EV Wireless Power Circuit Using Relay-Based Bidirectional Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging and discharging systems face challenges in achieving convenience with a simple configuration, particularly due to the size, cost, and complexity associated with bidirectional inverters, which hinder efficient contactless discharging and power feeding to external devices.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging and discharging system comprising a unidirectional rectifier, a relay, and a control processor, where the rectifier handles charging and the relay, controlled by the processor, enables contactless discharging and power feeding with a simpler configuration, reducing size, cost, and weight, and eliminating the need for additional switching control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional inverter is used for contactless discharging and power feeding, then bidirectional energy transfer capability is achieved, but device complexity, size, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power management system into separate functional components: a unidirectional rectifier for charging operations and a relay-controlled switching mechanism for discharging operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the complexity of a single bidirectional inverter while achieving both charging and discharging capabilities through coordinated operation of simpler parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing rectifier and inverter circuitry serve multiple functions by introducing a relay-controlled switching mechanism. The same hardware infrastructure (rectifier, inverter, coil) is used for both charging and discharging operations, with the relay enabling the system to switch between different operational modes. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate bidirectional inverter hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional inverter is used for contactless discharging and power feeding, then bidirectional energy transfer capability is achieved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management functions into separate lightweight components (relay, switching mechanism) rather than using a heavy bidirectional inverter. The relay-controlled architecture allows the system to use the same physical hardware for both charging and discharging, eliminating duplicate heavy components and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves bidirectional energy transfer using the same physical hardware infrastructure for both charging and discharging operations. The rectifier, inverter, and coil serve multiple functions controlled by the relay, eliminating the need for additional heavy bidirectional inverter components and reducing overall system weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional inverter is used for contactless discharging and power feeding, then bidirectional energy transfer capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented, standardized components (relay, rectifier, inverter) that can be manufactured independently using established processes. This segmentation allows for easier sourcing, assembly, and manufacturing compared to complex bidirectional inverters, reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving the same functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves bidirectional energy transfer using existing standardized components (rectifier, inverter, relay) that can be manufactured using conventional processes. This approach avoids the need for specialized bidirectional inverter manufacturing, leveraging established supply chains and reducing component costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional switching control is implemented for contactless discharging, then discharging functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay as an intermediary switching component that simplifies control logic. The relay acts as a mechanical or electromagnetic mediator between the control system and the power circuit, providing clear on/off states that simplify switching control compared to complex electronic switching networks required for bidirectional inverters.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay-controlled switching mechanism automatically manages the transition between charging and discharging modes based on system state, reducing the need for complex external switching control. The system self-regulates the switching behavior through the relay's inherent properties and simple control logic.
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 configuration allows for efficient contactless discharging and power feeding to external devices while improving convenience by reducing system complexity and costs, achieving bidirectional energy transfer with a general-purpose setup.
Implementation Method 1
a charging path through which a battery of the electric vehicle is to be contactlessly charged from external equipment via a coil in the electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging and discharging system to be applied to an electric vehicle includes a rectifier, an inverter, a relay, and a control processor. The rectifier is disposed on a charging path through which a battery of the electric vehicle is to be contactlessly charged from external equipment via a coil in the electric vehicle. The inverter is disposed on a first path from the battery to an electric power output terminal of the electric vehicle, the electric power output terminal allowing for output of electric power stored in the battery. The relay is disposed on a second path from the inverter to the coil. The control processor controls an operation state of the relay to allow the electric power stored in the battery to be contactlessly discharged to the external equipment via the inverter, the relay, and the coil on the second path.