Wireless Container Power Transfer for Space-Efficient Reefer Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power supply systems for reefer containers require separate power-supplying units at each container, leading to increased installation space and reduced space utilization efficiency, limiting the number of containers that can be stored.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power supply system where movable power-receiving units, equipped with both power-receiving and power-supplying devices, allow for power transfer between adjacent containers, reducing the need for individual power-supplying units by using magnetic field resonance and electromagnetic induction to transmit power between containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate power-supplying units are provided at each container, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation space increases and space utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power-supplying function from individual containers into a centralized ground power-supplying unit. Instead of each container having its own power-supplying unit, a single ground-based unit provides power to multiple containers through wireless transmission, consolidating the power supply infrastructure and reducing total installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transmission. The ground power-supplying unit uses magnetic field resonance to wirelessly transmit power to containers through their power-receiving coils, eliminating the need for direct physical connections and reducing installation complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate power-supplying units are provided at each container, then independent power supply is achieved, but the number of containers that can be stored is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent power supply capabilityVSAvoidnumber of storable containers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The ground power-supplying unit serves multiple containers simultaneously through wireless power transmission. A single power-supplying unit can provide power to multiple containers by adjusting the resonance frequency and positioning, making the power supply system universal and capable of serving multiple units with a single infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple power reception functions are combined into a single ground-based power supply system. The ground power-supplying unit can sequentially or simultaneously power multiple containers, effectively combining what would have been separate power supply systems into one unified infrastructure that supports more containers in the same space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If power is supplied to each container individually, then power distribution control is simplified, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the ground power-supplying unit detects the presence, position, and power needs of containers. By monitoring the magnetic field resonance conditions and adjusting transmission parameters accordingly, the system automatically manages power distribution to multiple containers, reducing operational complexity despite the advanced technology involved.

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 approach enables efficient power distribution to multiple containers while minimizing the number of power-supplying units required, thereby maximizing space utilization and allowing for more containers to be stored in a given area.

Implementation Method 1

a power-receiving device used to receive electric power from outside of the power-receiving unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2793357B1Power supply system and method for contactless power supply

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 IHI CORP

AI summary

The power supply system (A) includes: movable power-receiving units (a1 to an), each power-receiving unit including at least one power-receiving device (1a and 1b) used to receive electric power from outside of the power-receiving unit and at least one power-supplying device (1c and 1d) used to supply, to outside of the power-receiving unit, at least part of electric power received by the power-receiving device (1a and 1b); and a power-supplying unit (s1) used to supply electric power to the power-receiving device (1a and 1b) of one power-receiving unit (al) of the power-receiving units (a1 to an).