Inductive Power Transfer for Industrial Vehicle Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering electrical power to remote attachments on industrial equipment, such as lift trucks, require wires over the mast, which are prone to wear, deterioration, and frequent replacement, and existing wireless inductive power transfer systems are inefficient for powering energy-intensive loads.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer unit comprising a transmitter and receiver that allows inductive power transfer between an industrial vehicle and its attachment, enabling seamless power delivery over a range of motion without concurrent movement of the receiver relative to the transmitter, using a multifunction wireless power and communication (WPC) unit that includes power management to switch between inductive and battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are used to deliver electrical power over the mast to remote attachments, then power can be delivered to electromechanical equipment, but the wires are prone to wear, deterioration, and frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based power delivery system with an inductive power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The transmitter mounted on the industrial vehicle and receiver on the attachment enable wireless power transfer, eliminating physical wires that are subject to wear and deterioration from movement and environmental exposure.
2Ease of operation
If existing wireless inductive power transfer systems are used, then wireless power delivery is achieved, but the systems are inefficient for powering energy-intensive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power management system that adjusts the inductive power transfer parameters based on the operational state and power requirements of the attachment. The system optimizes coupling and transfer efficiency dynamically, and integrates with the attachment's existing battery system to create a hybrid power architecture that maximizes efficiency for energy-intensive loads.
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 continuous and efficient power to electromechanical equipment on attachments, reducing the need for battery replacement and recharging, while maintaining alignment-independent power transfer and enabling simultaneous data communication, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless power transfer unit comprising a transmitter and receiver that allows inductive power transfer between an industrial vehicle and its attachment
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting power between an industrial vehicle and an attachment, using an inductive power transfer unit (1 10) comprising an inductive power transmitter (1 18) and an inductive power receiver (120). Preferably, the inductive power transmitter (1 18) transmits wireless power to the inductive power receiver (120) over a range of motion of a vertically moveable carriage (114) of the industrial vehicle.