Crossing Subwinding Layout for Inductive Power Transfer Coils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inductive power transfer systems face issues such as local eddy currents, stray magnetic fields, and increased electric potential along conductor lengths, leading to inefficiencies and potential electrical short-circuits, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A conductor arrangement with crossing conductor segments is proposed, allowing for reduced electric potential differences between adjacent segments, eliminating the need for additional components like capacitors, and enabling a more regular electromagnetic field generation by providing flexibility in connector placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional electric components such as capacitors are arranged between the poles or subwindings to compensate for high voltage, then the electric potential values are limited to acceptable values, but the size and costs of the conductor arrangement increase and the symmetry and regularity of the generated electromagnetic field are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric potential controlVSAvoidconductor arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a planar 2D conductor layout to a 3D spatial arrangement. The conductor is configured to extend in multiple dimensions with specific spatial relationships, allowing connector elements to be positioned in three-dimensional space rather than constrained to a single plane. This enables the conductor segments to cross each other in space, reducing potential differences without requiring additional capacitive components, thereby maintaining system symmetry and electromagnetic field regularity while controlling electric potential values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor is divided into multiple conductor segments that are arranged in a specific spatial configuration. These segments cross each other in three-dimensional space, with each segment serving a specific function in the overall conductor arrangement. The segmentation allows for optimized positioning of connector elements and reduction of potential differences between adjacent segments without compromising the overall system performance or requiring additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If connectors and electrical connections are positioned outside of the plane in which the subwindings extend, then the subwindings can be connected in series, but an irregular electromagnetic field is generated requiring additional space and shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubwinding connectionVSAvoidelectromagnetic field irregularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to position connector elements and electrical connections in multiple dimensions rather than confining them to a single plane. The conductor segments are arranged to cross each other in space, with connectors positioned at strategic three-dimensional locations. This approach enables series connection of subwindings while maintaining electromagnetic field regularity, as the spatial distribution of connectors in 3D space allows for more uniform field generation compared to planar arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If a conductor arrangement comprises adjacent conductor segments running alongside one another, then the structure is compact, but large electric potential difference occurs between segments leading to high voltages that may pierce insulation and create electrical short-circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor arrangement compactnessVSAvoidelectrical insulation integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the insulation problem by utilizing three-dimensional spatial separation. While conductor segments run alongside each other in a compact arrangement, they are positioned at different heights or vertical levels, creating spatial separation in the third dimension. This vertical separation reduces the electric potential difference between adjacent segments by increasing their physical distance, thereby preventing voltage breakdown and insulation failure while maintaining the compact overall structure of the conductor arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the efficiency and safety of inductive power transfer by reducing electromagnetic disturbances and potential differences, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design with improved symmetry and regularity of the electromagnetic field.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving device adapted to receive an alternating electromagnetic field and to produce an alternating electric current by electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A first set may be installed on the ground or in the surroundings (primary winding structure) and can be fed by a wayside power converter (WPC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3841600B1Conductor arrangement, system and methods for an inductive power transfer
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 ENRX IPT GMBH
  • EP3841600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3841600B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3841600B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a conductor arrangement a conductor arrangement (5) for an inductive power transfer, wherein a conductor (10) is arranged so as to form at least a first and a second subwinding (1, 2) that are arranged next to one another, such that at least one conductor segment of each of the first and second subwinding (1, 2) run alongside one another in a first conductor bundle (22) of the conductor arrangement (5), wherein in said first conductor bundle (22), the first subwinding (1) and the second subwinding (2) are connected to one another via a first connecting conductor segment (26) that crosses at least one further conductor segment (29) of the conductor arrangement (5). Further, the invention relates to a system (100) for an inductive power transfer comprising at least two respective conductor arrangements (5)