Bipolar Double D Vehicle Coupler for Wireless Power Transfer Null Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive power transfer systems experience inefficiencies due to nulls in magnetic field strength and power transfer when the base pad and vehicle pad are not perfectly aligned, leading to reduced wireless power transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bipolar double D vehicle coupler, comprising two pairs of coils connected in series without overlap, where each pair forms a circuit that is substantially magnetically decoupled from the other, allowing for efficient power transfer by eliminating nulls in magnetic field strength and power transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single coil or overlapping coil configuration is used for wireless power transfer, then the system structure is simple, but nulls appear in magnetic field strength and power transfer efficiency when alignment is imperfect
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle coupler is segmented into two separate circuits (first circuit with coils 502/504 and second circuit with coils 506/508), each capable of independent power reception. This segmentation eliminates the nulls problem because when one circuit experiences reduced field strength, the other circuit can compensate, ensuring continuous efficient power transfer across various alignment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two magnetically decoupled circuits into a single vehicle coupler system, merging their power reception capabilities. The combined system receives power from both circuits simultaneously, providing redundancy and eliminating alignment-sensitive nulls while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Area of stationary object
If coils are arranged to overlap to increase power transfer area, then coverage is improved, but magnetic coupling between circuits increases causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
Ferrite materials are introduced as magnetic intermediaries between the coils to guide and contain magnetic flux within each circuit. These ferrite structures prevent magnetic field lines from one circuit from coupling into the other circuit, thereby eliminating magnetic interference while allowing the coils to be arranged in overlapping configurations for extended coverage.
3Reliability
If perfect alignment between base pad and vehicle pad is achieved, then power transfer efficiency is maximized, but the system becomes sensitive to alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the power reception into two independent circuits with different spatial orientations and overlap patterns, the system becomes adaptable to various alignment conditions. When the vehicle shifts relative to the base pad, at least one circuit maintains effective magnetic coupling, providing alignment tolerance while maintaining high power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-circuit vehicle coupler serves multiple functions: it can receive power efficiently at perfect alignment, maintain efficiency at misaligned positions, and provide redundant power reception paths. This multi-functionality makes the system universally effective across diverse operating conditions without requiring perfect alignment.
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 configuration ensures consistent and efficient wireless power transfer across various alignments, eliminating nulls in magnetic field strength and power transfer, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the system.
Implementation Method 1
receiving wireless power via a first circuit under the influence of an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
eliminating nulls in magnetic field strength and power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses utilizing a bipolar double D vehicle coupler in wireless power transfer applications are described herein. Some implementations may include an apparatus for wireless power transfer. The apparatus comprises a first coil and a second coil connected in series to form a first circuit. The first coil does not overlap the second coil. The apparatus comprises a third coil and a fourth coil electrically connected in series to form a second circuit. The third coil does not overlap the fourth coil. At least a portion of the first circuit overlaps at least a portion of the second circuit. The first circuit is substantially magnetically decoupled from the second circuit.