Inductive Power Hub for Vehicle Wiring Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle wiring networks are complex and inefficient, leading to issues with assembly, maintenance, and system variation due to the need for numerous wire connections and interface connectors.
Innovation Solution
An inductive power hub that uses a source coil and receiver coils separated by nonconductive, electromagnetically permeable isolation members to deliver power to vehicle components via an induced electromagnetic field, reducing complexity and enabling easy addition or removal of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional wiring network with individual wires and connectors is used, then power can be delivered to various electrical components, but the system complexity increases and assembly/maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring network (individual wires and connectors) with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The source coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in receiver coils, eliminating the need for physical wire connections to individual components. This substitution of mechanical electrical connections with electromagnetic field-based power transfer directly reduces wiring complexity and simplifies assembly and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power hub provides a universal power distribution mechanism that can serve multiple electrical components simultaneously through a single electromagnetic field generation system. Instead of requiring separate wiring for each component, the hub can power multiple receivers through the electromagnetic field, making the system more versatile and easier to operate while reducing overall wiring complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wire connections and interface connectors are used, then power delivery to components is achieved, but system variation and modification become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical wire connections with electromagnetic field-based power transfer, the system allows for easier adaptation and modification. Components can be added or removed by simply positioning receiver coils near the source coil without requiring complex wire routing changes or connector modifications, thereby improving adaptability while reducing system variation complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If receiver coils are positioned close to the source coil for efficient power transfer, then power delivery efficiency improves, but electrical interference between coils increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolation member as an intermediary element positioned between the source coil and receiver coils. This isolation member acts as a mediator that allows the electromagnetic field to pass through for efficient power transfer while preventing direct electrical contact and interference between the coils. The isolation member enables close positioning for efficiency while blocking harmful electrical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation member is implemented as a thin film or shell structure that is electrically nonconductive but electromagnetically permeable. This thin film configuration allows the electromagnetic field to penetrate for efficient power transfer while providing electrical isolation to prevent interference between coils, effectively solving the contradiction between efficiency and interference prevention.
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 inductive power hub simplifies the electrical system by eliminating unnecessary connections and allowing for flexible configuration, reducing complexity and enhancing maintenance efficiency while maintaining consistent power delivery to vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
the source coil creates an induced electromagnetic field (EMF) and an electrical current in the first and second receiver coils
Implementation Method 2
The at least one isolation member includes a material that is electrically nonconductive and electromagnetically permeable so as to physically and electrically separate the first and second receiver coils without impacting the induced EMF
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an induction hub is disclosed for use in powering components in a vehicle. The induction hub includes a source coil; first and second receiver coils having first and second conductive portions, respectively; and at least one isolation member that is positioned between the first and second conductive portions. The receiver coils are separated from the source coil such that, upon being energized by a power source, the source coil creates an induced electromagnetic field (EMF) and an electrical current in the receiver coils, which are in electrical communication with at least one component in the vehicle to thereby deliver power from the receiver coils to the at least one component. The at least one isolation member includes a material that is electrically nonconductive and electromagnetically permeable so as to physically and electrically separate the receiver coils without impacting the induced EMF.