Foreign Object Detector Circuit Alignment for Wireless EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles face inefficiencies due to the need for dedicated ancillary positioning and alignment systems, which increase cost and complexity, and existing methods do not effectively utilize existing components to enhance alignment and power transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a wireless power transfer system that uses a transmitter pad with a transmit antenna and a receiver pad with a receive antenna, utilizing a foreign object detector circuit and beacon antenna to determine the alignment of the electric vehicle, allowing for efficient power transfer without the need for additional alignment systems by using existing components and resonant inductive coupling techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated ancillary positioning and alignment systems are added to wireless power transfer systems, then alignment precision between transmitter and receiver pads is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the foreign object detection circuit perform multiple functions: its original function of detecting foreign objects and its new function of determining alignment between transmitter and receiver pads. By reusing existing components for multiple purposes, the system achieves precise alignment measurement without adding dedicated positioning hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing foreign object detection infrastructure to serve the additional purpose of alignment detection. The FOD circuit's magnetic field sensing capability is leveraged to detect the presence and position of the receiver pad, allowing the system to self-determine alignment status without external assistance, thus improving alignment precision while avoiding increased complexity
2Measurement precision
If dedicated ancillary positioning and alignment systems are added to wireless power transfer systems, then alignment precision between transmitter and receiver pads is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the foreign object detection circuit perform multiple functions: its original function of detecting foreign objects and its new function of determining alignment between transmitter and receiver pads. By reusing existing components for multiple purposes, the system achieves precise alignment measurement without adding dedicated positioning hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing foreign object detection infrastructure to serve the additional purpose of alignment detection. The FOD circuit's magnetic field sensing capability is leveraged to detect the presence and position of the receiver pad, allowing the system to self-determine alignment status without external assistance, thus improving alignment precision while avoiding increased complexity
3Device complexity
If existing components are utilized for alignment detection instead of adding new systems, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but alignment precision and power transfer efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the magnetic field characteristics detected by the FOD circuit to determine alignment status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to assess the degree of alignment between transmitter and receiver pads and adjust accordingly, ensuring that sufficient alignment precision is achieved for effective power transfer while using only existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (such as field strength, distribution, or characteristics) detected by the existing FOD circuit to infer alignment status. By monitoring these parameter variations as the receiver approaches and positions over the transmitter, the system can determine optimal alignment without additional hardware, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing complexity
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 the alignment and power transfer efficiency between the transmitter and receiver pads, reducing costs and complexity by leveraging existing components and resonant inductive coupling, enabling effective wireless charging of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a transmit antenna configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field in a charging area
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a foreign object detector circuit and beacon antenna to determine the alignment of the electric vehicle, allowing for efficient power transfer without the need for additional alignment systems by using existing components and resonant inductive coupling techniques
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus for determining alignment information of a vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle comprising an antenna circuit configured to modulate one or more electrical characteristics of the antenna circuit. The apparatus comprises multiple sensor circuits configured to generate multiple magnetic fields. At least one sensor circuit may be configured to sense the modulated electrical characteristic of the antenna circuit when the antenna circuit couples to the at least one sensor circuit via one of the magnetic fields. The apparatus may further comprise a controller circuit configured to determine alignment information of the vehicle based on the sensed modulated electrical characteristic.