Inductive Charging Device Lifting Mechanism Anti-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive charging devices for motor vehicles face issues with the lifting mechanism freezing up during winter weather and wet conditions, leading to inefficiencies or complete failure in charging due to icing of moving parts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fan unit to direct heated air from the power electronics to the lifting mechanism, potentially with a heating unit, and a control unit to manage operation based on weather data, ensuring the lifting mechanism remains ice-free by using waste heat and additional heating as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a lifting mechanism is used to move the primary coil between stowage and charging positions, then the charging device can achieve efficient inductive charging by minimizing the gap between coils, but the lifting mechanism becomes susceptible to icing during winter weather and wet conditions, restricting or preventing its activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures and moisture that cause icing into a beneficial solution by using waste heat from the power electronics to prevent and remove ice accumulation on the lifting mechanism. The heating element actively counteracts the freezing conditions, transforming the problematic winter environment into a manageable condition that maintains reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own waste heat from power electronics to service the lifting mechanism by preventing icing. Instead of requiring an external heating system, the charging device utilizes its inherent thermal byproducts to maintain the functionality of critical components, making the system self-sufficient in counteracting environmental challenges.
2Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is iced up, then the moving parts such as joints and bellows become restricted or prevented from moving, but adding a heating system increases the complexity of the charging device
Solution Approach 1:
The power electronics serve multiple functions: they perform their primary charging function and simultaneously provide waste heat that is utilized to prevent icing on the lifting mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate heating system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own waste heat from power electronics to service the lifting mechanism by preventing icing. Instead of requiring an external heating system, the charging device utilizes its inherent thermal byproducts to maintain the functionality of critical components, making the system self-sufficient in counteracting environmental challenges.
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
Ensures reliable operation of the charging device under winter conditions by preventing icing of the lifting mechanism, maintaining efficient charging by keeping moving parts free of ice and functional.
Implementation Method 1
a fan unit, which is arranged in such a way that an air flow that can be generated by means of the fan unit flows around a power electronics of the charging device and subsequently flows to the lifting mechanism. Waste heat generated by the power electronics during operation can thus be transported by means of the air flow to the lifting mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a primary coil, which is designed for the purpose of inducing a voltage in a secondary coil of the motor vehicle for charging the electrical energy store
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device for inductively charging an electrical energy store of a motor vehicle, having a primary coil, which is designed for inducing a voltage in a secondary coil of the motor vehicle for charging the electrical energy store; and having a lifting mechanism, which is designed for moving the primary coil between a stowage position and a charging position. The charging device has a fan unit, which is arranged in such a way that an air flow that can be produced by the fan unit flow around a power electronics of the charging device, and subsequently flows to the lifting mechanism.