power transmission pad and acquiring magnetic field data, and a power receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmission pad to one or more low-load devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory modules having a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to receive magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors and estimate the lateral misalignment of the power receiving pad with respect to the magnetic axis of the power transmission pad.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method for providing dynamic wireless power transmission to one or more low-load devices of a vehicle includes operating a plurality of magnetic sensors in misalignment detection mode; detecting a magnetic field provided by a power transmission pad using the plurality of magnetic sensors to acquire magnetic field data; estimating a lateral misalignment of a power receiving pad with respect to the magnetic axis of the power transmission pad using the magnetic field; and switching the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in power receiving mode to wirelessly transmit power from the power transmission pad to one or more low-load devices.

[0007] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be better understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] The embodiments shown in the drawings are essentially illustrative and preferred, and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments can be understood by reading in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar structures are indicated by the same reference numerals, as follows:

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows the underside of a vehicle including a power receiving system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2] This figure schematically shows a power transmission system and an approaching vehicle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] This figure schematically shows a chart illustrating the individual power outputs of each power transmission pad in a power transmission system according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically shows the circuit diagrams of the power receiving system and the power transmission system. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power transmission system and a power reception system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows computing hardware used in one or more devices to implement various systems and processes according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments described herein utilize multiple magnetic sensors to estimate lateral misalignment between a vehicle-side power receiving system and a road-side power transmission system, and to wirelessly transmit power from a low-load device of the power transmission system via the multiple magnetic sensors. Thus, the magnetic sensors disclosed herein provide a dual function.

[0011] By transmitting power using magnetic sensors, additional power may be transmitted to various components of the vehicle, such as multiple low-load devices, in addition to the power transmitted by the power receiving pads of the power receiving system. Low-load devices may be devices that are particularly used during wireless power transmission from the power transmission system. As will be described in more detail herein, low-load devices may include devices that assist in autonomous or semi-autonomous driving to adjust the direction of travel of the vehicle so as to minimize misalignment between the vehicle and the power transmission system. By transmitting power to these devices using magnetic sensors, it becomes unnecessary to adjust the power requirements of the power receiving pads, and instead, the magnetic sensors are used to meet the additional power demands.

[0012] As used herein, the term “vehicle longitudinal direction” refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (i.e., the +X / -X direction of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1). The term “vehicle lateral direction” refers to the direction that crosses the vehicle (i.e., the +Y / -Y direction of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1), which is the direction that intersects the vehicle longitudinal direction. The term “vehicle vertical direction” refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle (i.e., the +Z / -Z direction of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1). As used herein, “upper” and “top” are defined as the positive Z direction of the coordinate axes shown in the drawing. “Down” and “bottom” are defined as the negative Z direction of the coordinate axes shown in the drawing. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “outside” or “external” refers to the relative position of a component with respect to the vehicle's centerline. As used herein, the term “inside” or “internal” refers to the relative position of a component with respect to the vehicle's centerline. Generally, since vehicle structures are symmetrical with respect to the vehicle's centerline, when evaluating components positioned along opposite sides of the vehicle, directional references using "inside," "internal," "external," and "outside" may refer to the left-right opposite side of the vehicle's centerline.

[0013] The embodiments described herein generally relate to vehicle power receiving systems, which typically include one or more low-load devices and a plurality of magnetic sensors that can operate between a misalignment detection mode for measuring the magnetic field of a power transmission pad to acquire magnetic field data and a power receiving mode for wirelessly transmitting energy from the power transmission pad to one or more low-load devices. Various embodiments of the system and the operation of the system are described in more detail herein. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings whenever possible to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 has 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 the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a power receiving system 20 including a plurality of magnetic sensors 22 for detecting a magnetic field from a power transmission assembly, such as a power transmission system 24 including a plurality of power transmission pads 26, as shown in Figure 2 and discussed herein, on or within a roadway, and a power receiving pad 28 for wirelessly receiving power from the power transmission system 24. When the power transmission pads 26 are referred to as a whole, they are denoted by reference numeral 26. However, when the power transmission pads 26 are referred to individually, they are denoted as a first power transmission pad 26a, a second power transmission pad 26b, a third power transmission pad 26c, etc., arranged in the direction of travel D, as shown in the figures. In this specification, we refer to a power receiving pad 28 that wirelessly receives power from a power transmission pad 26, but it should be understood that the power receiving pad 28 may be capable of receiving power from any known or undeveloped form of power transmission pad, such as existing underground systems. In one embodiment, a wireless charging system is provided that includes both a power receiving system 20 and a power transmission system 24, as disclosed herein.

