EV Wireless Charging Pad Alignment via Active Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems for electric vehicles face inefficiencies due to misalignment between tilted transmission and reception pads, leading to decreased charging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging control apparatus and method that uses horizontal detectors and a suspension control device to adjust the inclination of the electric vehicle's reception pad to ensure parallel alignment with the transmission pad, utilizing an inertia measurement unit and active suspension systems to optimize pad alignment without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reception pad is tilted to one side for parking convenience or terrain adaptation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the alignment between transmission pad and reception pad deteriorates, causing decreased wireless charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension system actively adjustable during the charging process. The suspension control device dynamically modifies the height of each wheel independently based on real-time inclination detection, allowing the reception pad to transition from a tilted state to a properly aligned state with the transmission pad, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of parking and alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through horizontal detectors that continuously monitor the inclination of the reception pad. The controller receives this feedback information and automatically activates the suspension control device to adjust wheel heights, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise alignment while maintaining ease of operation
2Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment hardware is added to correct pad inclination, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the suspension system perform multiple functions: it serves both its original purpose of supporting the vehicle and providing active alignment control during wireless charging. By controlling the height of each wheel independently, the existing suspension components are repurposed for alignment, avoiding the need for separate alignment hardware and thus improving precision without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the vehicle's own suspension system to perform the alignment function. The suspension control device, working with horizontal detectors already present in the vehicle, allows the vehicle to automatically correct its own pad inclination without requiring external alignment equipment or additional specialized components
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 enhances wireless charging efficiency by ensuring precise alignment between the pads, reducing charging time and maintaining alignment when the unit charge amount increases, thereby improving overall charging performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one horizontal detector configured for detecting an inclination of an electric vehicle (EV)
Implementation Method 2
a suspension control device controlling a plurality of suspensions disposed near wheels of the EV to adjust a height or the inclination of the EV
Implementation Method 3
a vehicle assembly (VA) (i.e., a reception pad in the VA) mounted on the EV makes an inductive resonance coupling with a transmission pad of the GA located in the charging station or the charging spot, and charges the battery in the EV using power transferred from the GA through the inductive resonance coupling
Implementation Method 4
makes an inductive resonance coupling with a transmission pad
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging control apparatus may include at least one horizontal detector configured for detecting an inclination of an electric vehicle (EV); a suspension control device controlling a plurality of suspensions disposed near wheels of the EV to adjust a height or inclination of the EV; and a controller measuring the inclination of the EV based on data collected from the at least one horizontal sensor, estimating an inclination of a reception pad based on the measured inclination of the EV, and controlling the suspension control device to adjust the inclination of the EV when the inclination of the reception pad is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.