Auxiliary Wireless Power Transfer for Electric Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric vehicle charging systems are limited by the sparsity of charging stations, inefficiencies in regenerative braking, and the inflexibility of central battery power architectures, which restrict travel range and require frequent stops for charging.

Innovation Solution

A wireless energy transfer system utilizing auxiliary power devices such as triboelectric, piezoelectric, thermal-electric, and solar generators distributed throughout the vehicle to convert various forms of energy into electrical energy and wirelessly charge a battery, reducing the need for stationary charging and enhancing energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If charging stations are used to charge the battery, then the battery can be charged, but charging stations are sparsely located and require the vehicle to be stationary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charging capabilityVSAvoidcharging location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the charging function into multiple auxiliary power devices distributed throughout the vehicle (solar panels on roof, triboelectric generators on shock absorbers, piezoelectric generators on chassis, thermal-electric generators on exhaust pipe) rather than relying on a single external charging station. Each device independently generates electrical energy that is wirelessly transmitted to charge the battery, enabling charging anywhere these resources are available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle generates its own electrical energy through auxiliary power devices that convert environmental resources (solar radiation, mechanical vibration, thermal energy) directly into electricity. This self-charging capability eliminates dependence on external charging stations and allows the vehicle to recharge while in motion or parked in locations with available energy resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If regenerative braking is used to generate electricity, then the battery can be charged, but it can only generate a limited amount of energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generation during brakingVSAvoidtotal energy generated
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines regenerative braking with multiple other auxiliary power devices (solar generators, triboelectric generators, piezoelectric generators, thermal-electric generators) to create a hybrid energy generation system. This merges the limited energy from braking with abundant energy from solar radiation, mechanical vibrations, and thermal waste, significantly increasing total energy generation beyond what braking alone can provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary power system serves multiple functions: solar panels generate electricity from radiation, triboelectric and piezoelectric generators convert mechanical vibrations from road irregularities, thermal-electric generators convert exhaust heat. This multi-functional approach ensures energy generation continues regardless of braking status, providing continuous charging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a central battery architecture is used to store and distribute energy, then power can be stored and distributed, but it requires frequent stops for charging and decreases trip times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage and distributionVSAvoidtrip time due to charging stops
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary power devices operate continuously throughout vehicle operation, constantly generating electrical energy that is wirelessly transmitted to charge the battery. This continuous charging during motion eliminates the need for frequent stopping, maintaining uninterrupted vehicle operation while progressively replenishing battery energy reserves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary charging by accumulating energy from auxiliary power devices during normal vehicle operation and idle periods. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures the battery is continuously topped up before depletion occurs, preventing the need for urgent charging stops during travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If wire connections are used to transmit electrical energy from auxiliary power devices to the battery, then energy can be transmitted, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy transmissionVSAvoidwireless connection architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical wire connections with wireless electromagnetic energy transmission. Transmitters mounted on auxiliary power devices and a receiver on the battery enable energy transfer through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors. This reduces mechanical complexity, improves reliability by eliminating connection wear and failure points, and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system increases the travel range of electric vehicles, reduces charging time, and provides a flexible and efficient energy storage solution by distributing energy generation and storage across the vehicle, improving fuel economy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a triboelectric generator connected to the piston and the cylinder of the shock absorber and configured to generate electrical energy by converting frictional or vibrational energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a piezoelectric generator connected to a chassis of the vehicle and configured to generate electrical energy by converting deformation from mechanical stress into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a thermal-electric generator connected to the vehicle exhaust pipe and configured to generate electrical energy by converting heat waste into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal-electric conversion: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 4

a solar generator connected to a roof of the vehicle and configured to generate electrical energy by converting solar energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 5

a transmitter coupled to the triboelectric generator and configured to wirelessly transmit the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 6

a receiver coupled to the battery and configured to receive electrical energy and charge the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11161421B2Auxiliary wireless power transfer system
Publication Date: 2021.11.02 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US11161421B2 patent drawing
  • US11161421B2 patent drawing
  • US11161421B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating and storing electrical energy for a partially or fully electric vehicle having a motor/generator, the system includes an auxiliary power device configured to generate electrical energy by converting non-electrical energy into electrical energy. The system includes a transmitter connected to the auxiliary power device and configured to wirelessly transmit the electrical energy generated by the auxiliary power device. The system includes a battery configured to store electrical energy and power the motor/generator to propel the vehicle. The system includes a receiver connected to the battery and configured to receive electrical energy and charge the battery. The system includes a power bus configured to wirelessly receive the generated electrical energy from the transmitter and transmit the generated electrical energy to the receiver.