Adjustable Inductance Device for EV Wireless Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive power transfer systems for electric vehicles require labor-intensive adjustments to tune inductances and capacitances, which complicates the installation and tuning process, especially when trying to maximize power transfer efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device with a magnetic conductive element and spacer elements allows for adjustable inductance variation in electric conductors without opening the housing, using a combination of ferrite elements and spacers to change the distance between them, thereby adjusting the inductance of the electric conductor in a hyperbolic manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional methods are used to adjust inductance by opening housing and reconfiguring components, then inductance can be adjusted, but labor intensity and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of inductance adjustmentVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the inductance adjustment function from the housing interior to an external device. The adjustment device is positioned outside the housing and adjusts inductance by influencing the electric conductor from the exterior, eliminating the need to open the housing for adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary adjustment device that mediates between the operator and the inductance parameter. This external device provides a user interface and adjustment mechanism outside the housing, allowing operators to adjust inductance without direct access to internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If inductance adjustment requires opening the housing and accessing internal components, then precise adjustment is possible, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductance adjustment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms and positioned for optimal access before the housing is closed. The device includes pre-installed components such as coils, magnets, or capacitors that are ready for immediate adjustment without requiring disassembly of the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional inductance adjustment methods are used during installation, then the system can be tuned, but the process becomes labor-intensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem tuning capabilityVSAvoidtuning process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device enables operators to perform tuning themselves without requiring specialized knowledge or access to internal components. The external positioning and user interface allow operators to independently adjust inductance parameters using simple controls outside the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the adjustment of inductive power transfer systems by minimizing labor and installation complexity, reducing installation costs, and allowing flexible tuning of inductivities without the need for complex mechanical or electrical components, while ensuring operational safety and reducing losses.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustment arrangement (3) comprises a first magnetically conductive element (4) and at least a second magnetically conductive element (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic conductivity: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The at least first spacer element (6) is arranged in between the first magnetically conductive element (4) and the second magnetically conductive element (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric relationship: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS10217552B2Device and method for adjusting an inductance of an electric conductor
Publication Date: 2019.02.26 ENRX IPT GMBH
  • US10217552B2 patent drawing
  • US10217552B2 patent drawing
  • US10217552B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for adjusting an inductance of at least one electric conductor. The device includes an adjustment arrangement with a first magnetically conductive element and at least a second magnetically conductive element. The adjustment arrangement includes at least a first spacer element arranged in between the first magnetically conductive element and the second magnetically conductive element.