Inductive Power Transfer Antenna Compensation for Alignment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive power transfer systems face challenges in installing additional antenna elements due to high costs and space constraints, and existing antenna elements are often damaged during power transfer operations due to high voltage and current levels.
Innovation Solution
The inductive power transfer unit incorporates a compensation element arranged in series with the antenna element to cancel out induced voltage and current, utilizing the same magnetic flux guiding means for both power transfer and antenna signal generation, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design that prevents damage during power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are installed in inductive power transfer units, then alignment functionality is improved, but installation costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna element and compensation element into a single integrated structure where both elements share the same physical space and mounting infrastructure. The antenna element and compensation element are arranged in close proximity, allowing them to be installed together as one unit rather than requiring separate installations, thereby reducing overall space requirements and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flux guiding means serves dual purposes: it guides magnetic flux for power transfer and simultaneously provides structural support and positioning for both the antenna element and compensation element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated mounting structures, reducing installation complexity and space requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are used during power transfer operation, then alignment functionality is maintained, but the antenna elements are damaged or destroyed due to high voltage and current
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element is pre-configured with winding direction and turn count specifically designed to generate compensating magnetic flux that opposes the high voltage and current effects during power transfer operation. This preliminary design ensures that when power transfer occurs, the compensation effect is automatically activated, protecting the antenna element from damage without requiring real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful high voltage and current during power transfer operation into a beneficial protective effect. The compensation element utilizes the same magnetic flux that causes damage to the antenna element, but through carefully designed opposite winding direction, transforms this harmful flux into a protective compensating flux that cancels out the damaging effects, thereby protecting the antenna element
3Area of stationary object
If smaller antenna elements are used, then space requirements are reduced, but the antenna elements cannot withstand high voltage and current during power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element acts as an intermediary between the small antenna element and the high voltage/current environment during power transfer. It absorbs and compensates for the harmful electromagnetic effects, allowing the small antenna element to function without direct exposure to damaging voltage and current levels, thus enabling both compact size and reliable operation
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 configuration enables the use of smaller, more compact antenna elements that can withstand power transfer operations without damage, while also reducing installation costs and space requirements, and allows for efficient alignment of inductive power transfer units.
Implementation Method 1
flux guiding means for guiding and channelling the magnetic flux inside the inductive power transfer unit
Implementation Method 2
an antenna element to generate or receive an antenna signal, preferably a positioning antenna signal
Implementation Method 3
a compensation element compensates for an induced voltage and/or induced current in the antenna element during the power transfer operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an inductive power transfer unit having a winding unit for inductive power transfer during a power transfer operation, flux guiding means, and an antenna element. It is an objective of the invention to provide for at least one additional antenna element at reduced costs and preferably with only little additional space required to install the additional antenna element and it is another objective of the invention to prevent damage to the antenna element during the power transfer operation. These problems are solved by providing an inductive power transfer unit (2, 3) wherein the antenna element (10) is arranged with the flux guiding means (6) for generating or receiving an antenna signal (50) during an auxiliary operation, wherein a compensation element (20) is arranged, such that the compensation element (20) compensates for an induced voltage and/or induced current in the antenna element (10) during the power transfer operation.