Inflatable Flexible Cover for Wireless Power Coil Foreign Object Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power-supplying systems face challenges in removing foreign objects from above a power-transmitting coil when the coil is buried in the ground, as there is no space for horizontal movement, which can lead to foreign objects entering the space between the coils during power transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power-supplying system with a flexible cover that can be inflated to occupy the space between the power-transmitting and power-receiving coils, featuring a gas-supplying member that sequentially supplies gas to divided regions of the cover to assume a shape capable of removing foreign objects, even when the power-transmitting coil is not movable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the primary coil is buried in the ground, then the power transmission stability is improved, but the ability to remove foreign objects is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission stabilityVSAvoidforeign object removal capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a movable cover that can be dynamically positioned between two states: covering the power-transmitting coil for stable power transmission and being movable to remove foreign objects. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between stability and operability as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover acts as an intermediary element between the power-transmitting coil and foreign objects. It provides protection during power transmission while allowing access for foreign object removal, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of stability and operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the primary coil is made movable to remove foreign objects, then the foreign object removal capability is improved, but the power transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object removal capabilityVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the functions of power transmission and foreign object removal by introducing a distinct cover component. The cover can be independently moved to access foreign objects without disturbing the power-transmitting coil, thus maintaining power transmission efficiency while enabling foreign object removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover serves as an intermediary that provides foreign object removal capability without requiring movement of the power-transmitting coil itself, thereby avoiding energy loss while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the flexible cover is inflated to occupy space between coils, then the foreign object prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object preventionVSAvoidcover inflation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible cover that can be inflated to occupy space between the power-transmitting and power-receiving coils, creating a physical barrier against foreign objects. This flexible membrane approach provides effective foreign object prevention while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The inflation mechanism uses pneumatic principles to expand the flexible cover, providing a simple yet effective method to create space occupation and foreign object prevention without complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 flexible cover effectively removes foreign objects and prevents them from entering the space between the coils, ensuring efficient power transmission without reducing the magnetic field strength, even when the power-transmitting coil is buried.

Implementation Method 1

a gas-supplying member that supplies gas to an internal space of the flexible cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

wirelessly supplies electric power from the power-transmitting coil to the power-receiving coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2905872B1Non-contact power supply system
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 IHI CORP
  • EP2905872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2905872B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2905872B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A wireless power-supplying system includes a power-transmitting coil (4) provided on the ground and a power-receiving coil (11) provided above the power-transmitting coil (4) and wirelessly supplies electric power from the power-transmitting coil (4) to the power-receiving coil (11). The wireless power-supplying system further includes a flexible cover (5) provided so as to cover the power-transmitting coil (4) and configured to be inflated to occupy a space between the power-transmitting coil (4) and the power-receiving coil (11). During the inflation of the flexible cover (5), the flexible cover (5) assumes a specific shape capable of removing a foreign object laid thereon before occupying the space between the power-transmitting coil (4) and the power-receiving coil (11).