Floating Inductive Charging Unit for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless inductive charging methods for electric and hybrid vehicles are complex, cost-intensive, and inefficient, requiring precise vehicle maneuvering and resulting in suboptimal energy transfer due to line losses and weather sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A floating charging unit with a primary coil positioned in a stationary charging station filled with a viscous non-conductive medium, using localization and positioning magnets to automatically align and maximize energy transfer, integrated into the road or garage infrastructure for self-optimizing positioning and weather resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guiding arm with motor-driven movement is used to establish optimal charging connection, then charging reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit automatically positions itself relative to the vehicle using magnetic attraction forces between magnets on the charging unit and vehicle body, eliminating the need for external guiding arms or motor-driven mechanisms. The system self-adjusts to achieve optimal charging connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical guiding arm system is replaced by a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets create attractive forces that automatically align the charging unit with the vehicle, substituting complex mechanical movement with simple magnetic interaction.
2Device complexity
If vehicle movement is utilized for bringing coils into contact, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required precise maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit performs the positioning function itself by moving autonomously within its mounting plane to align with the vehicle. This eliminates the need for the driver to manually maneuver the vehicle into precise positions, as the system self-corrects the alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the vehicle to move into a precise position relative to a fixed charging station, the charging unit is made movable and automatically positions itself relative to the vehicle. This reverses the traditional approach and simplifies the user's task.
3Reliability
If wired charging stations are used, then charging reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to plug insertion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical plug-and-socket connection is replaced by contactless inductive coupling between coils. Energy transfer occurs through magnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the need for manual plug insertion while maintaining reliable charging connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the charging unit and vehicle battery, enabling energy transfer without direct electrical contact. The alternating magnetic field induces current in the vehicle's coil, providing reliable power transfer without mechanical connectors.
4Device complexity
If the charging unit is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust to vehicle position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit is designed with movable mounting that allows it to shift position within a defined plane. This dynamic positioning capability enables the unit to adapt to variations in vehicle position while maintaining simple overall structure without complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient, automatic, and weather-resistant charging with minimal driver intervention, maximizing energy transfer and reducing charging losses by allowing the charging unit to float and position optimally relative to the vehicle's secondary coil.
Implementation Method 1
a charging arrangement and a charging method with a floating charging unit... for the inductive charging of a battery of the vehicle... The charging unit is constructed as a primary coil, and the charging module is constructed as a secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
The charging module has at least one localization magnet, and the charging unit has at least one positioning magnet... result in an attractive positioning force between the at least one localization magnet and the at least one positioning magnet
Implementation Method 3
the charging station is filled at least partially with a viscous non-conductive and non-magnetic medium of a first density. The charging unit has floating bodies or hollow bodies of a second density which is lower than the first density... The buoyancy force of the charging unit required for this purpose is the result of a partial immersion of the charging unit in the liquid medium
Data Source
AI summary
A charging arrangement includes a vehicle having a charging module in the vehicle underbody, and a stationary charging station with a charging unit, for the inductive charging of a battery of the vehicle. The charging station is disposed close to the ground or in the ground. The charging unit is floatingly disposed in the charging station, within a predefined horizontal movement area. The charging module has at least one localization magnet and the charging unit has at least one positioning magnet. The charging unit is constructed as a primary coil, and the charging module is constructed as a secondary coil.