Inductive Charging Foreign Object Detection Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive power transfer systems face challenges in reliably detecting and preventing foreign metal objects from being placed in proximity to the primary winding structure, which can cause power losses and heating, potentially leading to safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A safety system with multiple detection windings arranged in an array structure that covers the charging surface, capable of detecting changes in inductance and position of foreign objects, and includes an evaluation unit to determine the presence and position of objects, along with a notification system to alert users and activate safe operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inductive power transfer is used to transfer electric energy to a vehicle, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but foreign metal objects in proximity to the primary winding structure cause power losses and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system performs preliminary detection of foreign metal objects using multiple detection windings arranged in an array structure before power transfer begins. The evaluation unit analyzes inductance changes to identify objects in proximity to the primary winding structure, allowing the system to prevent power transfer that would cause energy losses and heating.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection windings are introduced as intermediary elements between the primary winding structure and the foreign metal objects. These detection windings sense changes in inductance caused by nearby metal objects without directly participating in power transfer, enabling the system to detect and respond to potential energy loss conditions.
2Ease of operation
If inductive power transfer is used to transfer electric energy to a vehicle, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but foreign metal objects in proximity cause heating hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system provides preliminary warning to users about foreign metal objects detected in proximity to the primary winding structure. The evaluation unit triggers alerts that inform users of potential heating hazards before power transfer occurs, allowing users to remove objects or adjust positioning to avoid harmful heating effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system continuously monitors inductance changes through the detection windings and provides feedback via the notification system. This feedback loop allows real-time detection of foreign metal objects and immediate user alerting, enabling preventive action against heating hazards while maintaining wireless power transmission capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection windings are arranged in an array structure to detect foreign objects, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection windings arranged in an array structure, each capable of detecting local inductance changes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection sensitivity across the entire charging surface by combining information from multiple simpler detection elements rather than using a single complex sensor.
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 quick, sensitive, and robust detection of foreign objects, preventing power losses and heating hazards, ensuring safe operation of inductive power transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
capable of detecting changes in inductance and position of foreign objects
Implementation Method 2
for generating an electromagnetic primary field for the inductive power transfer
Implementation Method 3
The varying magnetic field generated by the primary unit and a secondary unit may induce current in the foreign objects made of metal and in other objects or fluids. Such currents may cause power losses and heating of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety system for an inductive power transfer system for transferring power to a vehicle on a surface of a route, wherein the primary unit comprises at least one primary winding for generating an electromagnetic primary field for the inductive power transfer, wherein a charging surface of the route is assigned to the primary winding. The safety system comprises at least one inductive sensing system, wherein the inductive sensing system comprises multiple detection windings wherein the multiple detection windings are arranged in an array structure, and wherein the array structure covers the charging surface at least partially. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating such a safety system and a method of building such a safety system.