Wireless Inductive Power Supply for Extendable Door Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable motor vehicle door handle systems face challenges with mechanical integration constraints and miniaturization due to the use of electrical cables for power supply and communication, which hinder aerodynamic performance and aesthetics, and existing wireless power supply devices are not suitable for moving components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electric power supply device using a primary module with multiple inductive coils and a secondary module with a single coil, where the magnetic field flux remains substantially constant during movement, enabling both energy transmission and position estimation, allowing for continuous power supply and position sensing without mechanical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical cables are used to connect door module and door handle module, then power supply and communication are reliable, but mechanical integration constraints increase and aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical cable connection system with an electromagnetic induction-based wireless power transmission system. The door module contains primary coils that generate magnetic fields to inductively transmit power to secondary coils in the door handle module, eliminating the need for physical cables and thereby improving aerodynamic performance while maintaining power supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the door module and door handle module. The primary coils generate magnetic fields that penetrate through the door structure to induce currents in the secondary coils, serving as a non-contact intermediary for power transmission and avoiding the aerodynamic drag caused by cable connections.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical cables are used for power supply, then continuous power transmission is achieved, but device complexity and miniaturization are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical cable management system with a compact electromagnetic induction system. The primary and secondary coils can be integrated into printed circuit boards within the respective modules, significantly reducing the space required for power transmission components and simplifying the overall module design while enabling continuous power transmission.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic induction wireless power supply is used, then cable constraints are eliminated, but position sensing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic induction system multi-functional by using the same primary and secondary coils for both wireless power transmission and position sensing. The control circuit analyzes the characteristics of the induced currents in the secondary coils to determine the position of the door handle module relative to the door module, thereby achieving both movement freedom and position sensing capability through a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the control circuit continuously monitor the induced current characteristics in the secondary coils and use this information to determine position. The system adjusts its operation based on the detected position information, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that enables both wireless power supply and accurate position sensing.
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and continuous remote power supply to the door handle module, enabling reliable operation and position sensing, while maintaining aerodynamic and aesthetic advantages by eliminating the need for physical cables.
Implementation Method 1
The primary module comprises at least two inductive coils, called 'primary coils', and it is configured so as to form an electromagnetic field able to supply electric power to the secondary module through magnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
the amplitude of the magnetic field flux generated by the first primary coil through the secondary coil evolving in the opposite way to the amplitude of the magnetic field flux generated by the second primary coil through the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
A device for remotely supplying power, through magnetic induction, to a secondary module able to move in relation to a primary module along a predetermined path. An advantageous arrangement of the primary coils of the primary module and of a secondary coil of the secondary module furthermore allows the device to estimate the position of the secondary module. The primary coils are arranged such that: the primary coils form respective magnetic fields oriented in the same direction along their respective axes, during the movement, the inductive coupling between the first primary coil and the secondary coil evolves in the opposite way to the inductive coupling between the second primary coil and the secondary coil, the total inductive coupling existing between the primary coils and the secondary coil is substantially constant regardless of the position of the secondary coil.