Inductive Sensor Power From AC Cables for Vehicle Wiring Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing power to sensors in vehicle applications face challenges such as costly and complex wiring, undesirable weight from batteries, and intermittent sensor information due to battery life limitations, which increase maintenance complexity and wear on vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an alternating current (AC) power component, a cable, and a sensor transformer with a coil that generates an induced voltage to power sensors, reducing the need for lengthy wiring and eliminating weight issues by providing power close to the sensors, using a drive assembly with a traction motor and sensor transformer mounted proximate to the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is provided to individual sensors via cables from a remote source, then sensors can be powered, but the associated cables are expensive and difficult to route, increasing system complexity and assembly cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power extraction function from the main power cable by using the cable's electromagnetic field to induce voltage in a nearby coil. This allows sensor power to be obtained locally without requiring separate power cables routed from remote sources, thereby reducing cable complexity while maintaining reliable sensor power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coil as an intermediary element that couples to the power cable's electromagnetic field. This coil acts as a mediator that converts the cable's electromagnetic energy into usable voltage for sensors, eliminating the need for direct cable connections to each sensor and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power sensors, then sensors can be powered without cables, but the batteries add undesirable weight that increases wear on vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the power cable itself to serve dual purposes: delivering power to the AC motor and simultaneously providing power to sensors through electromagnetic induction. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate battery systems, reducing weight while maintaining ease of sensor operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using chemical energy storage (batteries), the system uses electromagnetic field interaction between the power cable and coil to generate sensor power, thereby eliminating battery weight while maintaining operational ease
3Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to preserve sensor operation, then sensors can be powered, but information from sensors must be provided intermittently to preserve battery life, resulting in periods where sensor information is not known
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous sensor operation by deriving power continuously from the AC power cable through electromagnetic induction. This eliminates the intermittent operation required by battery systems, ensuring continuous sensor information availability while maintaining extended operational duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and utilizes the electromagnetic field energy already present in the power cable system. Instead of relying on limited battery energy that must be conserved, the system continuously harvests energy from the cable's electromagnetic field, eliminating the need to restrict sensor operation to preserve battery life
4Reliability
If batteries are used to power sensors, then sensors can be powered, but batteries need periodic replacement and have performance impact based on ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power provision function from removable battery components and integrates it into the permanent power cable infrastructure. This eliminates the need for periodic battery replacement and maintenance, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining reliable sensor power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power cable serve multiple functions: delivering power to the AC motor and simultaneously providing power to sensors through electromagnetic induction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery systems that require maintenance and replacement, simplifying the overall system
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of wiring, minimizes weight, and extends sensor information availability by generating sensor power locally, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of sensor operation in vehicle systems without significantly impacting the AC power component's operation.
Implementation Method 1
The coil generates an induced voltage responsive to conduction of the current through the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an alternating current (AC) power component, a cable, a sensor transformer, and a sensor. The cable is coupled to the AC power component and is can conduct current to the AC power component. The sensor transformer includes a coil disposed proximate to the cable. The coil generates an induced voltage responsive to conduction of the current through the cable. The sensor is coupled to the sensor transformer and receives power from the sensor transformer. The sensor obtains information corresponding to operation of the AC power component.