Vehicle Charging Coil Housing With Bulge Against Foreign Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless electricity supply systems for vehicles face interference from foreign objects, particularly metal objects, which affect magnetic flux and inhibit charging, despite detection systems being developed to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A contactless electricity supply system with a power transmitter coil unit featuring a bulge on its upper face to restrict foreign object incursion, combined with a lifting mechanism to elevate the coil and align it closely with the power receiving coil, reducing the impact of foreign objects on magnetic coupling and power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power transmitter coil unit is provided on the ground for contactless electricity supply, then charging can be performed without cables, but foreign objects (especially metal) may incursion onto the coil unit and affect magnetic flux, inhibiting charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by forming a bulge on the upper face of the case that bulges upward from the surrounding surface. This creates a stepped structure where the bulge area is at a higher elevation than the surrounding ground level, preventing foreign objects from rolling or being pushed onto the power transmitter coil unit by vehicles or other forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of foreign objects into a beneficial barrier by creating a bulge structure. The bulge acts as a physical barrier that prevents foreign objects from reaching the coil, while also serving as a detection zone where the presence of foreign objects can be monitored through changes in magnetic flux during the charging process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the power transmitter coil unit remains on the ground, then installation is simple, but the distance to the power receiving coil unit increases power loss and reduces charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power transmitter coil unit dynamic by providing it with a lifting mechanism that can shift the coil unit upward from the ground. During charging operations, the coil unit can be elevated to reduce the distance to the power receiving coil unit on the vehicle, thereby reducing power loss and improving charging efficiency. When not in use, the coil unit returns to the ground level for simple installation and maintenance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a bulge is formed on the case to prevent foreign objects, then foreign object incursion is restricted, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the case surface into different elevation levels by forming a bulge on the upper face. This creates a stepped structure with the bulge area at a higher level than the surrounding surface, effectively segmenting the space to prevent foreign objects from reaching the power transmitter coil unit while maintaining structural integrity.
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 effectively restricts foreign object incursion, reduces the power output required for charging, and minimizes interference with the magnetic flux, ensuring efficient and reliable electricity supply to vehicles while maintaining compatibility with various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter coil unit supplied with electric power for contactless electricity supply to a power receiving coil unit by magnetic coupling with the power receiving coil unit
Implementation Method 2
A bulge is formed around a center axis of the power transmitter coil on an upper face of the case so as to bulge upward from its surrounding surface
Implementation Method 3
an elevation device for shifting the power transmitter coil unit upward from the ground
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A contactless electricity supply system for a vehicle includes a power transmitter coil unit (12) provided on a ground-side and a lifting device for lifting up the power transmitter coil unit (12) from the ground. The power transmitter coil unit (12) supplies electricity to a power receiving coil unit (22) by magnetic coupling therewith. The power transmitter coil unit (12) includes a case (123) that houses a power transmitter coil (120). A bulge (123a) is formed on an upper face of the case (123) around a winding center axis (O) of the power transmitter coil (120) wounded in a planar manner in a plan view.