Contactless Power Supply Obstruction Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact power supply systems using electromagnetic induction fail to detect and respond to obstructions, such as people or objects, near the power transmission area, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficient power transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating resonant frequency detection and adjustment mechanisms, along with position ascertaining and frequency characteristic analysis, to quickly identify and adapt to obstructions by adjusting the power supply state and coil positions, ensuring safe and efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-contact power supply is implemented using electromagnetic induction, then power can be transmitted without physical contact, but the system cannot detect obstructions such as people or objects near the power transmission area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection coil as an intermediary component that operates independently from the main power transmission coil. This detection coil acts as a mediator to sense obstructions in the power transmission area without interfering with the primary power transmission function, thereby enabling obstruction detection while maintaining contactless power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical detection methods with electromagnetic field-based detection. By using a detection coil that utilizes electromagnetic induction principles, the system can detect obstructions through changes in the electromagnetic field without requiring mechanical sensors or physical contact, thus maintaining the contactless nature of the power transmission system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power supply is stopped when obstruction is detected, then safety is improved, but power transmission efficiency is reduced due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a separate detection coil that operates independently from the main power transmission coil. The detection coil performs obstruction detection with minimal power consumption, allowing the main power transmission system to operate at full capacity without being interrupted by detection operations, thus maintaining high power transmission efficiency while ensuring safety
Solution Approach 2:
The detection coil continuously monitors the power transmission area for obstructions before they become hazardous. By detecting obstructions in advance, the system can prepare for safe power interruption without sudden interruptions, thereby maintaining efficient power transmission during normal operation while preemptively ensuring safety when obstructions are detected
3Measurement precision
If resonant frequency detection and adjustment mechanisms are added, then obstruction detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection coil serves multiple functions: it detects obstructions, determines their positions, and provides information for frequency adjustment. By making the detection coil multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby improving obstruction detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection function with the power transmission system by integrating the detection coil into the existing electromagnetic induction framework. The detection coil shares the same operational principles and infrastructure as the power transmission coil, allowing frequency detection and adjustment to be performed using the existing system components rather than requiring entirely separate subsystems
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 rapid detection and response to obstructions, allowing for quick power cessation and resumption, minimizing impact on occupants and ensuring efficient charging of secondary batteries by differentiating between internal and external efficiency decreases.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact power supply system that uses electromagnetic induction is known
Implementation Method 2
resonant frequency detecting means for detecting a resonant frequency of the power transmitting means and a resonant frequency of the power receiving means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Power is contactlessly supplied from power transmitting means (12) to power receiving means (14). A transmitting efficiency detecting means (18) detects the transmitting efficiency between the power transmitting means (12) and the power receiving means (14), and a determining means (20) determines whether the transmitting efficiency detected by the efficiency detecting means (18) is equal to or greater than a specified value. If the transmitted efficiency is less than the specified value, an obstruction may be present so power temporarily stops being transmitted.