EV Wireless Charging Distance-Based Station Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In parking facilities with multiple charging stations, electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently and effectively identifying the correct charging station for wireless power transfer, leading to potential misalignment and reduced efficiency in charging processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine distances between a vehicle and multiple charging stations, allowing selective communication with the closest or most suitable charging station for efficient alignment and power transfer, utilizing a processor and transceiver for communication and alignment feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vehicle attempts to pair with every charging station within communication range, then the vehicle can ensure it finds a charging station, but the communication process becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging station identification reliabilityVSAvoidstation pairing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining distances to all charging stations before initiating communication pairing. The vehicle identifies the closest charging station(s) based on distance calculations, then selectively communicates only with those stations. This preliminary distance assessment filters out unnecessary communication attempts with distant stations, reducing pairing time while ensuring reliable connection to the most suitable charging station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging stations are available in a parking facility, then charging options increase, but the complexity of identifying and aligning with the correct station increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging station availabilityVSAvoidstation identification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where charging stations transmit their identities and location information to the vehicle, and the vehicle responds by calculating distances and selecting appropriate stations. This bidirectional feedback loop simplifies the identification process by providing the vehicle with necessary information about available stations, enabling it to automatically select and align with the closest station without complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If wireless charging systems are used to eliminate cables, then convenience is improved, but the need for precise alignment between vehicle and charging station becomes more critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging operation convenienceVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment actions by determining distances to multiple charging stations before the vehicle begins maneuvering. The vehicle uses this distance information to proactively navigate toward the closest charging station, establishing optimal alignment conditions before the wireless charging process begins. This preliminary positioning reduces the precision requirements during actual charging by ensuring the vehicle is already correctly oriented toward the target station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2879899B1Selective communication based on distance from a plurality of electric vehicle wireless charging stations in a facility
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 WITRICITY CORP
  • EP2879899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2879899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2879899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for charging a vehicle in a wireless power transfer system. In one aspect, a method of charging a vehicle is provided, including determining distances between the vehicle and each of a plurality of charging stations. The method further includes selectively communicating, based on the distances, with a first charging station of the plurality of charging stations.