EV Wireless Charging Pad Alignment Using LiDAR and Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of aligning wireless power transmission and reception pads in electric vehicles during driving is exacerbated by the large size of the pads, varying mounting locations, and the need for precise alignment to optimize charging efficiency, which can lead to power waste and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically aligning wireless power transmission and reception pads using sensors like LiDAR and cameras, combined with navigation systems, to perform longitudinal and lateral adjustments based on distance to the pad, ensuring optimal alignment and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of wireless power transmission pad is increased to improve alignment tolerance, then alignment robustness is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions before the vehicle reaches the charging position. The alignment control unit receives position information from the navigation system in advance and adjusts the vehicle's position and orientation before wireless charging begins, ensuring optimal alignment without requiring oversized transmission pads
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the navigation system's position information and sensor data to continuously monitor and adjust the vehicle's alignment with the wireless power transmission pad. This closed-loop control maintains optimal charging efficiency with appropriately sized pads
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power reception pad is mounted on lower part of vehicle to improve design flexibility, then design adaptability is improved, but visual alignment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system acts as an intermediary between the driver and the wireless power transmission pad. Instead of relying on visual alignment, the navigation system provides position information that the alignment control unit uses to automatically adjust the vehicle's position, eliminating the need for the driver to visually align the pads
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual alignment with an automated electronic alignment system. The navigation system and alignment control unit work together to automatically position the vehicle relative to the transmission pad, substituting the mechanical/visual alignment process with an electronic control system
3Productivity
If wireless charging is performed during driving to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment adjustments before the vehicle reaches the optimal charging position. The alignment control unit uses navigation data to prepare the vehicle's position and orientation in advance, ensuring precise alignment is achieved before wireless charging begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vehicle's position and orientation during approach to the charging location. The alignment control unit continuously modifies alignment parameters based on real-time position information from the navigation system, maintaining optimal alignment throughout the charging process
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 minimizes power waste and user inconvenience by achieving precise alignment during driving, enhancing charging efficiency and enabling wireless charging during temporary stops.
Implementation Method 1
electric energy is transmitted to the wireless charging reception pad of the vehicle through electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance to charge the battery provided in the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
electric energy is transmitted to the wireless charging reception pad of the vehicle through electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance to charge the battery provided in the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
A method for automatically aligning wireless power transmission and reception pads using sensors like LiDAR and cameras, combined with navigation systems
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment method for wireless charging of an electric vehicle includes identifying presence of a wireless power transmission pad during driving, estimating a distance to the wireless power transmission pad, performing a macroscopic alignment procedure according to the distance, and performing wireless charging based on the macroscopic alignment procedure being completed.