[0015] Vehicle 10 includes at least two magnetic sensors 22 to detect magnetic fields and measure the magnetic flux density of the magnetic fields provided by each power transmission pad 26 of the power transmission system 24. In some embodiments, as shown, vehicle 10 includes three magnetic sensors 22. However, more or fewer than three magnetic sensors 22 may be provided. It should be understood that providing additional magnetic sensors 22 to vehicle 10 leads to a more accurate estimation of the position of the power transmission pads 26 relative to the power receiving pads 28. The magnetic sensors 22 may be any suitable magnetic field sensor device capable of detecting the presence and a specific magnitude of the magnetic field. When referring to the magnetic sensors 22 as a whole, the magnetic sensors are denoted as reference numeral 22. However, when referring to the magnetic sensors 22 individually, the magnetic sensors 22 are denoted as the first magnetic sensor 22a, the second magnetic sensor 22b, and the third magnetic sensor 22c, as shown.

[0016] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 22 is provided on the bottom surface 18 of the vehicle 10, close to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10, so that the magnetic sensor 22 encounters the magnetic field of each power transmission pad 26 in front of the power receiving pad 28. The magnetic sensor 22 is positioned at equal intervals from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and therefore aligns with the longitudinal axis or magnetic axis A of the power transmission pad 26 when the power transmission pad 26 is located in the center of a road lane. However, if the power transmission pad 26 is not located in the center of a lane 10, the magnetic sensor 22 is repositioned along the bottom surface 18 of the vehicle 10 in a fixed or movable manner in the lateral direction of the vehicle, aligning the magnetic sensor 22 with the magnetic axis A of the power transmission pad 26 while maintaining the position of the vehicle 10 within the center of the lane. As shown in the figure, the magnetic sensor 22 is arranged in a triangular configuration with a first magnetic sensor 22a positioned forward of the vehicle relative to a second magnetic sensor 22b and a third magnetic sensor 22c. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 22 is aligned symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the power receiving pad 28.

[0017] By positioning the magnetic sensor 22 close to the front end 12 of the vehicle 10 and spaced apart from the power receiving pad 28, the magnetic sensor 22 can estimate misalignment with respect to the power transmission pad 26 ahead, while the power receiving pad 28 of the vehicle 10 receives power from at least one power transmission pad 26 behind. In this way, data from the magnetic sensor 22 can be used in an artificial neural network to estimate whether there is a lateral misalignment between the vehicle 10, particularly between the power receiving pad 28 and the power transmission pad 26, and the vehicle 10 can adjust its position accordingly as it travels along the road and moves over the subsequent power transmission pad 26.

[0018] As described herein, the magnetic sensor 22 is configured to detect a magnetic field, which is then used to estimate the lateral misalignment between the power receiving pads 28 and the power transmission pads 26 with respect to the magnetic axis A of each power receiving pad 26. Thus, the magnetic axis A is correlated with the central axis extending through each of the power transmission pads 26. As referred herein, “lateral misalignment” means the displacement between the power receiving pads 28 and the magnetic axis A of the power transmission pads 26 in the longitudinal 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 pads 28 are directly aligned with or on the magnetic axis A of the power transmission pads 26, i.e., the magnetic field. Lateral misalignment or displacement of the vehicle may reduce the rate of energy transmitted between the power receiving pads 28 and the power transmission pads 26.

[0019] With respect to the power receiving pad 28, the power receiving pad 28 may be positioned on the bottom surface 18 of the vehicle body 16 of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, similar to the magnetic sensor 22, the power receiving pad 28 may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 so as to align with the center and magnetic field of the power transmission pad 26. However, as described above, if the power transmission pad 26 is not positioned in the center of the lane, the power receiving pad 28 may be repositioned along the bottom surface 18 of the vehicle 10, either in a fixed or movable state. The power receiving pad 28 may be any suitable wireless power receiving device, such as an induction coil, for wirelessly receiving charge from the inductive power transmission pad.

