Wireless Charging Coil Alignment Verification Using RF Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving proper alignment between primary and secondary coils in wireless power transfer systems is crucial for efficient high-power charging, but existing technologies face challenges in accurately determining and verifying this alignment, especially in dynamic and varied vehicle positioning scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The use of a region classifier model and an absolute position model, combined with near-field communications systems, to determine the relative offset between primary and secondary coils by collecting radio signal information and using it to calculate absolute or relative positions, thereby facilitating accurate alignment and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vehicle positioning is allowed to vary dynamically, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment precision between coils deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relative offset between primary and secondary coils using radio signal information and provides feedback through a display indicator. This allows the vehicle operator to adjust the vehicle position in real-time to achieve optimal alignment, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment verification methods with electromagnetic field-based detection. By using radio signal information and near-field communications to determine relative offset, the system achieves precise alignment measurement without mechanical contact or complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment verification is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing radio frequency communication infrastructure for multiple purposes: both for wireless power transfer control and for alignment verification. The same near-field communications system that manages power transfer also provides the radio signal information needed to calculate relative offset, eliminating the need for separate alignment detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary that processes radio signal information to determine relative offset between coils. Instead of direct physical measurement, the system uses signal processing and mathematical calculations to infer alignment status, simplifying the physical hardware while maintaining verification accuracy.
3Power
If high power charging is enabled, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but reliability decreases due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs alignment verification and provides position indication before initiating high-power charging. By ensuring proper coil alignment in advance through the display indicator and operator adjustment, the system establishes reliable conditions for high-power transfer, preventing instability that would occur with misaligned coils.
Solution Approach 2:
During high-power charging operation, the system continues to monitor relative offset between coils and provides real-time feedback. This allows detection of any drift in alignment and enables corrective action before efficiency degradation or power transfer instability occurs, maintaining reliability throughout the charging process.
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 approach enables precise alignment of coils, improving the coupling factor and efficiency of wireless power transfer, even in scenarios where vehicle positioning is not perfectly aligned, thus ensuring reliable and efficient high-power charging.
Implementation Method 1
use of a region classifier model and an absolute position model, combined with near-field communications systems, to determine the relative offset between primary and secondary coils by collecting radio signal information
Implementation Method 2
Inductively coupled wireless charging makes use of an air core transformer consisting of pairs of concentric coils (the primary, a.k.a. the 'transmitter,' and the secondary, a.k.a. the 'receiver')
Data Source
AI summary
A position offset between a primary coil and a secondary coil of an inductive power transfer pair is determined using a region classifier model and an absolute position model of an operational charging region between the primary coil and the secondary coil. During operation, radio signal information including magnitudes and phase differences is collected from respective radio receivers of a ground transceiver assembly and a vehicle transceiver assembly. The radio signal information and the region classifier model are used to determine whether the vehicle has entered or departed the operational charging region, and the radio signal information and absolute position model are used to determine absolute or relative offset positions of boresights of the primary coil and the secondary coil. A display provides an indication of the absolute or relative offset positions between the boresights of the primary coil and the secondary coil.