Inductive Charging Coil Positioning Using Four Distinguishable Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive energy transfer systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning induction charging devices relative to each other, particularly when they are at different heights or depths, requiring frequent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A system with four transmission coils generating distinguishable positioning fields and a receiver coil to determine the relative position of energy coils based on field ratios, allowing precise positioning without recalibration by using magnetic fields that are predominantly aligned with the height direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used to detect relative position of energy coils, then positioning can be achieved, but precision is insufficient and recalibration is required when devices are at different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into four separate transmission coils arranged in a rectangular pattern, each generating an independent magnetic field component. This segmentation allows the system to measure position through multiple independent field measurements rather than a single complex measurement, improving precision without requiring recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field ratios as an intermediary parameter to detect relative position. Instead of directly measuring absolute position which requires recalibration, the system measures the ratio of magnetic field strengths from different transmission coils, which inherently compensates for height variations and eliminates recalibration needs.
2Measurement precision
If four transmission coils are used to generate distinguishable positioning fields, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission coils serve dual functions: they generate positioning fields for detection and simultaneously contribute to the overall magnetic coupling for energy transfer. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise positioning without adding separate calibration hardware, offsetting the complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function with the energy transfer function by using the same transmission coils for both purposes. The four transmission coils generate positioning fields that are distinguishable and enable precise relative position detection, while their combined magnetic fields facilitate inductive energy transfer, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic fields are used for positioning, then non-contact detection is achieved, but interference from multiple fields makes detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each transmission coil generates a magnetic field with distinct spatial characteristics and local quality. The fields are designed to have different distribution patterns in the measurement space, allowing the receiver to differentiate between them by analyzing the local field characteristics at each coil's position, enabling non-contact positioning without detection difficulty.
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 energy coil positioning, facilitating efficient energy transfer with reduced interference and eliminating the need for recalibration, even when devices are at varying heights or depths.
Implementation Method 1
four transmission coils generating distinguishable positioning fields
Implementation Method 2
a receiver coil to determine the relative position of energy coils based on field ratios
Implementation Method 3
one of the energy coils generates an alternating magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the other energy coil
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inductive energy transfer may include a stationary induction charging device including a stationary energy coil, a mobile induction charging device including a mobile energy coil, and a positioning device configured to detect a positioning of the stationary energy coil and the mobile energy coil relative to one another. During a charging operation of the system, one of energy coils may provide an alternating magnetic field which induces a voltage for energy transfer in the other energy coil and/or the induction charging devices may be disposed spaced apart from one another in a height direction. The positioning device may include i) four transmission coils in one of the induction charging devices and ii) at least one receiver in the other induction charging device. The transmission coils may, during a positioning operation, provide positioning fields that are distinguishable from one another.