Inductive Charging Vehicle Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle charging systems, particularly for electric and hybrid vehicles, face inefficiencies and user discomfort due to the need for mechanical connections and precise positioning requirements for inductive charging, which can be hindered by foreign objects and varying vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system utilizing a camera, computer unit, and data memory to determine the vehicle's position relative to a charging module, with features like number plate recognition and 3D coordinate calculation, combined with a human-machine interface for accurate navigation and foreign object detection using inductive sensors, optimizes the alignment of inductive charging coils for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging is used to eliminate mechanical connections, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with inductive charging technology, using electromagnetic fields to transfer energy wirelessly between a charging module in the parking space and a receiving module in the vehicle. This eliminates the need for physical plugging and unplugging of connectors, significantly improving ease of operation while introducing the need for precise positioning to ensure optimal coupling between the charging coils.
2Loss of energy
If precise positioning is required for inductive charging, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a control unit receives positioning data from the positioning system and adjusts the charging process accordingly. The system continuously monitors the vehicle's position and communicates with the vehicle's control unit to optimize the charging parameters, ensuring high energy transfer efficiency while managing system complexity through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system serves multiple functions: it determines vehicle position for charging alignment, identifies vehicle type through license plate recognition, and provides data to the control unit for optimizing charging parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise positioning for efficient energy transfer.
3Productivity
If vehicle positioning is optimized for inductive charging, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning and adjustment mechanisms that adapt to different vehicle types. The system uses license plate recognition to identify vehicle characteristics and adjusts the charging parameters and coil activation patterns accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high charging efficiency across different vehicle models while preserving adaptability to various vehicle types.
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 the efficiency and comfort of inductive charging by ensuring precise vehicle positioning, reducing the impact of foreign objects, and increasing the acceptance of electric vehicles by allowing for automatic and efficient charging without mechanical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (3) for detecting a position of the vehicle (2)
Implementation Method 2
foreign object detection using inductive sensors
Implementation Method 3
optimizes the alignment of inductive charging coils for efficient energy transfer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The system has a processor unit (4), and an extrinsically calibrated stereo camera connected to the processor unit. A data storage device (33) i.e. server, is connected to the processor unit, and stores an item of information i.e. length, relating to a feature i.e. license plate, of a vehicle (2). A human machine interface (5) is linked to the processor unit. A position of a fixed target unit is stored in the data storage device. The fixed target unit is used for inductively charging an energy storage device i.e. battery, of the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for a method for positioning a vehicle for an inductive charging process.