Distributed Wireless Charging for AGVs With Parallel Resonant Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are inefficient and prone to damage when attempting to charge vehicles in motion due to sensitivity to changes in reflected impedance and movement, leading to significant downtime and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A distributed wireless charging network with multiple transmitter nodes and a parallel resonant amplifier topology, allowing for continuous charging of AGVs and robotic vehicles while in motion by strategically placing transmitters along their pathways and using software to monitor and control the charging process, ensuring efficient power transfer and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wireless charging systems use class D or class E series resonant amplifiers to charge AGVs, then charging can be provided to vehicles in motion, but the system becomes sensitive to changes in reflected impedance due to transmitter and receiver coupling, movement, and orientation changes, leading to potential damage to power receivers and transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the amplifier topology from series resonant (class D or E) to parallel resonant amplifier configuration. This parameter change in circuit topology fundamentally alters the impedance characteristics and sensitivity profile, allowing the system to handle reflected impedance variations without damage while maintaining wireless charging capability for moving AGVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel resonant amplifier topology provides inherent buffering against reflected impedance variations before they can cause damage. The circuit design anticipates and cushions against the harmful effects of impedance changes, movement, and orientation variations that occur during AGV operation, preventing damage to power components.
2Productivity
If AGVs are charged wirelessly while in motion using conventional systems, then continuous operation might be achieved, but the amplifier cannot handle the wide range of reflections exacerbated by proximity of power receiver to transmitter, making charging futile or damaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter of the amplifier circuit from series resonant topology to parallel resonant topology. This enables the system to operate safely in the close proximity conditions required for wireless charging of moving AGVs, handling the wide range of reflected impedance without damage and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful reflected impedance variations into manageable conditions by using parallel resonant amplifiers. The system transforms what would be damaging reflections into acceptable operating conditions, allowing wireless charging to proceed successfully during AGV motion and improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If AGVs are taken offline for recharging, then complete charging can be achieved, but the vehicles are idle or down for maintenance for at least 3% of the time, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous wireless charging capability that operates throughout the AGV's operational cycle. The parallel resonant amplifier system maintains charging effectiveness whether the AGV is stationary or in motion, eliminating idle charging time and maximizing vehicle availability and productivity while ensuring complete charging.
4Productivity
If multiple transmitter nodes are distributed along AGV pathways to enable continuous charging in motion, then vehicle uptime increases, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless charging system into multiple distributed transmitter nodes positioned along AGV pathways. Each node handles a specific segment of the vehicle's route, enabling continuous charging through motion. This segmentation allows the complex infrastructure to be managed in manageable units while achieving high vehicle uptime.
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
The solution enables continuous operation of AGVs and robotic vehicles with minimal downtime, improving productivity and reducing the need for additional vehicles, as they can maintain charge capacity without being taken offline for recharging, thereby enhancing factory and fulfillment center efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
wireless charging systems are sensitive to the movement and/or orientation of the AGVs relative to the chargers
Implementation Method 2
parallel resonant amplifier topology, allowing for continuous charging of AGVs and robotic vehicles while in motion
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology provides a wireless charging network comprising wireless power transmitters and transmitters nodes distributed along a track or route traversed by automated guided vehicles and other moveable objects. The moveable objects include wireless charging receivers to receive wireless power from the wireless power transmitters and nodes.