Dynamic Wireless Charging Coil Pitch and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless charging systems for electric vehicles require the vehicle to be stationary, limiting their use for transportation while charging, and wired charging solutions are cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic wireless charging system with a network of base pads installed along a roadway, using a plurality of charging coils and control units to transfer power wirelessly to electric vehicles as they travel, ensuring continuous charging over extended distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired charging connections are used, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to cables and connectors being cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcharging convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system (cables and connectors) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The charging coils generate a magnetic field that inductively couples with the vehicle pads, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining reliable power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the charging coils and vehicle pads. This field-based intermediary enables wireless power transfer, resolving the contradiction between reliability and convenience by providing contactless power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single base pad is used for wireless charging, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to charge moving vehicles over extended distances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging system complexityVSAvoidcharging distance coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the charging system into multiple discrete base pads distributed along the roadway. Each base pad operates as an independent charging unit, allowing the system to cover extended distances while maintaining manageable complexity through modular deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic coordination of multiple base pads to serve moving vehicles. The system actively manages which base pads are active and how they coordinate power transfer, enabling continuous charging over extended distances while the vehicle is in motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the vehicle remains stationary during charging, then power transfer stability is improved, but mobility and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer stabilityVSAvoidvehicle mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static to dynamic wireless charging by coordinating multiple base pads to track and serve moving vehicles. This dynamic approach maintains stable power transfer despite vehicle motion, resolving the contradiction between stability and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous power transfer to moving vehicles by coordinating multiple base pads along the vehicle's path. As the vehicle moves from one base pad to another, the system maintains uninterrupted power delivery, enabling charging during motion without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 electric vehicles to charge dynamically while in motion, reducing the need for auxiliary power sources and eliminating the inconvenience of wired connections, thereby enhancing mobility and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

inductive power supply for vehicles comprising a plurality of charging coils configured to charge the electric vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3131777B1Inductive power supply for vehicles comprising a plurality of charging coils havuing a shorter pitch than the pick-up coils

Publication Date: 2018.11.28 WITRICITY CORP

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AI summary

Dynamic wireless charging systems may involve coordinating multiple charging base pads to provide coordinated, continuous power transfers to a moving receiver along the distance in which the dynamic wireless charging system is installed. These dynamic systems may require a large number of coils (base pads) which may be components in base array networks (BAN modules). The BAN modules may provide for simplified installation and system design wherein the BAN modules may be preassembled and self-contained, drop-in-place units. The layout and design of the BAN modules may be such that they may contain charging base pads, local controllers, distribution circuitry, and switching controls. The sizing of the BAN modules may dramatically affect the usability and practicality of such dynamic systems. The sizing of the BAN modules may be dependent upon the pitch between vehicle pads on electric vehicles and base pad pitch within the BAN modules.