Alternating Magnetic Field EV Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the precise arrangement of an electric vehicle relative to a charging point for inductive charging are unreliable and inaccurate, particularly due to environmental influences and the difficulty in positioning the vehicle correctly for efficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an alternating magnetic field transmitted by a device on the electric vehicle or the charging point, received by coil antennas, to determine the vehicle's position and orientation relative to the charging point, allowing for precise and reliable alignment through the analysis of spatial characteristics and modulation of the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an on-board time-resolution camera is used to detect and track the position of the primary coil, then the position can be determined over time, but reliability and accuracy are not satisfactory due to environmental influences and loss of line of sight when the vehicle drives over the charging point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical camera-based detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The transmitting device on the electric vehicle generates an alternating magnetic field that is received by coil antennas at the charging point, eliminating dependence on visual line of sight and environmental lighting conditions. This substitution of optical detection with magnetic field detection resolves the reliability and accuracy issues inherent in camera-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an alternating magnetic field as an intermediary between the electric vehicle and the charging point detection system. The transmitting device modulates data onto the magnetic field, which then carries information about the vehicle's position and orientation to the receiving coil antennas, providing a reliable intermediary communication channel that is not affected by environmental factors.
2Reliability
If the primary coil is arranged in the base of the charging point and the secondary coil on the underbody of the vehicle, then inductive charging can be performed, but it is difficult to position the vehicle suitably with positioning tolerance of only a few centimeters and maximum yaw angle of a few degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the receiving coil antennas detect the alternating magnetic field generated by the transmitting device on the vehicle. The system processes the received signal characteristics (amplitude, phase, frequency) to determine the vehicle's position and orientation relative to the charging point, providing real-time feedback to guide the driver or automated positioning system to achieve optimal alignment within the tight tolerance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or visual positioning methods with an automated magnetic field-based positioning system. The transmitting device and receiving coil antennas create a magnetic field interaction that provides precise feedback on alignment status, enabling automated guidance systems to achieve the required positioning accuracy of a few centimeters and small yaw angles without relying on driver skill or visual estimation.
3Device complexity
If optical systems are used to detect the position of the primary coil, then the system is simple to implement, but the area of the primary coil is not viewable when the electric vehicle drives over this primary coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical detection with magnetic field detection. The transmitting device on the vehicle generates an alternating magnetic field that penetrates through the vehicle body and ground to be detected by coil antennas at the charging point. This magnetic field-based approach maintains system simplicity while eliminating the fundamental limitation of optical systems where the coil becomes invisible when covered by the vehicle.
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 provides a reliable and precise method for guiding electric vehicles during charging, enabling safe and efficient inductive charging by accurately determining the vehicle's position and orientation, even in the presence of environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating magnetic field is transmitted by a transmitting device arranged on the electric vehicle. The alternating magnetic field is received at the location of the charging point
Implementation Method 2
The electric vehicle includes a secondary coil that may be inductively coupled to a primary coil of a charging point
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an arrangement of an electric vehicle relative to a charging point is provided. An alternating magnetic field is transmitted by a transmitting device arranged on the electric vehicle. The alternating magnetic field is received at a location of the charging point, and the arrangement is inferred based on the received alternating field. An arrangement determination unit is configured for use in a method of this type to determine the arrangement of the electric vehicle relative to the charging point using the received alternating field.