Inductive Loop for Wireless Charging and Electromagnetic Vehicle Movement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The infrastructure for charging electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV) is inadequate, particularly in rural areas, leading to long wait times and limited mobility, as vehicles must be stationary for charging and lack a mobile energy source for emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a high voltage battery and inductive loop for wireless charging and force movement, controlled by an electronic control unit, allowing for charging and movement of vehicles, including simultaneous energy sharing and emergency assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If vehicles use traditional plugging-in charging infrastructure, then electrical energy can be provided to EV and PHV vehicles, but the infrastructure is scarce in rural areas and requires vehicles to be stationary for long periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy chargingVSAvoidcharging wait time and stationary period
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines charging infrastructure and towing capability into a single vehicle-mounted system. The vehicle contains both an inductive charging loop for energy transfer and a winch mechanism for towing, merging two previously separate functions (charging station and tow truck) into one mobile unit that can assist other vehicles simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a powered vehicle and a mobile charging station/tow truck. The electronic control unit manages multiple modes of operation including self-propulsion, charging other vehicles, and towing disabled vehicles, allowing one vehicle to replace multiple specialized vehicles

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If vehicles must be stationary to charge, then electrical energy transfer can occur, but the vehicle cannot continue traveling toward its destination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy chargingVSAvoidvehicle travel speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inductive charging loop as an intermediary for wireless energy transfer. This allows charging to occur without physical connection or stationary positioning, as the magnetic field can transfer energy through space while the vehicle remains in motion, eliminating the need to stop for charging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple EV and PHV vehicles require energy simultaneously at limited infrastructure, then charging demand is met, but other vehicles must wait while one vehicle uses the charging station

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy chargingVSAvoidcharging service throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the charging function into individual vehicle-mounted units rather than relying on centralized stations. Each vehicle can independently provide or receive charging assistance, allowing multiple vehicles to be charged simultaneously by different assisting vehicles, thereby increasing overall system throughput and eliminating waiting queues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a vehicle encounters an accident or emergency, then preventive measures and assistance are required, but traditional towing requires separate towing vehicles and infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency assistance capabilityVSAvoidtowing infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is equipped with self-service emergency assistance capabilities through an integrated winch system and electromagnetic repulsion/attraction functionality. The vehicle can autonomously perform towing operations or provide electromagnetic assistance to other vehicles in distress without requiring external towing infrastructure, enabling it to save itself or assist others independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances vehicle range by providing a mobile energy source, reduces infrastructure needs, and enables vehicles to remain mobile while charging, with the ability to assist in emergencies through electromagnetic force manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

an inductive loop configured to charge or move a second vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

repel or attract the second vehicle when in the force movement mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10391872B2Electromagnetic charge sharing and low force vehicle movement device and system
Publication Date: 2019.08.27 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US10391872B2 patent drawing
  • US10391872B2 patent drawing
  • US10391872B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and device for charging and/or moving a vehicle. The charging and force movement system includes a high voltage battery for providing an electrical charge. The charging and force movement system includes an inductive loop configured to charge or move a second vehicle. The charging and force movement system includes an electronic control unit that is connected to at least one of the high voltage battery or the inductive loop. The electronic control unit is configured to determine whether the first vehicle is in a charging mode or in a force movement mode and control the high voltage battery and the inductive loop to receive from or provide a charge to the second vehicle when in the charging mode and repel or attract the second vehicle when in the force movement mode.