Inductive Charging Vehicle with Omnidirectional Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production facilities face challenges in minimizing structural requirements and optimizing energy transfer during vehicle operations, particularly in inductive charging methods that require extensive excavation and complex conductor layouts.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an omnidirectional vehicle with a primary winding at charging points, allowing inductive energy transfer during directional changes, utilizing a compact recess and ring windings for efficient energy transmission, enabling charging while the vehicle turns and moves without the need for extensive ground excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging is implemented using contactless methods, then charging flexibility is improved, but structural complexity and excavation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into discrete charging points positioned at specific locations (turning areas, workstations) rather than requiring continuous conductor coverage. Each charging point operates independently with its own primary winding, allowing flexible placement without extensive ground excavation throughout the entire facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional continuous conductor layout in the ground plane to a point-based three-dimensional arrangement where charging occurs at specific elevated or recessed locations. This allows charging infrastructure to be added without extensive excavation of the entire floor area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle stops at charging points for extended periods, then energy transfer completeness is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs periodic stops at charging points during its operational cycle, utilizing natural pauses in the production process (such as during workstation operations) for energy transfer. This periodic charging approach ensures sufficient energy replenishment without requiring extended stationary periods that would disrupt production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process is integrated into the continuous operational cycle of the vehicle, where energy transfer occurs during necessary stops at workstations rather than requiring separate dedicated charging time. This maintains continuous productive action while ensuring energy needs are met.
3Speed
If the vehicle uses larger energy storage devices, then driving range is improved, but vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle receives preliminary energy top-ups at charging points before undertaking longer travel segments or high-energy tasks. This allows the use of smaller energy storage devices since they are periodically replenished, rather than requiring large-capacity batteries to handle the entire operational cycle without recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging point acts as an intermediary energy source between the vehicle's energy storage device and the power grid. This external energy intermediary allows the vehicle to maintain smaller onboard storage while still achieving extended operational range through periodic connections to the charging infrastructure.
4Area of stationary object
If extensive ground excavation is performed for conductor installation, then inductive charging coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is segmented into discrete charging points with localized primary windings rather than requiring continuous conductor installation across large areas. Each charging point can be installed independently in a compact recess, dramatically reducing excavation requirements while providing coverage at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform charging coverage across the entire facility floor area, the system concentrates charging capability at specific localities where the vehicle naturally stops (workstations, turning areas). This local quality approach provides sufficient coverage for operational needs without the extensive excavation required for universal coverage.
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 reduces the mass of the vehicle's energy storage, allows for rapid charging, and simplifies the installation of charging points, achieving efficient and high-power inductive coupling independent of the vehicle's rotational position.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy is inductively transmitted from the charging point to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit formed in this way corresponds to the frequency corresponds to the alternating current impressed on the primary winding
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a production plant comprising a vehicle and at least one charging point, and production plant having a vehicle for carrying out the method, wherein in a first method step, the vehicle moves to the charging point, in a second method step the vehicle is rotated, in particular by means of the omnidirectional drive or the differential drive, in a third method step the vehicle travels onward, wherein during the second method step electrical energy is transmitted inductively from the charging point to the vehicle.