Vehicle Cabin Inductive Power Transfer Without Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cabin power transfer systems expose electrical contacts to wet environments and require precise alignment for inductive charging, which can lead to short circuits and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cabin power transfer arrangement using primary and secondary inductor units that create a contactless induction field, allowing for power transfer without direct electrical contact and eliminating the need for precise alignment, with the primary inductor units integrated into various cabin structures and secondary units embedded in accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inductive coupling is used for contactless power transfer, then electrical contacts are protected from wet environment, but precise alignment between primary and secondary coils is required
Solution Approach 1:
A ferromagnetic sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary and secondary coils. This sheet concentrates and guides the magnetic flux, enabling efficient power transfer without requiring precise alignment between the coils. The ferromagnetic material acts as a flux conductor that bridges the gap between misaligned coils, maintaining reliability while eliminating the alignment precision requirement.
2Ease of operation
If electric contacts are exposed for power transfer, then power can be transferred to devices, but electrical contacts are exposed to wet environment causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transfer system with an inductive coupling system. Instead of direct electrical contacts that are vulnerable to moisture, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly through the ferromagnetic sheet, eliminating the harmful exposure of electrical contacts to wet environments while maintaining power transfer capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardwired adapter with electric contacts is used, then power outlet is provided in vehicle cabin, but electric contacts must be accurately aligned and are exposed to wet environment
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic sheet serves as a mediator that enables versatile power transfer applications throughout the vehicle cabin without requiring precise alignment of hardwired contacts. By placing the sheet in various locations (cup holders, door bins, overhead consoles), the system provides adaptable power outlets while the sheet itself handles the alignment tolerance, eliminating the need for precision alignment in hardwired systems.
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 prevents exposure of electrical components to wet environments and allows for effortless power transfer to devices regardless of orientation, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a primary inductor power transfer unit which produces an induction current that emits through an exposed power transfer surface to create an induction field
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cabin power transfer arrangement that includes a vehicle cabin structure, a primary inductor power transfer unit and a vehicle power source is provided. The vehicle cabin structure has an exposed surface accessible from a vehicle cabin. The primary inductor power transfer unit is disposed in the vehicle cabin structure such that induction current produced by the primary inductor power transfer unit emits through the exposed power transfer surface to create an induction field above exposed surface. The vehicle power source is electrically coupled to the primary inductor power transfer unit.