Capacitive Coupling Power Supply for Movable Bodies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contactless power supply systems face challenges in efficiently supplying power to movable bodies, such as robots, due to positional restrictions and the need for precise alignment, which limits their mobility and increases system weight and noise, while also posing safety concerns and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system using series resonance with capacitors and coils, allowing for contactless power transmission without electromagnetic induction or waves, enabling power delivery to movable bodies regardless of electrode placement and eliminating the need for strict alignment, thus enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic induction is used for contactless power supply, then power can be transmitted without direct contact, but positional restrictions and alignment requirements increase device complexity and limit mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power transmission into multiple independent capacitor pairs (first power-transmitting electrode with first power-receiving electrode, second power-transmitting electrode with second power-receiving electrode) that can operate independently or in combination, allowing the movable body to receive power at various positions without precise alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional electromagnetic induction method (requiring vertical alignment between primary and secondary coils) to a capacitive coupling method that utilizes electric field distribution in multiple dimensions, enabling power transmission over a broader area without strict positional constraints
2Loss of energy
If magnetic bodies such as iron cores are used to form magnetic paths, then electromagnetic induction efficiency is improved, but system weight increases and noise is generated due to magnetostriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnetic body (iron core) from the power transmission system, replacing electromagnetic induction with capacitive coupling. This removes the source of magnetostriction noise and reduces system weight while maintaining contactless power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the magnetic field-based electromagnetic induction system with an electric field-based capacitive coupling system. This replacement eliminates the need for magnetic materials and their associated mechanical issues (weight, magnetostriction) while achieving the same power transmission function
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic waves are used for contactless power supply, then power can be transmitted over distance, but safety concerns and regulatory restrictions prevent use in populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of power transmission from high-frequency electromagnetic waves to low-frequency capacitive coupling. This parameter change maintains effective power transmission while operating at frequencies that do not pose safety hazards to humans, enabling deployment in office spaces and other populated areas
4Reliability
If conventional wireless power transmission sheets with multiple switches are used, then power can be transmitted contactlessly, but reliability degrades due to the large number of switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex switch network from the power transmission system. By using capacitive coupling with directly connected electrode pairs, the system eliminates the need for multiple switches while maintaining contactless power transmission and improving reliability
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 system provides stable and efficient power supply to movable bodies, reducing voltage drops and impedance, allowing for free movement while ensuring safety by avoiding electrical shocks and psychological anxiety in populated areas.
Implementation Method 1
an AC power supply to supply power to the first and second power-transmitting electrodes, and transmit the power to the load via the first and second coupling capacitors under a condition that causes parallel resonance between the first capacitor and first coil
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power supply system which makes it possible to stably supply power regardless of changes in placement of electrodes. The power supply system for supplying power to a load (24). The fixed body (10) includes: a first power-transmitting electrode (12) and second power-transmitting electrode (13); and an AC power supply (11) to supply AC power to the first power-transmitting electrode (12) and second power-transmitting electrode (13). The movable body (20) includes: a first power-receiving electrode (21a) and second power-receiving electrode (21b) to form a first coupling capacitor (30) and a second coupling capacitor (31), respectively, by being placed in a manner opposed to and not contacting corresponding ones of the first power-transmitting electrode (12) and second power-transmitting electrode (13) while facing one side of an interface, the one side not being faced by these power-transmitting electrodes, and a first capacitor (22a) and first coil (22b) connected to one another in parallel between the first power-receiving electrode (21a) and second power-receiving electrode (21b). The AC power supply (11) transmits power to the load (24) via the first and second coupling capacitors under a condition that causes parallel resonance between the first capacitor (22a) and first coil (22b).