[0020] As described herein, the power transmission pad 26 may be part of an existing underground system configured to wirelessly transmit power from the power transmission pad 26 to the power receiving pad 28, the power receiving pad 28 may be used to sequentially recharge the battery 32 of the vehicle 10, or to supply power directly to the vehicle 10 by bypassing the battery 32. In some embodiments, a power transmission system 24 including a plurality of power transmission pads 26 is shown, as shown in Figure 2. Each power transmission pad 26 may be identical in structure and therefore applicable to each power transmission pad 26 by referring to one power transmission pad 26. The power transmission pads 26 are arranged to form a power transmission assembly 34. Each power transmission pad 26 includes at least one coil 36. Each power transmission pad 26 includes a front end 38, a rear end 40, a first side 42, and a second side 44, the side 42, 44 extending between the front end 38 and the rear end 40. The front end 38 is indicated in the forward travel direction D when the vehicle 10 is traveling in a road lane where the power transmission assembly 34 is located. Multiple connecting members 46 are provided along the sides 42, 44 of the power transmission pad 26. As shown, no connecting members 46 are provided at the front end 38 and the rear end 40 of the power transmission pad 26.

[0021] Furthermore, each power transmission pad 26 may include a resonant network 48, a high-frequency inverter 50, and a microcontroller 52. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 further includes a pad communication device 54 electrically connected to a microcontroller 52 for wireless communication with the vehicle communication device 30 to receive commands from the vehicle 10, as discussed herein. Each power transmission pad 26 is connected to a power source 56 via a power line 58 to supply energy to the coil 36, and the microprocessor 52 of each power transmission pad 26 may be selectively connected to a server 60 via a control area network line 62. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 may be wirelessly connected to the server 60 via the pad communication device 54, thereby eliminating the need for the control area network line 62. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 may receive commands from the vehicle 10 via the server 60, which is in contrast to the power transmission pad 26 directly via the pad communication device 54.

[0022] In some embodiments, a plurality of power transmission pads 26 are linearly arranged adjacent to each other at opposite front and rear ends. However, it should be understood that the front end 38 and the rear end 40 of the power transmission pad 26 provide less power than the amount of power provided along the sides 42, 44 of the power transmission pad 26. Thus, this may result in a discontinuity or reduction in the magnitude of the magnetic field between adjacent power transmission pads 26. To address this issue, in some embodiments, the front end 38 of at least some of the power transmission pads 26 overlaps with the rear end 40 of the immediately adjacent power transmission pad 26 to form an overlapping region 64. Thereby, the power transmission to the vehicle 10 is uniform and it is ensured that the power transmission assembly 34 has no significant fluctuations.

[0023] Referring to Figure 3, the chart shows the power transmitted from each of the power transmission pads 26 to the power receiving pad 28 as the vehicle 10 moves forward (+X direction) along the longitudinal direction of the power transmission assembly 34. As discussed below herein, the power transmission pads 26 are configured to switch from misalignment estimation mode to power transmission mode. Furthermore, these power transmission pads 26 are configured to coordinate with each other regarding when to start misalignment estimation mode and when to switch to power transmission mode. Initially, each power transmission pad 26 is in a deactivated state. Upon receiving a command, the power transmission pad 26 is activated into misalignment estimation mode and generates a magnetic field that is detected by the magnetic sensor 22. Subsequently, the power transmission pads 26 switch to power transmission mode and transmit power to the power receiving pad 28 as the power receiving pad 28 passes over the power transmission pad 26.

[0024] In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 operates at a frequency between 2 kHz and 6 kHz when in misalignment estimation mode. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 operates at a frequency between 4 kHz and 5 kHz when in misalignment estimation mode. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 provides power between 3 amperes and 10 amperes when in misalignment estimation mode. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 provides power between 4 amperes and 7 amperes when in misalignment estimation mode. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 operates at a frequency between 20 kHz and 100 kHz when in power transmission mode. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 operates at a frequency between 70 kHz and 90 kHz when in power transmission mode. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 provides power between 40 amperes and 80 amperes when in power transmission mode.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the first power transmission pad 26a is first directly indicated by another power transmission pad 26, the server 60, or the vehicle 10 that the vehicle 10 is approaching the first power transmission pad 26a, and is instructed to switch to the power transmission mode with respect to the power transmission pad 26a. At the same time, the second power transmission pad 26b is activated to start the misalignment estimation mode, and before the power receiving pad 28 of the vehicle 10 passes over the second transmission pad 26b, a lateral misalignment and / or a vertical offset is estimated.

