Autonomous Wireless Fleet Charging With Coil Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack efficient methods for wireless charging of electric vehicles, particularly in fleets where energy storage devices need to be autonomously managed to maintain optimal charge levels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle fleet system is implemented with a charger vehicle equipped with a wireless charging coil that autonomously navigates to align with another vehicle's coil for energy transfer, maintaining or raising the energy storage device's state of charge above a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual charging intervention is used for vehicle fleets, then charging operations can be performed, but operational efficiency is reduced and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous vehicles that automatically navigate to charging stations and perform charging operations without human intervention. The vehicle's control system autonomously monitors battery charge levels, determines when charging is needed, navigates to appropriate charging stations, and manages the charging process, enabling the fleet to service itself and eliminating manual charging labor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. The charging process transitions from manual plug-in operations to automated vehicle navigation and electronic communication between the vehicle control system and charging station, substituting human mechanical actions with automated electronic control and wireless communication protocols
2Productivity
If wireless charging coils are aligned for energy transfer, then charging efficiency is improved, but navigation and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fleet controller as an intermediary that coordinates between vehicles and charging stations. The controller receives requests from vehicles needing charge, assigns appropriate charging stations, and manages the alignment process, simplifying the complexity by centralizing control rather than requiring each vehicle to independently manage complex navigation and alignment algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles communicate their charge status and location to the fleet controller, and the controller provides guidance for navigation and alignment. The system continuously monitors the alignment status between charging coils and adjusts the process accordingly, using feedback loops to manage complexity and ensure accurate positioning
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
Enables efficient wireless charging within vehicle fleets, ensuring that energy storage devices remain at optimal levels, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
transferring, through a first wireless charging coil of the charger vehicle and a second wireless charging coil of the second vehicle, electrical energy to charge a battery of the second vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a vehicle fleet includes identifying, by a fleet controller, a first vehicle within a vehicle fleet as a charger vehicle, and identifying, by the fleet controller, a second vehicle within the vehicle fleet as a vehicle to be charged. The method further includes navigating, by a controller of the charger vehicle, the charger vehicle to the second vehicle, and transferring, through a first wireless charging coil of the charger vehicle and a second wireless charging coil of the second vehicle, electrical energy to charge a battery of the second vehicle.