Wireless EV Charging Alignment via Signal Magnitude and Time Difference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless electric vehicle charging systems face challenges in accurately determining the alignment of the inductive power coupler relative to the power transmit element, which can lead to inefficient power transfer and potential safety issues due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a processor to analyze a first and second wireless signal, determining an alignment value based on the magnitude or time of arrival difference between these signals to indicate a lateral offset of the inductive power coupler relative to the power transmit element, enabling precise alignment and efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented without alignment determination, then charging convenience is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment determination by transmitting reference signals and measuring time differences before actual power transfer begins. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning of the power receiver relative to the power transmitter, optimizing power transfer efficiency while maintaining wireless charging convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal strength and time of arrival measurements to continuously monitor and adjust the alignment between power transmitter and receiver. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal power transfer efficiency during the charging process while preserving the convenience of wireless operation.
2Measurement precision
If alignment determination using signal analysis is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing wireless communication infrastructure to perform both power transfer and alignment determination functions. The same transmitters and receivers used for power delivery are also used for signal analysis, eliminating the need for separate alignment sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system performs its own alignment determination using its inherent communication capabilities. By analyzing the time of arrival and signal strength of reference signals exchanged between transmitter and receiver, the system self-calibrates without requiring external alignment equipment, thereby improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity.
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 ensures accurate alignment of the inductive power coupler, enhancing the efficiency and safety of wireless electric vehicle charging by preventing misalignment and foreign object interference, thereby stabilizing the power transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive power coupler communicatively coupled to the electric load and configured to couple wirelessly and inductively to a magnetic field to receive sufficient energy from an inductive power transmit element
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining alignment of an inductive power coupler of an electric vehicle relative to an inductive power transmit element includes: receiving, at the electric vehicle, a first wireless signal and a second wireless signal; analyzing the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal to determine an alignment value, the alignment value being a magnitude of the first wireless signal relative to a magnitude of the second wireless signal or being a difference between a time of arrival of the first wireless signal and a time of arrival of the second wireless signal; and determining, based on the alignment value, an indication of a lateral offset of the inductive power coupler of the electric vehicle relative to the inductive power transmit element.