[0026] As described herein, the power of the power transmission pad 26 is greater at its sides 42, 44. Thus, as shown, the power output of the first power transmission pad 26a gradually increases from X1 to X2. At X2, the first power transmission pad 26a achieves the maximum power output and maintains this power output from X2 to X3. At X3, the power output of the power transmission pad 26a begins to decrease. At the same time, the second power transmission pad 26b is switched from the misalignment estimation mode to the power transmission mode and is instructed to start transmitting power to the power receiving pad 28. Thus, between X3 and X4 defined by the overlapping region 64 between the first power transmission pad 26a and the second power transmission pad 26b, the power provided by the first power transmission pad 26a gradually decreases, and the power of the second power transmission pad 26b gradually increases. The power decrease rate of the first power transmission pad 26a coincides or corresponds to the power increase rate of the second power transmission pad 26b, providing uniform power in the overlapping region 64 between the first power transmission pad 26a and the second power transmission pad 26b.

[0027] At X4, the first power transmission pad 26a is powered off to conserve power, the second power transmission pad 26b maintains a constant power output until X5, and at X5, the above process is repeated for the third power transmission pad 26c from X6 to X8. Although only three power transmission pads 26 are shown, it should be understood that the above steps may be repeated for each power transmission pad 26 in the power transmission assembly 34 so that multiple power transmission pads 26 are operated sequentially. The power output is maintained to be uniform among adjacent power transmission pads 26.

[0028] Any number of power transmission pads 26 may be used, and each may have any suitable shape, such as including a curve or multiple curves formed on the sides 42, 44 between the rear end 40 and the front end 38. However, if the power transmission pads 26 include curves formed therein, each part 42, 44 of the power transmission pads 26 has the same curve in order to maintain a constant width of the power transmission pads 26 and thereby provide a constant magnetic field.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c of the vehicle 10 are illustrated to be located on a forward power transmission pad, such as power transmission pad 26b, while the power receiving pad 28 of the vehicle 10 is illustrated to be located on a rear power transmission pad, such as power transmission pad 26a. Furthermore, each magnetic sensor 22 is shown to be electrically coupled to a low-load device 70 via a compensator 72 and a rectifier 74. It should be understood that the connection between each magnetic sensor 22 and its corresponding low-load device 70 is not limited to a specific arrangement such as the compensator 72 and rectifier 74 disclosed herein. Therefore, other components and connection methods for allowing energy to be transferred and / or converted from the magnetic sensor 22 to the low-load device 70 are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although only a single low-load device 70 is shown to be coupled to each magnetic sensor 22, it should be understood that multiple low-load devices 70 may be electrically coupled to each magnetic sensor 22.

[0030] In the embodiment, it should be understood that the magnetic sensor 22 either receives energy from the power transmission pad 26 to estimate misalignment, or transmits energy to the low-load device 70. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 operates between a misalignment detection mode, as discussed herein, for detecting lateral misalignment, or, alternatively, a power acceptance mode in which energy is transmitted from the magnetic sensor 22 to the low-load device 70. As a result, the magnetic sensor 22 alternates between the misalignment detection mode and the power acceptance mode when certain conditions are met, which will be described in more detail herein. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 22 may switch from the misalignment detection mode to the power acceptance mode when a first condition is met, and switch from the power acceptance mode to the misalignment detection mode when a second condition is met.

[0031] As used herein, the term “low-load device” refers to any device that can receive and operate in response to receiving low-power transmissions from the power transmission pad 26 via the magnetic sensor 22. As discussed herein, the magnetic sensor 22 is configured to receive energy having low frequency and low power from the power transmission pad 26. Thus, the low-load device 70 can operate in response to the received energy when the power transmission pad 26 is operating in misalignment estimation mode, which provides energy having a frequency between 2 kHz and 6 kHz and a power between 3 amperes and 10 amperes.

[0032] In the embodiment, the low-load device 70 is a device used when the vehicle 10 is operating in an autonomous driving mode and / or a semi-autonomous driving mode and the vehicle 10 is positioned over the power transmission pad 26. Not limited examples of a suitable low-load device 70 include LiDAR, RADAR, GPS devices, cameras, sensors, misalignment monitors / displays / indicators or similar. An example of a misalignment monitor, display, or indicator may include a display screen that can show whether the vehicle 10 is currently experiencing misalignment with the power transmission pad 26, what adjustments are needed to reduce the misalignment, whether the magnetic sensor 22 is currently receiving power from the power transmission pad 26, and in what mode the magnetic sensor 22 is currently operating.

