Inductive Charging Coil Alignment Using Multi-Field Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the relative position of induction charging devices are not precise and robust, particularly in scenarios where the energy coils are at different heights or depths, requiring frequent calibration.

Innovation Solution

Generate at least two distinguishable magnetic fields in one induction charging device, fixed relative to the energy coil, and measure the ratio of these fields in the other device to determine the relative position of the energy coils, eliminating the need for calibration by using predetermined ratio ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional position detection methods are used for induction charging devices, then the system can detect relative position, but the detection precision is insufficient and requires frequent calibration when energy coils are at different heights or depths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative position detection precisionVSAvoiddetection robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second detection dimension by measuring not only the magnitude of the magnetic field but also its temporal derivative (rate of change). This dual-measurement approach in the time domain creates an additional dimension for position detection, enabling the system to distinguish between different height/depth positions of energy coils without requiring calibration. The combination of field strength and field change rate measurements provides redundant information that improves both precision and robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual calibration procedures with an automated electromagnetic field-based detection system. By using the inherent electromagnetic properties of the system (magnetic field generation and detection) to automatically determine relative position, the invention eliminates the need for manual calibration mechanisms while improving detection reliability across varying coil positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If energy coils are positioned at different heights or depths to accommodate various applications, then the system becomes more versatile, but the detection of relative position becomes less reliable and requires calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice height/depth adaptabilityVSAvoidposition detection robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection method that functions across multiple device configurations and heights. The dual-parameter detection system (measuring both magnetic field magnitude and its temporal derivative) is designed to work independently of the specific vertical positioning of energy coils, making the system universally applicable to ground-based, aerial, and autonomous vehicle charging scenarios without requiring configuration-specific calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameters from单一的磁通量测量 to dual-parameter measurement including both magnetic field strength and its rate of change. This parameter expansion allows the system to maintain reliable position detection across varying heights and depths by providing additional discriminatory information that remains consistent regardless of vertical positioning differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If calibration procedures are implemented to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of operation and time required for setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative position detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-calibrating detection system that automatically determines relative position without requiring external calibration procedures. The dual-parameter measurement approach (field strength and temporal derivative) enables the system to self-reference and self-correct, eliminating the need for manual calibration while maintaining high detection precision across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary detection actions by continuously measuring both magnetic field magnitude and its rate of change from an early stage in the charging process. This preliminary dual-parameter data collection enables immediate position determination without requiring subsequent calibration steps, streamlining the operational workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 precise and robust detection of the relative position of energy coils without calibration, allowing efficient alignment and charging operations even with varying heights or depths of the devices.

Implementation Method 1

one of the energy coils generates an alternating magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the other energy coil for energy transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least two distinguishable magnetic fields are generated in one of the induction charging devices, which are received in the other induction charging device, in order to detect the relative position of the energy coils to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250357800A1Method for detecting the relative position of a stationary induction charging device to a mobile induction charging device
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • US20250357800A1 patent drawing
  • US20250357800A1 patent drawing
  • US20250357800A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting the relative position of a stationary induction charging device to a mobile induction charging device may include generating, in one of the stationary induction charging device and the mobile induction charging device, at least two distinguishable fields each having an intensity maximum. The at least two fields may include an approach field and at least one further field. The method may further include receiving the at least two fields in the other induction charging device, determining an approach ratio between the approach field and the further field, and detecting that the mobile energy coil approaches the stationary energy coil transversely to the height direction when the determined approach ratio lies in a predetermined approach ratio range.