Inductive Coil Alignment via Induced Currents in Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently and safely aligning inductive coils for optimal power transfer, while also ensuring safety by preventing energization before correct alignment and minimizing exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a wireless power transmitter and receiver with inductive elements that communicate through induced currents to determine alignment, allowing for efficient power transfer and safety protocols, such as energizing only when proper alignment is confirmed, and using the power link for alignment without additional communication antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional communication antennas are added for alignment verification, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive elements serve dual functions: power transfer and alignment verification. The same inductive elements used for wireless power transfer are also used to detect alignment status by monitoring induced currents, eliminating the need for separate communication antennas or alignment sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power transfer function and alignment detection function into a single integrated system. The communication between transmitter and receiver regarding alignment status is achieved through the power transfer link itself, merging multiple functions into one infrastructure.
2Productivity
If inductive coils are energized before alignment confirmation, then power transfer speed is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs alignment verification through induced current detection before energizing the inductive coils for power transfer. This preliminary check ensures proper alignment is achieved first, preventing unsafe operation and enabling subsequent high-speed power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the induced current in the inductive elements to provide feedback on alignment status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to confirm proper alignment before initiating power transfer and to maintain safety throughout the operation.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic fields are minimized during alignment, then safety is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
During the alignment phase, the system uses minimal electromagnetic field strength sufficient only for detection purposes, rather than full power transfer strength. This partial action approach maintains safety during alignment verification while enabling efficient full-power operation once alignment is confirmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in distinct phases: a low-power alignment verification phase followed by a high-power power transfer phase. This periodic operation allows safety during alignment checks while achieving efficiency during the actual power transfer operation.
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 enables safe and efficient wireless power transfer by ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing exposure to electromagnetic fields, reducing complexity and cost by utilizing the power transfer link for alignment and communication, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first inductive element is configured to receive wireless power from a first electromagnetic field generated by a wireless power transmitter
Implementation Method 2
The power supply is configured to supply a current to the first inductive element to generate a second electromagnetic field and induce a current in the second inductive element
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power receiver includes a first inductive element, a power supply, and a communication receiver. The first inductive element is configured to receive wireless power from a first electromagnetic field generated by a wireless power transmitter including a second inductive element. The power supply is configured to supply a current to the first inductive element to generate a second electromagnetic field and induce a current in the second inductive element. The communication receiver is configured to receive an indication of a distance between the first inductive element and the second inductive element based on the induced current in the second inductive element.