[0033] In this embodiment, the low-load device 70 does not include a battery for storing power received from the magnetic sensor 22. Therefore, the low-load device 70 can only be operated when the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in power-receiving mode and is located on the power transmission pad 26. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the low-load device 70 is electrically coupled to a battery 76. Specifically, each low-load device 70 may be electrically coupled to a different battery, or, as shown, the low-load devices 70 may be electrically coupled to the same battery 76. The battery 76 may be configured to store energy received from the magnetic sensor 22 so that the low-load device 70 is available when the magnetic sensor 22 is not operating in power-receiving mode and is not located on the power transmission pad 26, i.e., for example, when the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in misalignment detection mode and / or not located on the power transmission pad 26.

[0034] A non-limiting example of the conditions that determine whether the magnetic sensor 22 operates in misalignment detection mode or power acceptance mode is whether the magnetic sensor 22 accepts a request to operate one or more low-load devices 70. Such a request may be received from a user requesting a specific operation of a low-load device 70, such as a misalignment monitor for displaying misalignment of the magnetic sensor 22 relative to the power transmission pad 26. In embodiments, the magnetic sensor 22 may be able to accept commands in response to the position of the vehicle 10 being aligned with the power transmission pad 26 and adjusted to enable power acceptance by the magnetic sensor 22. Therefore, the use of one or more low-load devices 70 may be desirable to detect misalignment between the magnetic sensor 22 and the power transmission pad 26 and to make the necessary decisions to adjust the position of the vehicle 10 to reduce the misalignment.

[0035] Another non-limiting example of a condition that determines the mode in which the magnetic sensor 22 operates is the length of time the magnetic sensor 22 operates in one of several modes. For example, if the magnetic sensor 22 has been operating in power-accepting mode for a length of time exceeding the threshold limit time, the magnetic sensor 22 may switch to misalignment detection mode, at least temporarily. Similarly, if the magnetic sensor 22 has been operating in misalignment detection mode for a length of time exceeding the threshold limit time, the magnetic sensor 22 may switch from misalignment detection mode to power-accepting mode. In some embodiments, the threshold limits may be the same so that the magnetic sensor 22 operates for equal amounts of time in misalignment detection mode and power-accepting mode. In other embodiments, the threshold limits may be different so that the magnetic sensor 22 operates in one mode more frequently than in the other. In some embodiments, the threshold limit time for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in power-accepting mode is longer than the threshold limit time for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in misalignment detection mode. This allows the magnetic sensor 22 to receive power from the power transmission pad 26 and primarily transmit energy to the low-load device 70, but may still periodically detect misalignments and adjust the position of the vehicle 10 accordingly. This is particularly useful when the low-load device 70 is not electrically coupled to the battery 76 and is only operational when the magnetic sensor 22 is located on the power transmission pad 26.

[0036] As described above, the low-load device 70 may be electrically coupled to a battery 76 to store energy so that the low-load device 70 operates when the magnetic sensor 22 is not actively receiving power from the power transmission pad 26. In these embodiments, the magnetic sensor 22 may operate in power-receiving mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more low-load devices 70 exceeds the maximum power level. The maximum power level may indicate the power capacity of the battery 76. Therefore, once the power level of the battery 76 reaches the maximum power level, the magnetic sensor 22 may operate in misalignment estimation mode, as the low-load device 70 no longer needs to actively receive power. Furthermore, in embodiments, the magnetic sensor 22 may operate in misalignment detection mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more low-load devices 70 reaches the minimum power level, at which point the magnetic sensor 22 is switched to power-receiving mode to supply power to the low-load devices 70, particularly the battery 76, and the power level of the battery 76 is raised until it exceeds the minimum power level. The minimum power level may also refer to a power level below which, if lowered, one or more low-load devices 70 will become inoperable.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5 with reference to the systems shown in Figures 1 to 4, Method 100 shows that the magnetic sensor 22 is alternately used between estimating the lateral misalignment of the vehicle 10 with respect to the power transmission pad 26 and transmitting power to the low-load device 70.

