Inductive Power Transfer Pad with Movable Cooling and Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inductive power transfer pads face challenges in maintaining effective heat transport from operating devices to the environment, especially under conditions of foreign matter coverage, and require protection from external influences such as dirt and liquids, while ensuring smooth operation and preventing damage from overheating.

Innovation Solution

The inductive power transfer pad incorporates a stationary part with a thermally coupled cooling device that is covered by a movable part in the retracted state for protection and uncovered in the extended state to enhance heat transfer, utilizing a heat sink with ribs or fins for efficient heat dissipation, and includes an integrated cleaning device using an expandable air volume or brush to remove foreign matters, as well as a heating mechanism to prevent ice obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the cooling device is exposed to the environment, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the cooling device is vulnerable to damage from foreign matters such as dirt and liquids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidprotection from foreign matters
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable part transitions between retracted and extended states dynamically. When retracted, it protects the cooling device; when extended, it uncovers the cooling device to enhance heat transfer. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between protection and heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If the movable part is always in the extended state, then heat dissipation is maximized, but the operating devices are exposed to external influences causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidexternal influences
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic state transitions of the movable part rather than a fixed position. The movable part can be retracted to protect operating devices from external influences or extended to maximize heat dissipation, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the movable part is always in the retracted state, then protection from external influences is maximized, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external influencesVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The movable part's position is dynamically adjusted based on operational needs. When protection is prioritized, the movable part remains retracted. When heat dissipation is critical, the movable part extends to uncover the cooling device, optimizing thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Temperature

If foreign matters accumulate on the cooling device, then heat transfer efficiency decreases, but continuous cleaning increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is integrated into the movable part itself, which automatically performs cleaning during its normal retraction and extension cycles. The movable part's motion drives the cleaning action, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures effective heat dissipation and protection from external influences, maintaining the integrity of the operating devices and ensuring reliable operation by efficiently transferring heat and removing foreign matters and ice, thereby extending the lifespan and performance of the pad.

Implementation Method 1

A first set (primary winding structure) is fixed, such as installed on the ground and can be fed by a wayside power converter (WPC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a receiving device adapted to receive a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field and to produce an electric current by magnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a cooling device which is thermally coupled to the operating devices and which is adapted to transfer heat to an environment of the inductive power transfer pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3537558B1Inductive power transfer with inductive power transfer pad
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE
  • EP3537558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3537558B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3537558B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an inductive power transfer pad (1), in particular a transfer pad of a system (1, 11, 12) for inductive power transfer to a vehicle (43), comprising a stationary part (2) and a movable part (3), wherein the movable part (3) comprises a primary winding structure (6) for generating a magnetic or electromagnetic field while an electric current flows through windings of the primary winding structure (6), wherein the inductive power transfer pad (1) comprises at least one actuator (14; 44) for actuating motion of the movable part (3), wherein the movable part (3) is movable at least into a first direction by the at least one actuator (14; 44) so as to move between a retracted state and an extended state, wherein the inductive power transfer pad (1) comprises a cleaning device (5) integrated in the inductive power transfer pad (1) and adapted to remove foreign matters from a space between the stationary part (2) and the movable part (3).