Wireless EV Coil Alignment via Light-Blocking Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current coil alignment methods for electric vehicle wireless power transfer systems are inefficient, leading to reduced power transfer efficiency due to misalignment of primary and secondary coils, particularly in electric vehicle applications where conventional methods are less effective compared to mobile devices and charging pads.
Innovation Solution
A coil alignment method using a light-blocking unit and a cross-shaped beam system, where a light-blocking unit on the vehicle moves in response to signals from a ground assembly controller to align with a beam structure on the ground assembly coil, ensuring optimal magnetic field coupling and efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional alignment methods (rear camera or speed bump) are used to align the vehicle secondary coil with the ground primary coil, then the alignment process can be performed, but the power transfer efficiency degrades drastically when the coils are misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
A light-blocking unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the vehicle assembly coil and the ground assembly coil. This unit blocks light beams emitted by the ground assembly, creating detectable signals that guide the alignment process. The light-blocking unit serves as a mediator that translates positional information into actionable alignment data, enabling precise coil alignment without direct visual observation or complex image processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical alignment methods (such as speed bumps or physical guides) with an optical-based alignment system. Instead of using mechanical structures to physically guide the vehicle into position, the system uses light beams and a light-blocking unit to provide alignment information, substituting mechanical guidance with optical sensing and signal processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the center axes of the primary and secondary coils is increased, then the vehicle has more parking flexibility, but the power transfer efficiency decreases from -2.5 dB to -22.5 dB
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking unit performs preliminary alignment action before the actual power transfer begins. By blocking light beams during the parking phase, the system pre-establishes the correct positional relationship between the coils, ensuring that when power transfer starts, the coils are already optimally aligned. This preliminary positioning action prevents efficiency loss that would otherwise occur with larger axial distances
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the light beam blocking detection. When the light-blocking unit blocks the light beams, this provides feedback information about the relative position between the vehicle and ground assembly. This feedback loop allows continuous adjustment of the vehicle position or ground assembly position to maintain optimal alignment, enabling both parking flexibility and high power transfer efficiency
3Measurement precision
If a light-blocking unit is moved in multiple directions to align with the beam structure, then the coil alignment precision is improved, but the alignment process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is segmented into distinct directional movements. The light-blocking unit first moves in a first direction to align with the first light beam, then moves in a second direction perpendicular to the first to align with the second light beam. This segmentation of the alignment process into orthogonal directional steps simplifies the control logic and makes the complex multi-dimensional alignment problem manageable through sequential one-dimensional adjustments
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 method effectively aligns the vehicle assembly coil with the ground assembly coil, enhancing the efficiency of wireless power transfer by ensuring proper alignment and maximizing magnetic field coupling, thereby improving the overall performance of the wireless power transfer system.
Implementation Method 1
A coil alignment method using a light-blocking unit and a cross-shaped beam system, where a light-blocking unit on the vehicle moves in response to signals from a ground assembly controller to align with a beam structure on the ground assembly coil
Implementation Method 2
In order to charge a battery equipped in the EV using a wireless charging method, it may be necessary to couple a primary coil of a charging station with a secondary coil of the EV using magnetic resonance
Implementation Method 3
the efficiency of wireless power transfer may degrade drastically if the primary coil and the secondary coil are not aligned
Data Source
AI summary
A coil alignment method performed in a vehicle-side coil alignment apparatus coupled to a vehicle assembly (VA) controller includes: moving a light-blocking unit protruding from a vehicle parked in a wireless charging area in a first direction toward the ground facing one side of a vehicle-side wireless power transfer pad which is mounted on the vehicle and includes a VA coil, where the light-blocking unit protrudes from the one side of the vehicle-side wireless power transfer pad; stopping movement of the light-blocking unit in response to a first stop signal from a ground assembly (GA) controller; moving the light-blocking unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and stopping movement of the light-blocking unit in response to a second stop signal from the GA controller.