Inductive Vehicle Charging Sections With Switchable Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive power transmission systems for vehicles suffer from energy wastage due to ohmic losses when vehicles are not present in charging areas, and there is a need for efficient resource conservation and environmental protection.

Innovation Solution

A system with controllable switches and sensor devices that detect vehicle presence, allowing selective energization of charging areas and using inductive coupling to manage power transmission efficiently, along with capacitors to match resonant frequencies and reduce power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the primary conductor section remains energized to enable immediate power transmission, then power transmission readiness is improved, but ohmic losses increase due to continuous energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission readinessVSAvoidohmic losses
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle presence using sensor devices before activating the primary conductor section. This allows the system to prepare for power transmission only when needed, avoiding continuous energization and associated ohmic losses while maintaining readiness when vehicles are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the energization state of the primary conductor section based on real-time vehicle presence detection. The conductor is energized only when a vehicle is detected and deactivated when no vehicle is present, optimizing the balance between power transmission readiness and energy loss prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If the switch remains open to enable power transmission to the vehicle, then power transmission capability is improved, but energy wastage increases due to unnecessary energization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidenergy wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensor devices to detect vehicle presence and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the switch state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the primary conductor section is energized only when a vehicle is present, eliminating energy wastage while maintaining power transmission capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects vehicle presence and controls the switch state without requiring external intervention. The sensor devices and control unit work together to self-regulate the energization state, ensuring power transmission capability is available only when a vehicle is present to receive it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If continuous monitoring of vehicle presence is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional sensor devices and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical switching and monitoring mechanisms with electronic sensor devices and a control unit. This substitution enables continuous monitoring of vehicle presence with simpler, more integrated electronic components that can process detection signals and control switch states automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor devices serve multiple functions: detecting vehicle presence, providing feedback to the control unit, and enabling automatic switch state control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.

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

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

Reduces power loss by ensuring energy is only supplied when vehicles are present, conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact through efficient power management.

Implementation Method 1

the inductive coupling between the primary conductor section of the charging area and a secondary winding arranged on the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A capacitor is also connected in parallel and/or in series to the secondary winding located on the vehicle, so that the associated resonant frequency essentially corresponds to the frequency of the current component impressed into the primary conductor by the AC power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant frequency: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3393846B1System for inductive transmission of electrical power to vehicles and method for operating a system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3393846B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393846B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for inductive transmission of electrical power to vehicles and a method for operating a system, wherein the system has an AC power source which supplies multiple stationary charging areas in series, wherein each charging area has a primary conductor section to which a controllable switch is connected in parallel, in particular so that the primary conductor section is short circuited when the switch is closed, and supplied in series from the AC power source, in particular from a primary conductor fed from the AC power source, when the switch is open.