Wireless Charging Antenna Alignment via Electromagnetic Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems for electric vehicles face inefficiencies due to misalignment and varying distances between transmit and receive antennas, which affect power transfer efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system coupled with a wireless power receive antenna, capable of determining vector components of an electromagnetic field to align the antennas accurately, including a processor to determine the direction and distance of the electromagnetic field source, ensuring optimal alignment and efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wireless power transfer is implemented without precise alignment mechanisms, then the system is simpler to implement, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment between transmit and receive antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with electromagnetic field-based sensing and control. The sensor determines vector components of the electromagnetic field to calculate direction and distance to the transmit antenna, enabling automated electronic alignment instead of manual or mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The receive antenna system performs self-alignment by using its own sensor to detect the electromagnetic field from the transmit antenna and automatically adjusting its position or orientation based on the calculated direction and distance, without requiring external alignment assistance.
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between transmit and receive antennas is increased to provide larger charging area, then ease of operation improves, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of antenna positions and orientations based on real-time electromagnetic field measurements. The system continuously monitors field strength and vector components, adjusting the receive antenna's position to maintain optimal alignment with the transmit antenna even as distance varies, enabling larger charging areas while preserving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including antenna orientation angles, position coordinates, and gain settings based on the detected electromagnetic field characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to distance and alignment conditions, the system maintains efficient power transfer across varying distances and larger spatial areas.
3Measurement precision
If sensor accuracy is improved to enhance alignment precision, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic field sensor serve multiple functions: it detects field strength for distance estimation, determines vector components for direction calculation, and provides data for both alignment control and power transfer optimization. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the alignment sensing function with the power reception function into a single integrated system. The same sensor and processing unit used for receiving wireless power also measures the electromagnetic field for alignment determination, merging multiple functions into one system rather than adding separate alignment sensors.
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 solution enhances power transfer efficiency and regulatory compliance by ensuring precise alignment of wireless charging antennas, improving the convenience, safety, and reliability of wireless charging for electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor being configured to determine at least two vector components of an electromagnetic field at a particular point
Implementation Method 2
Other approaches to wireless energy transmission techniques are based on inductive coupling between a transmit antenna embedded, for example, in a 'charging' mat or surface and a receive antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a wireless power antenna alignment systems and methods for electric vehicles. A system may include a sensor configured to detect the strength of an electromagnetic field in multiple dimensions and a processor configured to determine at least one of a direction and a position of a transmitted beacon signal based on an output of the sensor.