[0038] In step 102, the vehicle 10, specifically the magnetic sensor 22, is positioned relative to a power transmission pad 26, such as power transmission pad 26b, as shown in Figure 4. While the methods disclosed herein discuss an example of the vehicle 10 moving in the direction of travel D on the power transmission pad 26 and the determination of the power transmission pad 26 to change its operating mode based on its relative position to the vehicle 10, it should be understood that the disclosure, which estimates lateral misalignment and wirelessly transmits power from the magnetic sensor 22 to the low-load device 70, is equally applicable when the vehicle 10 is parked and stationary on a single power transmission pad 26.

[0039] In step 104, the power transmission pad 26 operates in misalignment estimation mode, for example, when it is first activated by energizing the power transmission pad 26. Up to this point, the power transmission pad 26 may be in a deactivated state to conserve energy. In some embodiments, the power transmission pad 26 may be activated by receiving a signal from a server 60, which may communicate directly or indirectly with the vehicle 10 via one or more network connections.

[0040] In step 106, the magnetic sensor 22 initially operates in misalignment detection mode and detects the magnetic field of the power transmission pad 26, which is located above the magnetic sensor 22 and operates in misalignment estimation mode. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 of the vehicle 10 detects the magnetic field of the power transmission pad 26 to estimate the misalignment. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the detection of the magnetic field by the magnetic sensor 22 is used to estimate the lateral misalignment.

[0041] When the vehicle 10 is moving across the power transmission pad 26, the power transmission pad 26 is instructed to switch to power transmission mode and transmits power from the power transmission pad 26 to the power receiving pad 28. The energy received by the power receiving pad 28 may be used to recharge the vehicle 10's battery 32, or it may be used to directly power the vehicle 10's electrical components. If the power is used to directly power the vehicle 10, it should be understood that the size of the battery 32 may be reduced or eliminated entirely. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 22 is located on another power transmission pad 26 operating in misalignment estimation mode.

[0042] In step 108, while the magnetic sensor 22 is still operating in misalignment detection mode, the mature artificial neural network of the power receiving system 20 estimates the lateral misalignment between the vehicle 10 and the power receiving pads 28 and power transmission pads 26 based on the magnetic field data received from the magnetic sensor 22. Additional information on estimating the lateral misalignment between the vehicle 10 and the power transmission pads 26 using the magnetic sensor 22 is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 885010, filed on 28 May 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Wireless Vehicle Power Transfer and Misalignment Estimation," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0043] As discussed herein, the magnetic sensor 22 is switched between a misalignment detection mode and a power acceptance mode in response to the fulfillment of either a first or second condition. In step 110, when the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in misalignment detection mode, it is determined whether the first condition is fulfilled.

[0044] An unrestricted example of the first condition satisfied in step 110 is when a request to operate the low-load device 70 is accepted. The request may be accepted in response to a request for a specific operation or use of the low-load device 70 performed by the user. Alternatively, the request may be accepted automatically in response to the position of the vehicle 10 in which the magnetic sensor 22 is adjusted to align with the power transmission pad 26.

[0045] Another non-restrictive example of the first condition being satisfied in step 110 is when the magnetic sensor 22 has been operating in misalignment detection mode for a period exceeding the threshold time limit. The length of time that the magnetic sensor 22 has been operating in misalignment detection mode is determined in step 110, and if this length of time exceeds the threshold time limit, the first condition is satisfied.

[0046] Another non-limiting example of the first condition satisfied in step 110 is when the power level of the battery electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor 22 falls below the minimum power level. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 may operate in misalignment detection mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more low-load devices 70 falls below the minimum power level.

[0047] If, based on any of the examples discussed herein, it is determined in step 110 that the first condition is met, the magnetic sensor 22 is switched in step 112 to operate in power-receiving mode. It should be understood that the above examples do not form an exhaustive list of ways in which the first condition may be met. Alternatively, if the first condition is not met in step 110, method 100 returns to step 106, and the magnetic sensor 22 remains in misalignment detection mode.

[0048] In response to the first condition being met in step 110, the magnetic sensor 22 switches from misalignment detection mode to power acceptance mode in step 112. In step 114, the magnetic sensor 22 receives power from the power transmission pad 26 located above it and directs this received energy to the low-load device 70. The magnetic sensor 22 maintains power acceptance mode to direct power to the load device 70 until the second condition is met. In step 116, it is determined whether the second condition is met while the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in power acceptance mode.

