Inductive Charging Alignment Using NFC Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power transmission systems face challenges in accurately aligning primary and secondary power transmission units, particularly in three-dimensional spaces, due to the use of costly and bulky sensors or beacons, and methods based on received power are inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmission system comprising a primary unit, a secondary unit, and a control unit, where the primary and secondary units are configured to transfer power via inductive coupling and communicate using near-field communication signals to determine their relative position without additional sensors, using signal strength to calculate distances and optimize alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensor coils and beacon coils are provided for position sensing, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication signal is used for multiple purposes: both for data communication between primary and secondary units, and for position detection. By measuring the signal strength of the communication signal, the system determines relative position without requiring separate sensor coils or beacons, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using separate physical sensor coils to detect position, the system uses the existing wireless communication signal (which already exists for data transmission) as a copy or alternative carrier for position information. The modulation signal from the secondary unit serves dual purposes: communication and position sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If additional sensor coils and beacon coils are provided for position sensing, then position detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication signal is used for multiple purposes: both for data communication between primary and secondary units, and for position detection. By measuring the signal strength of the communication signal, the system determines relative position without requiring separate sensor coils or beacons, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing wireless communication infrastructure (which is already required for operation) to also perform position sensing. This eliminates the need for expensive additional hardware components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining position detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If received power measurement is used for alignment, then alignment function is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates in three-dimensional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment functionVSAvoidthree-dimensional alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a wireless communication signal as an intermediary carrier that enables precise position measurement. By using the signal strength of this communication signal (rather than power transfer efficiency), the system can accurately determine relative position in three-dimensional space, as communication signals maintain stability and predictability over varying distances and orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables accurate and efficient alignment of primary and secondary units in three-dimensional spaces without the need for additional sensors, reducing costs and improving alignment precision, allowing for reliable wireless power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

The primary pad and the secondary pad are configured to wirelessly transfer power via inductive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the primary and secondary wireless communication units are configured to transmit and receive a communication signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4456378A1Wireless power transmission system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 DELTA ELECTRONICS (THAILAND) PUBLIC CO LTD
  • EP4456378A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4456378A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4456378A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention concerns a wireless power transmission system (1), comprising a primary unit (10) including a primary pad (11) for wireless power transmission and a primary wireless communication unit (12); a secondary unit (20) including a secondary pad (21) for wireless power reception and a secondary wireless communication unit (22); and a control unit (2); wherein the primary pad (11) and the secondary pad (21) are configured to wirelessly transfer power via inductive coupling, wherein the primary and secondary wireless communication units (12, 22) are configured to transmit and receive a communication signal (32), and wherein the control unit (2) is configured to detect a relative position of the primary wireless communication unit (12) and the secondary wireless communication unit (22) using the communication signal (32).