Overhead Inductive Charging Station With Optical Coil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems face challenges such as the need for ground-based installations, which are prone to interference and require user handling of cables, and are not easily accessible for efficient charging.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electric vehicle charging system that uses an electromagnetic power transmitting device mounted above the vehicle, which can be robotically manipulated to engage with a receiving coil on the vehicle's surface, eliminating the need for ground-based installations and cable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground-based inductive charging systems are used, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but the system is susceptible to interference from water, debris, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional ground-based inductive charging approach by positioning the electromagnetic power transmitting device overhead instead of beneath the vehicle. This inversion places the transmitter in a protected environment (ceiling-mounted housing) away from ground-level contaminants such as water, debris, and wear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining wireless power transfer functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional ground-based charging surface to a three-dimensional overhead suspension system. By mounting the transmitter on a ceiling structure with suspension mechanisms, the system moves the charging interface from the ground plane to the vertical space above the vehicle, eliminating contact with ground-level harmful factors
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground-based inductive charging systems are installed, then wireless charging capability is provided, but concrete or pavement modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the ground surface to install charging infrastructure, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the electromagnetic power transmitting device to the ceiling or overhead structure. This eliminates the need for concrete or pavement modification while providing the same wireless charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation process of ground-based systems (which requires drilling, embedding, and pavement work) with a suspension-based mounting system that attaches to existing ceiling structures, significantly simplifying installation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If overhead electromagnetic power transmitting device is used, then interference resistance is improved, but robotic manipulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect when a vehicle is properly positioned beneath the overhead transmitter, triggering automatic engagement of the suspension and alignment systems. The system serves itself by autonomously detecting vehicle presence, positioning the transmitter, and initiating charging without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect vehicle position and provides feedback to the robotic manipulation system, which adjusts the transmitter's position and orientation accordingly. This closed-loop control simplifies the complexity by making the robotic system responsive rather than requiring complex pre-programming
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 provides a more efficient, interference-resistant, and user-friendly charging method that can charge electric vehicles from overhead, enhancing accessibility and reducing installation complexities.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating current in the primary inductor (the electromagnetic power transmitting device) produces a fluctuating electromagnetic field. When the secondary inductor (electromagnetic power receiving device) is placed in proximity to the primary inductor (the electromagnetic power transmitting device), the fluctuating electromagnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the secondary inductor, thereby transferring power to the electromagnetic power receiving device.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus for charging an electric vehicle, can include a receptacle mountable to a structure above the electric vehicle. The receptacle can maintain a charge transmitting device, which can be automatically moveable and directable from the receptacle toward a target area on the electric vehicle associated with a receiving coil mounted on the electric vehicle for the charging of an electric vehicle when the one receiving coil engages with the charge transmitting device when the electric vehicle is located below the receptacle. One or more optical sensors can be utilized to direct the charge transmitting device toward the target.