Coil Alignment via Wheel Stopper and Drive Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for aligning power-receiving and power-supplying coils in electric vehicles are time-consuming and require driving techniques to increase electromagnetic wave sensitivity, making them inefficient for quick alignment.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize a pallet with a wheel stopper and power-supplying coil, where the electric vehicle stops as its wheels touch the stopper, allowing the power-receiving coil to be aligned with the power-supplying coil by adjusting the distance data between the coils using a receiver and drive device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic wave sensitivity is increased by driving techniques, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddriving technique complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electromagnetic driving techniques with a simple mechanical wheel stopper system. The wheel stopper provides a fixed mechanical reference point that automatically defines the vehicle's stopping position, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic wave-based positioning and driving control techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel stopper automatically provides positioning functionality without requiring active control systems. When the vehicle stops at the wheel stopper, the position is automatically determined by the physical contact point, eliminating the need for continuous electromagnetic monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If electromagnetic wave sensitivity is increased by driving techniques, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If alignment is achieved through electromagnetic wave monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel stopper position is predetermined and fixed before the vehicle arrives. This preliminary positioning reference eliminates the need for time-consuming electromagnetic wave monitoring and adjustment during the alignment process, as the vehicle simply needs to stop at the pre-defined mechanical reference point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If wheel stopper position is adjusted to align coils, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil alignment precisionVSAvoidwheel stopper system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple mechanical wheel stopper instead of complex electromagnetic adjustment systems. The wheel stopper provides a fixed reference point that defines the alignment position, achieving precise coil alignment through a straightforward mechanical positioning system rather than complex electromagnetic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables quick and efficient alignment of power-receiving and power-supplying coils as the electric vehicle stops, facilitating rapid wireless power supply without the need for complex driving techniques.

Implementation Method 1

electric power is wirelessly supplied from the power-supplying coil to the power-receiving coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2905865B1Device and method for adjusting relative position between coils

Publication Date: 2020.02.19 IHI CORP

Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3

AI summary

A power-supplying coil (5) and a wheel stopper (7) are installed in a stop area (S), and distance data showing a distance (L1) in front-back direction between a power-receiving coil (3) and a wheel (1a) of an electric vehicle (1) is received by a receiver (9). Based on the distance data, as a controller (13) controls a drive device (11), the wheel stopper or the power-supplying coil is moved and a distance (L2) in an approach direction between the power-supplying coil and the wheel stopper shown by distance data is made equal to the distance in the front-back direction. Accordingly, in a state in which the wheel of the electric vehicle which has entered the stop area touches the wheel stopper and stops, a position of the power-receiving coil coincides with a position of the power-supplying coil in the approach direction.