Communication Control Device for Wireless Power Transfer Channel Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power transmission interruptions due to communication blackouts extend charging time, potentially preventing full charge by the scheduled departure time of motor vehicles during wireless power transfer.

Innovation Solution

A communication control device with an antenna and a control unit that monitors radio wave status and power transmission status across multiple channels, sets switching conditions, and switches channels to maintain continuous wireless communication, reducing power transmission interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power transmitter device terminates wireless communication when radar waves are detected, then communication interference is avoided, but power transmission is interrupted before the end of charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the communication parameter by switching from the current channel to a different channel when interference is detected. The control unit monitors radio wave status on multiple channels and switches the communication channel parameter to avoid radar wave interference while maintaining power transmission continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If another channel is searched for after power transmission ends, then communication can resume without interference, but charging time extension occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-monitoring and identifying alternative channels that are free from radar wave interference before power transmission is interrupted. The control unit continuously acquires radio wave status on multiple channels in advance, so when interference is detected on the current channel, a suitable alternative channel is already identified and ready for immediate switching, minimizing charging time extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If channel switching is performed during power transmission, then communication continuity is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidcommunication control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls power transmission, monitors radio wave status on multiple channels, determines interference conditions, and switches communication channels. By integrating these functions into a single control unit with multi-functional capabilities, the system manages channel switching complexity while maintaining communication continuity during power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3849053B1Communication control device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 IHI CORP
  • EP3849053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3849053B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3849053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication control device comprises: an antenna; and a control unit that controls wireless communication related to wireless power transfer to a power receiver device through a power transmitter device. The control unit acquires via the antenna a radio wave status of each of a plurality of channels related to the wireless communication. The control unit acquires a power transmission status of the wireless power transfer. The control unit sets, based on the acquired power transmission status, switching conditions for switching the channel according to the radio wave status. The control unit causes the channel to be switched based on the radio wave status and the switching conditions. The control unit causes the wireless communication to continue on the switched channel.