EV Wireless Charging Pad Alignment Using Sensor-Guided Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently aligning wireless power transmission and reception pads during driving, leading to power waste and user inconvenience due to varying pad locations among vehicle models and difficulty in visual alignment, which is exacerbated by the large size of the pads and inefficient power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically aligning wireless power transmission and reception pads using various sensors in the electric vehicle, including cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors, to adaptively adjust longitudinal and lateral positions relative to a wireless power transmission pad during driving, optimizing alignment for efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of the wireless power transmission pad is greatly increased to improve alignment tolerance, then the alignment efficiency is improved, but the cost and power consumption increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions before the vehicle reaches the charging position. The control unit calculates the offset between the vehicle's reception pad and the transmission pad in advance, and adjusts the steering angle proactively to ensure proper alignment when the vehicle arrives at the charging position, avoiding the need for oversized pads
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's position relative to the transmission pad using sensors (cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and adjusts the steering angle in real-time based on the detected offset. This closed-loop feedback control ensures accurate alignment with a properly sized transmission pad, eliminating the need to increase pad size for alignment tolerance
2Ease of manufacture
If the wireless power reception pad is mounted on one side of the lower part of the vehicle, then the installation is simplified, but visual alignment during driving becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary alignment marker positioned at the same location as the reception pad on the vehicle. This marker is visible to the driver and serves as a visual guide for alignment, while the actual reception pad remains mounted in its original simplified position on the lower part of the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual alignment with an automated optical detection and steering control system. Sensors (cameras, LiDAR) detect the transmission pad's position, and the control unit automatically adjusts the steering angle, eliminating the need for driver visual alignment while maintaining the simplified pad mounting position
3Measurement precision
If automatic alignment using sensors and control systems is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing multi-functional vehicle components for alignment purposes. The steering system, originally designed for vehicle direction control, is also used for alignment. Existing sensors (cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors) designed for other functions are repurposed for detecting the transmission pad's position, reducing the need for additional dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the alignment function with the existing steering control system. The control unit integrates alignment calculations with the vehicle's existing steering mechanics, combining multiple functions (alignment, steering control, position detection) into a unified system rather than adding separate alignment mechanisms
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 ensuring optimal alignment of wireless charging pads, allowing for effective charging during temporary stops, thereby improving the driving distance of electric vehicles.
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 and system for automatically aligning wireless power transmission and reception pads using various sensors in the electric vehicle, including cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors
Data Source
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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.