Inductive Wireless Power Transfer Coil Switching for Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face interoperability issues when charging vehicles with different secondary coil configurations, such as circular and solenoidal coils, due to differences in pole locations, which can lead to inefficient power transfer and require offset conditions during parking.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that includes a primary coil assembly and a secondary coil assembly, where the primary coils are positioned on a ferrite pad and can switch between two-pole and three-pole modes based on the configuration of the secondary coil, allowing efficient power transfer to either two-pole or three-pole configured secondary coils by controlling current flow directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the primary coil assembly uses a fixed pole configuration, then the system is simpler to design and manufacture, but it cannot effectively charge vehicles with different secondary coil configurations (two-pole or three-pole)
Solution Approach 1:
The primary coil assembly incorporates a switching mechanism that dynamically reconfigures the coil connections to create either a two-pole or three-pole configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to match different secondary coil types (solenoidal or circular) and optimize magnetic coupling for efficient power transfer, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary coil assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve both two-pole and three-pole charging modes through a single device. By incorporating switching circuitry that can reconfigure the coil windings, the system achieves universal compatibility with different vehicle secondary coil configurations without requiring separate charging infrastructure for each type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system requires offset parking conditions for different coil configurations, then interoperability is achieved, but parking precision requirements increase and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic pole configuration based on the detected secondary coil type, enabling the primary coil assembly to create the appropriate field pattern (two-pole or three-pole) that naturally aligns with the vehicle's secondary coil. This eliminates the need for offset parking conditions and allows users to park directly over the charging area without precise alignment requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If the primary coils are positioned closer together, then the device footprint is reduced, but the center space optimization for different configurations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism enables the system to dynamically reconfigure the magnetic field distribution by changing how the coil windings are connected. This allows optimal power transfer for both two-pole and three-pole configurations even with reduced center space between coils, as the switching adapts the magnetic coupling characteristics to match the specific secondary coil type being charged.
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
Enables effective and efficient wireless charging of vehicles with either two-pole or three-pole configurations, optimizing power transfer by adjusting the center space between coils and controlling current flow, thus overcoming interoperability challenges and ensuring seamless charging across different vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) utilizes magnetic coupling between two magnetic field coupling units (a primary coil and a secondary coil)
Implementation Method 2
a pair of primary coils that are spaced apart and positioned on a same side of a ferrite pad
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system includes a coil assembly including a pair of spaced apart inductive coils positioned on a same side of a ferrite pad, and a switching network. The switching network, in response to an indication of a corresponding inductive coil assembly configuration, selectively operates the coils in a two-pole mode or a three-pole mode.