[0049] A non-limiting example of the second condition satisfied in step 116 is when the time the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in power-receiving mode exceeds the threshold limit time. The length of time the magnetic sensor 22 is operating in power-receiving mode is determined in step 116, and the second condition is satisfied when the length of time exceeds the threshold limit time. As discussed herein, the threshold limit time for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in misalignment detection mode and the threshold limit time for operating the magnetic sensor 22 in power-receiving mode may be the same. In other embodiments, the threshold limit times may be different.

[0050] Another non-limiting example of the second condition satisfied in step 116 is when the power level of the battery electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor 22 exceeds the maximum power level. Thus, the magnetic sensor 22 may operate in power-receiving mode until the power level of the battery 76 of one or more low-load devices 70 exceeds the maximum power level.

[0051] It should be understood that the above example does not form an exhaustive list of ways in which the second condition may be met. In response to the second condition being met in step 116, method 100 returns to step 106 so that the magnetic sensor 22 can be switched to misalignment estimation mode. Alternatively, if it is determined in step 116 that the second condition is not met, method 100 returns to step 112, and the magnetic sensor 22 continues to operate in power acceptance mode.

[0052] Referring to Figure 6, the block diagram shows a preferred computing environment 200 in which embodiments of the present disclosure, such as the magnetic sensor 22 and / or any subcomponents, can be implemented together with any other computing devices shown in any of Figures 1 to 4. The preferred computing environment 200 may include non-volatile memory 208 (such as ROM, flash memory), volatile memory 210 (such as RAM), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least one processor 202 is coupled to non-temporary memory such as the non-volatile memory 208 and / or volatile memory 210. The preferred computing environment 200 may, in non-limiting examples, use RAM, ROM, cache, optical fiber, EPROM / flash memory, CD / DVD / BD-ROM, hard disk drive, solid-state storage, optical or magnetic storage device, diskette, electrical connection with wire, system or device of magnetic, optical, semiconductor, electronic type, or any combination thereof.

[0053] A preferred computing environment 200 may include one or more display and / or output devices 204, such as a monitor, speaker, headphones, projector, wearable display, and / or holographic display. As discussed above, the driver of the vehicle 10 may receive notifications via the display and / or output device 204 indicating a lateral misalignment of the vehicle 10 relative to the power transmission pad 26. A preferred computing environment 200 may further include one or more input devices 206, examples of which include 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.

[0054] The network interface 212, including the vehicle communication device 30, can facilitate communication over one or more networks 214 via wires, wide area networks, local area networks, personal area networks, cellular networks, satellite networks, etc. A suitable local area network may include wired Ethernet® and / or wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi. A suitable personal area network may include wireless technologies such as IrDA, Bluetooth®, wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and / or other short-range wireless communication protocols. Similarly, a suitable personal area network may include wired computer buses such as USB and FireWire. A suitable cellular network includes, but is not limited to, technologies such as LTE, WiMAX, UMTS, CDMA, and GSM®. A preferred computing environment 200 may include one or more network interfaces 212 for facilitating communication with one or more remote devices, which may include client and / or server devices such as a server communicating with a power transmission system 24. The network interface 212 may also be described as a communication module, since these terms are used interchangeably. The network interface 212 can be communicatively coupled to any device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data over one or more networks 214, which may, in non-limiting examples, correspond to any computing device shown in any of Figures 1 to 4.

[0055] The network interface 212 may include communication transceivers for transmitting and / or receiving wired or wireless communications. For example, the network interface 212 may include antennas, modems, LAN ports, Wi-Fi cards, WiMAX cards, mobile communication hardware, near-field communication hardware, satellite communication hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communication, together with other networks and devices.

[0056] The computer-readable medium 216 may include multiple computer-readable media, each of which may be either a computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable signal medium. The computer-readable medium 216 may reside, for example, within an input device 206, a non-volatile memory 208, a volatile memory 210, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may include tangible media that can store instructions associated with or used by a device or system. Non-limiting examples of computer-readable storage media include RAM, ROM, cache, optical fiber, EPROM / flash memory, CD / DVD / BD-ROM, hard disk drive, solid-state storage, optical or magnetic storage devices, diskettes, electrical connections with wires, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may also include, for example, magnetic, optical, semiconductor, or electronic type systems or devices. The computer-readable storage medium excludes propagating signals and carrier waves.

[0057] From the above, it should be understood that what is defined herein is a vehicle including multiple magnetic sensors that can operate between misalignment detection mode and power transmission mode. When the magnetic sensors are in misalignment detection mode, they are configured to detect the magnetic field of the power transmission pad to estimate lateral misalignment between the vehicle and the power transmission pad. Alternatively, when the magnetic sensors are in power reception mode, they receive power from the power transmission pad and transmit it to electrically coupled low-load devices.

