Inductive Charging Coil Alignment via Wheel Chock Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive power charging systems for electric vehicles face efficiency issues due to misalignment and interference from objects between the primary and secondary coils, requiring complex and maintenance-intensive alignment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A charging system that automatically aligns primary and secondary coils using a wheel chock structure with a lifting mechanism, integrated with a garage door opener control system and animal detection, ensuring efficient and safe charging by aligning coils during vehicle entry and decoupling upon exit, and incorporating protective covers and skid plates for durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensing and movement systems are used to align coils, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own weight and movement through the wheel chock to automatically position the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil. The wheel chock structure with lifting mechanism self-adjusts based on vehicle presence, eliminating the need for external sensing and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing and control systems with a simple mechanical lifting mechanism activated by vehicle weight. The mechanical system automatically responds to vehicle presence and movement, providing alignment without delicate electronics.
2Measurement precision
If delicate sensing and movement systems are used for coil alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but reliability decreases due to calibration and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel chock lifting mechanism automatically positions the primary coil based on vehicle weight and movement, requiring no calibration or maintenance. The system uses the vehicle itself as the actuating force, eliminating the need for delicate components that would require ongoing maintenance.
3Productivity
If the primary and secondary coils are placed in close proximity for efficient coupling, then charging efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to interference from animals or moving objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary coil is mounted on a movable platform that can be dynamically positioned. The wheel chock lifting mechanism raises the primary coil into close proximity with the secondary coil only when a vehicle is present and properly positioned, maintaining efficient coupling only when needed and reducing vulnerability to interference.
4Measurement precision
If the primary coil is positioned to align with the secondary coil during vehicle entry, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel chock structure is positioned asymmetrically relative to the vehicle path, with the lifting mechanism activated only when the vehicle enters in the correct orientation. This asymmetric positioning ensures automatic alignment without requiring complex positioning systems.
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
The system provides efficient, safe, and simple charging by ensuring precise alignment and automatic operation, reducing maintenance needs and interference, while protecting the coils from damage and external objects.
Implementation Method 1
Power is applied to the primary charging coil, which induces a current in the secondary coil to charge the battery
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the pedal raises the primary charging coil into closer proximity to the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil.