Inductive Parking Alignment Using Frequency-Coded Guidance Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in reliably and precisely positioning motor vehicles on parking spaces with induction charging devices for efficient wireless energy transfer, leading to inefficient or non-transfer of energy.

Innovation Solution

The system uses stationary induction charging devices that generate directed alignment fields with different frequencies to guide motor vehicles to the correct parking space, allowing the vehicle to recognize signal strength and frequency for precise positioning, enabling reliable navigation and alignment of induction charging devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the motor vehicle positions itself on the parking space autonomously or with driver input, then the positioning can occur, but the positioning is not reliable and/or precise enough for efficient energy transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor vehicle receives feedback signals from multiple parking spaces indicating their occupancy status and alignment field characteristics. This feedback enables the vehicle to identify the correct parking space and adjust its position accordingly, achieving reliable and precise positioning for efficient wireless energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or autonomous mechanical positioning systems with a field-based guidance system. The stationary induction charging devices generate alignment fields that automatically guide the mobile induction charging device on the motor vehicle to the correct position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If each parking space is equipped with a stationary induction charging device, then wireless energy transfer capability is provided, but the energy transfer efficiency is reduced due to improper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidenergy transfer loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning of the motor vehicle on the correct parking space before initiating energy transfer. The alignment fields guide the vehicle into the optimal position in advance, ensuring that when energy transfer begins, the induction charging devices are properly aligned for maximum efficiency and minimum energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the motor vehicle approaches a parking space, then navigation is possible, but the vehicle cannot reliably identify which parking space to use without additional guidance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation easeVSAvoidparking space identification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses different frequencies of alignment fields as distinctive identifiers for different parking spaces, analogous to using different colors. The motor vehicle detects the frequency characteristics of alignment fields from multiple parking spaces to identify and select the correct one, preventing information loss about parking space identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 method ensures accurate positioning of vehicles on parking spaces, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of wireless energy transfer between induction charging devices.

Implementation Method 1

For wireless energy transfer, an energy coil of one of the induction charging devices acts as a primary coil and the energy coil of the other induction charging device acts as a secondary coil. For energy transfer, the primary coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary coil.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the respective stationary induction charging device generates a field directed in parking direction P, by virtue of which a mobile induction charging device can be aligned in relation to the stationary induction charging device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field alignment: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20260058502A1Method for operating a system with a parking lot and at least one motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 MAHLE INT GMBH

AI summary

A motor vehicle including a mobile induction charging device is disclosed. The motor vehicle is configured to: receive alignment fields generated by stationary induction charging devices of parking spaces of a parking lot and to detect the signal strength and alignment frequency of the alignment fields, recognize based on a stronger alignment field and the alignment frequency of the stronger alignment field that the mobile induction charging device is to be aligned with the stationary induction charging device associated with the parking space as it approaches one of the parking spaces, and output a navigation instruction for aligning the motor vehicle on the parking space via the alignment field associated with the approached parking space.