Initial Power-Based Foreign Object Detection in Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transmission systems face challenges in detecting foreign objects, which can impede power transmission and potentially cause damage or overheating due to the presence of metallic objects between the transmitting and receiving apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a primary and secondary core block coupled through magnetic induction or resonance, applying an AC signal to detect foreign objects by measuring the initial transmission power and comparing it to a reference power, allowing for foreign object detection before power transmission begins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless power transmission is performed without foreign object detection, then power transmission efficiency is maintained, but safety hazards such as overheating and damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foreign object detection function with the existing wireless power transmission system by utilizing the primary coil and control unit already present in the system. The detection process merges with the power transmission control flow, where the control unit determines whether to perform power transmission based on detected foreign objects, thereby integrating safety detection without requiring a completely separate detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection of foreign objects using its own primary coil and control unit. The control unit automatically determines the presence of foreign objects and makes decisions about power transmission without requiring external detection devices, thereby maintaining safety while avoiding additional complex external detection systems.
2Reliability
If foreign object detection is performed before power transmission, then safety is improved, but transmission time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary foreign object detection before power transmission begins. The control unit determines whether a foreign object is present before initiating the power transmission process, allowing the system to prevent unsafe transmission in advance. This preliminary check ensures safety while minimizing time loss by only performing detection when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the power transmission step entirely when foreign objects are detected, rather than attempting to transmit power through foreign objects. This approach rushes through the detection phase quickly and bypasses the time-consuming power transmission process when safety concerns are identified, thereby minimizing overall time loss while maintaining safety.
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 approach enables early detection of foreign objects, reducing the risk of overheating and damage by separating the detection phase from the power transmission phase, thus preventing potential hazards and ensuring safer operation.
Implementation Method 1
a primary core block coupled with a secondary core block installed in a wireless power receiving apparatus, where the primary core block transmits wireless power to the wireless power receiving apparatus through magnetic induction or magnetic resonance
Implementation Method 2
a primary core block coupled with a secondary core block installed in a wireless power receiving apparatus, where the primary core block transmits wireless power to the wireless power receiving apparatus through magnetic induction or magnetic resonance
Implementation Method 3
an electric driving unit which applies an AC (alternating current) signal required for the primary core block to transmit the wireless power
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for detecting a foreign object in a wireless power transmitting system. The wireless power transmitting apparatus measures an initial transmission power transmitted from the primary core block and performs foreign object detection on the basis of the initial transmission power, once it is found that an initial voltage of an output terminal of the wireless power receiving apparatus connected to an external load is within the range of a reference voltage. By performing foreign object detection while a wireless power receiving apparatus is in an initial setting completion state, before the output of the wireless power receiving apparatus is turned on, delay in detecting foreign objects may be reduced, and a risk due to heating of a foreign object may be avoided.