Inductive Charging Station Light Signal Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems lack a simple and efficient method to communicate readiness for charging to drivers, particularly in scenarios where precise positioning is required for inductive energy transfer, and there is a need for visual guidance to ensure compatibility and avoid faulty stations.
Innovation Solution
An inductive charging station provides a light signal to indicate readiness for charging, which is not transmitted through the communication channel, allowing drivers to identify and position the vehicle correctly, even before the final charging position is reached, using existing communication methods like radio connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless communication is used for charging preparation and control, then communication between charging station and vehicle is established, but visual guidance and readiness indication to drivers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A light signal serves as an intermediary between the charging station's internal readiness state and the driver's external perception. The light signal visually mediates the readiness information that cannot be effectively communicated through wireless channels alone, bridging the gap between system status and user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station uses different light colors or light states to indicate different readiness conditions. This visual encoding transforms abstract readiness information into easily perceivable optical signals that guide drivers to appropriate charging positions and convey system status without requiring complex communication protocols.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning is required for inductive energy transfer, then charging efficiency is improved, but driver positioning accuracy and station identification become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different light colors or patterns indicate different charging zones or positioning requirements. This visual guidance system helps drivers accurately position their vehicles by providing real-time optical feedback about correct positioning, transforming the complex task of precise alignment into an intuitive visual guidance process.
Solution Approach 2:
The light signal provides preliminary guidance to drivers before they attempt positioning, indicating the correct charging position and readiness status in advance. This preliminary visual information allows drivers to adjust their positioning proactively, reducing the need for repeated positioning attempts and improving overall positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If public parking lots are equipped with charging stations, then charging flexibility is improved, but station availability verification and compatibility assessment become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The light signal provides immediate visual verification of station availability and compatibility status. Different light states indicate whether the station is operational, occupied, or incompatible with the vehicle, allowing drivers to quickly assess charging feasibility before approaching or initiating charging, thereby reducing wasted time and failed charging attempts.
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 simplifies the identification and positioning of charging stations, provides optical guidance, and allows drivers to assess compatibility and availability, reducing unnecessary attempts during power failures or station malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
charging an energy store in a motor vehicle by means of inductive energy transmission from an energy transmission unit
Implementation Method 2
the inductive charging station for signaling the readiness to charge the energy store of the motor vehicle provides a light signal for perception by a driver
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for charging an energy store (12) in a motor vehicle (10) by means of inductive energy transmission from an energy transmission unit (16), which can be anchored in a stationary manner on a movable surface and which is part of an inductive charging station (14), to the motor vehicle (10), wherein a communication channel (22) is constructed between the inductive charging station (14) and the motor vehicle (10) for the purpose of preparing for and/or carrying out charging of the energy store (12). The inductive charging station (14) provides a light signal (24), which is to be perceived by a driver (18) of the motor vehicle (10) and which is not transmitted via the communication channel (22), for signalling the readiness for charging the energy store (12) of the motor vehicle (10). The invention further relates to a charging system (20) for executing a method of this kind.