Conformal Receiving Coil Housing for EV Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive charging systems for electric vehicles reduce ground clearance, leading to issues with snow accumulation, water contact, and increased vulnerability to road objects, especially in vehicles with low inherent ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system with a conformal charging system (CCS) that includes a housing with a power receiving coil movably disposed within, allowing the coil to be lowered closer to the ground surface without reducing the vehicle's ground clearance, and a movement mechanism to adjust the housing's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving coil is mounted beneath the floor pan and extends into the space under the vehicle to enable wireless charging, then wireless charging functionality is achieved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil assembly is segmented from the main vehicle body by being mounted on a separate support structure that extends downward. This allows the coil to be positioned in the space under the vehicle without being structurally integrated into the floor pan, thereby maintaining ground clearance while enabling wireless charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving coil is positioned in the vertical dimension beneath the floor pan rather than being integrated into the horizontal floor structure. By utilizing the vertical space under the vehicle, the design achieves wireless charging capability without compromising the horizontal ground clearance of the vehicle body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving coil extends into the space under the vehicle, then inductive charging is enabled, but vulnerability to road objects and environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil is extracted from the protected vehicle interior and positioned in the space under the vehicle on a support structure. While this enables inductive charging, it also exposes the coil to environmental factors, which is addressed by selecting ruggedized coil components designed to withstand such conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with protective features that cushion or shield the receiving coil from potential damage by road objects. This may include protective housing, shock absorption elements, or strategic positioning that minimizes direct exposure to harmful factors while maintaining charging functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If underhanging appendages are used for charging, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but drag from snow and water contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and receiving coil assembly are designed with local quality features optimized for their specific function. The coil winding structure and supporting elements are configured to minimize surface area exposed to snow and water, thereby reducing drag while maintaining the wireless power transfer capability.
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 CCS enables wireless charging without altering the vehicle's exterior dimensions or aerodynamic characteristics, maintaining ground clearance and reducing drag, while ensuring effective inductive coupling for efficient battery charging.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving coil, located on the vehicle, is usually mounted beneath the floor pan and extends into the space under the vehicle... Induction chargers use a transmitting coil and a receiving coil that allow for wireless charging
Implementation Method 2
a housing that includes a surface adjacent the floor pan, the surface being configured to allow magnetic and/or electro-magnetic radiation to pass through to inductively couple the receiving coil to a transmitting coil during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging system for a vehicle and a method of operating is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a floor pan disposed opposite a ground surface. At least one battery is provided that is configured to provide energy to the vehicle. At least one power receiving coil is electrically coupled to the at least one battery and arranged within a housing adjacent the floor pan opposite the ground surface.