EV Wireless Charging Positioning Using Resonator Locator Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges in achieving accurate and flexible positioning due to sensitivity to magnetic environments, leading to interoperability and compliance issues with standard tolerance zones, particularly when deviations occur from specific ground unit designs.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system using a resonator assembly and a reader assembly that transmit and process locator signals with unique signal amplitudes and characteristics to determine the position of a vehicle-based wireless power transfer apparatus relative to a ground-based apparatus, independent of magnetic field alterations, enhancing flexibility and compliance with standard specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DIPS technology uses magnetic field distribution for positioning, then positioning information can be provided within alignment region, but sensitivity to magnetic environment reduces compatibility and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based positioning system with an optical positioning system using cameras and image processing. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to magnetic environment while maintaining positioning accuracy, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual markers as intermediaries between the vehicle and the positioning system. These markers provide a stable reference that is independent of magnetic field variations, allowing accurate positioning without being affected by magnetic environment changes.
2Measurement precision
If DIPS short-range coils are designed for specific ground unit, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but any deviation causes interoperability and positioning accuracy issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system using visual markers and image processing that can work with different ground unit designs. The optical-based approach allows the same positioning methodology to be applied across various implementations, improving interoperability while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for positioning from magnetic field characteristics to visual marker characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different ground unit designs without requiring redesign of the positioning coils, thereby improving both interoperability and positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic design of ground unit is changed, then new design requirements can be met, but positioning accuracy is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based positioning with optical-based positioning using cameras and image processing. This substitution allows ground unit design to be changed for other purposes without impacting positioning accuracy, as the optical system is independent of magnetic design parameters.
4Productivity
If narrow tolerance zone is used for charging spot, then efficient power transfer is achieved, but precise positioning is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using real-time image processing to monitor vehicle position relative to the charging spot. The system provides continuous feedback to guide the vehicle into the correct position, making it easier to achieve precise alignment within narrow tolerance zones for efficient power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markers and image processing to provide preliminary positioning guidance before the vehicle reaches the charging spot. This preliminary action helps the vehicle operator or autonomous system to align the vehicle correctly in advance, facilitating efficient power transfer within narrow tolerance zones.
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
The system provides precise positioning and efficient wireless power transfer by using locator signals to accurately align vehicles within narrow tolerance zones, improving compatibility and reducing the impact of magnetic design changes on positioning accuracy across various implementations.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator assembly and a reader assembly that transmit and process locator signals with unique signal amplitudes and characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a reader assembly positionable relative to the resonator assembly, the reader assembly comprising: a receiver configured to receive the locator signal from at least one resonator of the plurality of resonators
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Positioning systems and methods for charging an electric vehicle are described. A resonator assembly has a position monitoring region and a plurality of resonators distributed within the position monitoring region, each resonator having a resonator location in the position monitoring region, wherein each said resonator is configured to transmit a locator signal having a signal - amplitude and an assigned locator signal characteristic associated with the corresponding resonator location. A reader assembly has a receiver configured to receive the locator signal from at least one resonator of the plurality of resonators, and a processor configured to process a distribution of the received locator signals, to determine a position of the reader assembly relative to the resonator assembly, based on: the signal amplitude of the received locator signals; and the assigned locator signal characteristic of the received locator signals.