[0058] It should be noted that the enumeration herein of components that are “configured” or “programmed” in a particular way to embody specific characteristics or to function in a particular manner is a structural enumeration, as opposed to an enumeration of uses. More specifically, references herein to how components are “configured” or “programmed” should be considered to describe the existing physical state of the component and, therefore, a clear enumeration of the structural features of the component.

[0059] The execution or order of execution of operations in the examples of disclosure illustrated and described herein is not mandatory unless otherwise specified. That is, operations can be performed in any order unless specifically stated, and the examples of disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, performing or executing a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0060] It should be noted that the terms “substantially,” “about,” and “nearly” are used herein to describe the degree of inherent uncertainty that may arise from any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other expression. These terms are also used herein to describe the extent to which a quantitative expression may deviate from the reference given without altering the fundamental function of the subject matter in question.

[0061] While specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein, it is not necessary to use such aspects in combination. Accordingly, the attached claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A vehicle, 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 transfer pad to obtain magnetic field data and a power acceptance mode for wirelessly transferring energy from the power transfer pad to the one or more low-load devices; one or more processors; one or more memory modules comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon; Equipped with The computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors; estimating a lateral misalignment of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a magnetic axis of the power transfer pad; vehicle.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle includes at least three magnetic sensors disposed proximate a 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. 2. 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 acceptance mode in response to receiving a request to operate one or more of a plurality of low load devices.

6. 2. 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 acceptance mode in response to the plurality of magnetic sensors operating in the misalignment detection mode for a length of time that exceeds a threshold time limit.

7. 2. 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 misalignment detection mode in response to determining that a power level of the one or more low load devices exceeds a maximum power level.

8. 2. 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 acceptance mode in response to a power level of the one or more low load devices being below a minimum power level.

9. A vehicle, one or more low-load devices; a power receiving pad for wirelessly receiving energy from the power transmission pad; a plurality of magnetic sensors operable between a misalignment detection mode for measuring a magnetic field of the power transfer pad to obtain magnetic field data and a power acceptance mode for wirelessly transferring energy from the power transfer pad to the one or more low-load devices; one or more processors; one or more memory modules comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon; The computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving magnetic field data from the plurality of magnetic sensors; estimating a lateral misalignment of the power receiving pad relative to a magnetic axis of the power transmission pad; vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the vehicle includes at least three magnetic sensors disposed proximate a front end of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle of claim 9 , 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.

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

13. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the power acceptance mode in response to receiving a request to operate one or more of a plurality of low load devices.

14. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the power acceptance mode in response to the plurality of magnetic sensors operating in the misalignment detection mode for a length of time that exceeds a threshold time limit.

15. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the misalignment detection mode in response to determining that a power level of the one or more low load devices exceeds a maximum power level.

16. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the computer readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in the power acceptance mode in response to a power level of the one or more low load devices being below a minimum power level.

17. 1. A method for providing dynamic wireless power transfer to one or more low load devices of a vehicle, comprising: operating the plurality of magnetic sensors in a misalignment detection mode; detecting a magnetic field provided by a power transfer pad with the plurality of magnetic sensors to obtain magnetic field data; using the magnetic field to estimate a lateral misalignment of a power receiving pad relative to a magnetic axis of the power transmission pad; switching the plurality of magnetic sensors to operate in a power receiving mode to wirelessly transmit power from the power transmission pad to one or more low load devices; The method comprising:

18. determining an amount of time that the plurality of magnetic sensors operated in the misalignment detection mode; in response to determining that the amount of time exceeds a threshold time limit, switching the plurality of magnetic sensors from the misalignment detection mode to the power acceptance mode; The method of claim 17 further comprising:

19. determining a power level of the one or more low-load devices; switching the plurality of magnetic sensors from the power acceptance mode to the misalignment detection mode in response to determining that a power level of the one or more lightly loaded devices exceeds a maximum power level; The method of claim 17 further comprising:

20. determining a power level of the one or more low-load devices; switching the plurality of magnetic sensors from the misalignment detection mode to the power acceptance mode in response to determining that a power level of the one or more lightly loaded devices is below a minimum power level; The method of claim 17 further comprising:

Images