Inductive Charging Interference Detection via Coupling State Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for inductive energy transmission face challenges in reliably detecting interfering bodies, particularly metallic or electromagnetically conductive objects, which can cause operational inefficiencies and safety issues due to heat generation and unpredictable movement, and existing detection methods are either inefficient or prone to false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising separate excitation and detector coils, independent of the primary and secondary coil units, which generate and receive an excitation field to detect interfering bodies, and compensation coils to mitigate the influence of the power transmission field, allowing for continuous monitoring without energizing the power coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical detection means (image acquisition systems) are used to detect interfering objects, then the equipment simplicity is improved, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to false alarms from non-critical objects like leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection means with electromagnetic field-based detection. The system uses the existing coupled electromagnetic field between primary and vehicle-side coils to detect interfering objects through field interference, eliminating the need for separate optical sensors and reducing false alarms from environmental factors like leaves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electromagnetic field serve dual purposes: both for inductive energy transfer and for detecting interfering objects. By evaluating changes in the coupling state of the existing field, the system performs both power transmission and interference detection without requiring additional dedicated detection infrastructure.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the primary coil unit is activated to detect interfering objects using field interference, then the detection capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases and operational reliability deteriorates due to potential malfunction triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs interference detection during the normal inductive coupling operation before power transmission begins. By detecting interfering objects during the coupling establishment phase, the system can prevent or abort power transmission if interference is detected, avoiding the need for separate detection activation and preventing malfunction triggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously monitors the coupling state of the electromagnetic field and uses this feedback to detect interfering objects. The evaluation unit analyzes changes in the coupling state in real-time, allowing the system to respond to interference conditions while maintaining normal operation, thus improving both detection capability and operational reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If signal-based detection of interfering objects is used, then the detection range is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to low signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct signal amplitude to coupling state evaluation. By monitoring how interfering objects affect the electromagnetic coupling between primary and vehicle-side coils, the system achieves both wide detection range and high precision, as the coupling state changes provide a strong, clear signal that is easy to evaluate.
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 solution enhances detection speed, robustness, and reliability, improving operational reliability by allowing for early detection of interfering bodies before inductive coupling, reducing false alarms, and minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one excitation coil means (12) for generating an excitation field, in particular for inductively generating an excitation field
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector coil means (14) associated with the at least one excitation coil means (12), in particular for inductively receiving at least part of the excitation field
Implementation Method 3
at least one compensation means, in particular at least one compensation coil means (16) for generating a compensation field, in particular for inductively generating a compensation field, wherein at least a portion of the power transmission field received by the at least one detector coil means can be compensated by the compensation field
Implementation Method 4
at least one primary coil unit (18) for generating at least part of an electromagnetic power transmission field
Implementation Method 5
at least one secondary coil unit (38) for receiving the electromagnetic field generated by the primary coil unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting at least one interfering body in a system for inductive energy transmission, wherein the system for inductive energy transmission comprises at least one primary coil unit (18) for generating at least part of an electromagnetic power transmission field, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one interfering body detector means (48, 25, 50), wherein the at least one interfering body detector means (48, 25, 50) comprises at least one field coil means (12) for generating an excitation field and at least one detector coil means (14) which is assigned to the at least one field coil means (12), wherein the apparatus comprises at least one evaluation means (25) for detecting a state of coupling between the at least one field coil means (12) and the at least one detector coil means (14) and/or for detecting a change in the state of coupling, wherein the interfering body is detectable depending on the state of coupling and/or the change in the state of coupling, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one compensation means (16) for taking into consideration an electromagnetic influence of the primary coil unit (18) and/or the secondary coil unit (38) on the state of coupling between the at least one field coil means (12) and the at least one detector coil means (14), and to a system for inductive energy transmission.