Flexible Power Receiving Antenna for Deformable Mobile Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power receiving units in mobile objects, such as AGVs, are prone to damage due to deformation when ascending or descending steps or obstacles, particularly when mounted at deformable joint portions.

Innovation Solution

The power receiving apparatus is designed with a flexible power receiving antenna unit or antenna sections that are mounted across or bypass the deformable portion of the mobile object, allowing for deformation in accordance with the object's movement, and optionally supported by flexible or deformable members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power receiving antenna unit is mounted at the deformable joint portion of the mobile object, then the power receiving unit can be positioned at the optimal location for power reception, but the power receiving antenna unit is prone to damage due to deformation when the mobile object ascends or descends steps or obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower receiving antenna unit durabilityVSAvoiddeformation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power receiving antenna unit is designed with a flexible substrate that can bend and deform without damage. This flexible substrate allows the antenna unit to accommodate the deformation of the mobile object's joint portion while maintaining its power receiving functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between optimal positioning and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna unit's physical parameters (shape, position) are allowed to change dynamically in response to the deformation of the mobile object. The flexible design enables the antenna to adapt its configuration during operation, maintaining reliability despite the harmful deformation effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the power receiving antenna unit is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the antenna unit can provide stable power reception, but the antenna unit cannot accommodate deformation of the mobile object and is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna unit structural stabilityVSAvoiddeformation accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna unit employs a flexible substrate that provides both structural stability for stable power reception and the adaptability to deform with the mobile object. The flexibility of the substrate allows the antenna to maintain its functional integrity while accommodating various deformation states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna unit transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and configuration. This dynamic capability allows the antenna to maintain stability during operation while simultaneously accommodating the deformation of the mobile object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the power receiving antenna unit is mounted on a rigid portion of the mobile object to avoid deformation damage, then the antenna unit is protected from deformation, but the mount position is restricted and may not be optimal for power reception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna unit protectionVSAvoidmount position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate of the antenna unit enables it to be mounted on deformable portions of the mobile object, thereby expanding the available mount positions beyond rigid areas. The flexibility provides inherent protection from deformation damage while allowing optimal positioning for power reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible antenna unit design makes it universally applicable to various mount positions on the mobile object, whether rigid or deformable. This multi-position capability provides both protection from deformation and flexibility in mounting location selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly reduces damage to the power receiving antenna unit by accommodating the object's deformation, preventing restrictions on the mount position and minimizing impact from vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The power receiving antenna has flexibility, and is configured to be at least partly deformable in accordance with deformation of the mobile object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250368062A1Power receiving apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A power receiving apparatus, to which power is to be wirelessly supplied from one or more power transmission apparatuses, is mountable to a mobile object that has a deformable portion. The power receiving apparatus includes a power receiving antenna unit mounted across the deformable portion of the mobile object. The power receiving antenna has flexibility, and is configured to be at least partly deformable in accordance with deformation of the mobile object.