Inductive Vehicle Power Transfer via Wireless Coil Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically powered toy vehicles require continuous electrical contact with the track for power, which is prone to conductivity issues due to dust and oxidation, limiting flexibility and user enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an inductive toy vehicle system that uses wireless inductive coils for power transfer between the track and vehicles, eliminating the need for physical contacts and allowing for flexible track layouts and improved cleanliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical contacts are used on the track and vehicles, then power can be transferred to the vehicles, but the contacts become prone to dust accumulation and oxidation, reducing conductivity and requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddust and oxidation effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transfer system with an inductive power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. Primary coils in the track and secondary coils in the vehicles create magnetic coupling for wireless power transfer, eliminating physical contact points that accumulate dust and oxidize.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the track and vehicles. The primary coils generate alternating magnetic fields that couple with secondary coils in the vehicles, serving as a non-contact intermediary for energy transfer and avoiding direct electrical contact issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If continuous electrical contact is maintained, then vehicles can operate continuously, but the track and contacts require constant cleaning to maintain good conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation timeVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical contact system with inductive power transfer, the patent eliminates the need for continuous cleaning maintenance while enabling continuous operation. The electromagnetic coupling requires no physical contact, so dust and oxidation do not affect performance over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical contacts are used throughout the entire track surface, then vehicles can receive power anywhere on the track, but the complexity of maintaining conductivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack layout flexibilityVSAvoidcontact system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the track into segments with discrete primary coils embedded in specific sections, and vehicles contain secondary coils that activate when positioned over these segments. This segmented approach provides track layout flexibility while simplifying the power transfer system compared to continuous contact requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive power transfer system replaces the complex continuous contact requirement with discrete electromagnetic coupling points, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability for various track configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 provides a more reliable and flexible power transfer system, reducing maintenance and enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for constant cleaning and ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

A track is provided with a primary inductive coil that provides a wireless charge to a secondary inductive coil on a toy vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The vehicle includes a secondary inductive coil that receives the charge from the primary inductive coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9901838B2Inductive systems for vehicles

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 PHILIPS IP VENTURES BV

AI summary

An inductively powered vehicle and an inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned adjacent a track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.