Contactless Power Transfer Impedance Matching Controller

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless power transfer systems face compatibility issues due to differences in specifications between transmitter and receiver coils, such as operating frequency, coil design, and impedance, which restrict their use in applications like EV charging.

Innovation Solution

A contactless power transfer system that includes a first power exchanging coil, a power mating coil operatively coupled to a switching unit, and a controller to actively control the magnitude and phase of current in the power mating coil, matching the impedance of the first power exchanging coil with a second power exchanging coil, enabling efficient power transfer via a magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed specification transmitter coil is used in the power transfer system, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot be compatible with receiver coils of different specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different coil specificationsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the transmitter coil specifications adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the operating frequency and impedance of the transmitter coil to match different receiver coil specifications, enabling compatibility across multiple device types while maintaining a unified system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying key electrical parameters (frequency, impedance, current magnitude) of the transmitter coil based on the detected receiver coil characteristics. This allows the same physical transmitter coil to adapt to different receiver specifications through controlled parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transmitter coil specifications are fixed for a specific application like EV charging, then the system design is straightforward, but it creates incompatibility with vehicle receiver coils having different specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability between transmitter and receiver coilsVSAvoidoperation flexibility for consumers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service through automatic detection and adaptation. The controller automatically detects the receiver coil specifications and adjusts the transmitter coil parameters accordingly without requiring manual configuration or user intervention, making the system both highly adaptable and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional contactless power transfer methods are used without impedance matching, then the system is simple to implement, but power transfer efficiency is reduced due to impedance mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the receiver coil impedance and power transfer conditions, then using this information to adjust the transmitter coil parameters. This closed-loop control optimizes power transfer efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for flexible and efficient power exchange between coils with different specifications, enhancing compatibility and interoperability, particularly in EV charging systems, by dynamically adjusting the impedance and phase of the power mating coil to match the second power exchanging coil, thereby facilitating reliable and efficient power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

configured for exchange of power with the second power exchanging coil via a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The controller is configured to control switching operations of the switching unit to actively control a magnitude and a phase of current in the power mating coil to match an impedance of the first power exchanging coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance matching:

Data Source

PatentUS9780575B2System and method for contactless exchange of power

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 DOLBY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A contactless power transfer system is provided. The contactless power transfer system includes a first power exchanging coil configured to exchange power, a power mating coil operatively coupled to a switching unit, and a controller operatively coupled to the switching unit. The controller is configured to control switching operations of the switching unit to actively control a current in the power mating coil to match an impedance of the first power exchanging coil and enable the exchange of power.