Integrated Vehicle Charging Unit Sharing Power Conversion Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle power supply systems that offer both conductive and inductive charging methods for power storage units increase the vehicle's cost due to the need for separate charging systems for each method.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging apparatus that integrates both conductive and inductive charging capabilities using a single power conversion circuit, sharing components like rectification units, an inverter, and an insulating transformer, with a non-contact power reception unit that includes a power reception coil and electromagnetic shielding, allowing for efficient power transfer without the need for separate chargers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate chargers for conductive charging and inductive charging are provided in the vehicle, then both charging methods can be supported, but the vehicle cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both conductive charging and inductive charging functionalities into a single integrated charging device. The charger includes a power reception terminal for conductive charging and a non-contact power reception unit with power reception coil for inductive charging, both connected to shared power conversion circuits (rectification units, inverter, insulating transformer, second rectification unit). This merging eliminates the need for separate charging systems, reducing vehicle cost while maintaining support for both charging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated charging device performs multiple functions: it can receive power through both conductive connection (via power reception terminal) and non-contact magnetic coupling (via power reception coil), convert both AC and high-frequency AC powers, and output DC power to the power storage device. The shared power conversion circuits handle both charging modes, making the system universal and adaptable to different charging standards without requiring separate dedicated chargers.
2Device complexity
If a single power conversion circuit is shared for both conductive and inductive charging, then cost is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion functionality for both charging methods into a single shared circuit system. The first rectification unit rectifies AC power from either source, the inverter converts DC to high-frequency AC, the insulating transformer provides electrical isolation and voltage transformation, and the second rectification unit converts the high-frequency AC back to DC for the power storage device. This unified power conversion architecture reduces component count and cost while maintaining full functionality for both conductive and inductive charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared power conversion circuit is designed to handle both charging modes universally. The power reception terminal accepts AC power for conductive charging, while the power reception coil receives high-frequency AC power for inductive charging. Both input paths feed into the same rectification and inversion stages, which then output DC power to charge the power storage device. This multi-functional design ensures full charging method compatibility without requiring separate dedicated power conversion circuits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic shielding is added to the non-contact power reception unit, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic shielding member as an intermediary element between the power reception coil and the external environment. This shielding member, positioned around the power reception coil, acts as a mediator that blocks or redirects electromagnetic waves, preventing interference with other vehicle systems and reducing unwanted radiation. The shielding is integrated into the non-contact power reception unit structure, providing EMI protection without requiring complex external shielding systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic shielding member is integrated with the non-contact power reception unit structure, forming a composite assembly. The shielding material (typically conductive metal or metal-coated material) is combined with the coil structure and housing, creating a unified component that provides both power reception and electromagnetic shielding functions. This integration into a composite structure simplifies manufacturing compared to adding separate shielding systems, as the shielding becomes an inherent part of the power reception unit rather than an additional attachment.
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 integrated solution reduces the number of components and costs by enabling both conductive and inductive charging while maintaining efficient power conversion and shielding, thus expanding the charging area without increasing vehicle costs.
Implementation Method 1
The non-contact power reception unit includes a power reception coil and a third rectification unit. The power reception coil is configured to be magnetically coupled to a power transmission coil provided at the power transmission unit.
Implementation Method 2
The first rectification unit is configured to be capable of rectifying the AC electric power inputted from the power reception terminal.
Implementation Method 3
The second rectification unit is configured to rectify an output of the insulating transformer.
Implementation Method 4
The third rectification unit is configured to rectify an output of the power reception coil.
Implementation Method 5
The inverter is connected to the first rectification unit. The insulating transformer is connected to the inverter.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (1) includes a power reception terminal (34), a charger (32) and a non-contact power reception unit (36). The power reception terminal (34) is configured to be electrically connectable to an AC power supply (50). The charger (32) is configured to convert AC electric power inputted from the power reception terminal (34) to a predetermined DC voltage. The non-contact power reception unit (36) is configured to be magnetically coupled to a power transmission unit of an AC power supply (52) to receive electric power from the AC power supply (52) in a non-contact manner. The non-contact power reception unit (36) is connected to a power conversion circuit of the charger (32).