Magnetic Field Detector for Electric Vehicle Contact Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for propelling electric vehicles along roadways with embedded conductive strips face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution and contact mechanisms, particularly in adapting to varying track lengths and ensuring reliable magnetic field detection for precise contact and energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates electric conductors generating a magnetic field, with a vehicle-mounted coil to sense this field and control auxiliary motors for adjusting contact collectors, allowing for precise alignment and contact with conductive strips, and utilizing multiple power sources for efficient energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic field detection is used to detect conductive tracks, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with magnetic field-based detection. Instead of using physical contact or optical systems to detect conductive tracks, the invention employs magnetic field sensors that detect the magnetic signature of conductive elements embedded in the road, thereby improving detection precision while avoiding complex mechanical alignment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field lines as an intermediary between the conductive tracks embedded in the road and the detection system. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that carries information about the conductive tracks to the sensors, enabling indirect detection that is both precise and less complex than direct mechanical or optical contact methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If contact collectors are adjusted to align with conductive strips, then energy transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to auxiliary motors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where magnetic field detectors continuously monitor the position and alignment of conductive tracks, and this information is fed back to control auxiliary motors that adjust the contact collectors. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable energy transfer by automatically correcting misalignment while using simple control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-aligning contact collectors that automatically adjust their position based on magnetic field detection signals. The contact collectors have built-in adjustment mechanisms that respond to magnetic field variations, enabling them to self-align with conductive tracks without requiring complex external control systems or constant manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple power sources are used for energy management, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to power distribution and switching systems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply system into multiple independent power sources (such as battery packs, capacitors, and external power connections) that can operate independently or in combination. Each power source is managed separately with its own control circuit, allowing the system to selectively activate only the necessary power sources based on energy requirements, thereby improving productivity while keeping the overall system manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a multi-functional power distribution system where a single switching mechanism can route power from multiple different sources to multiple different loads. This universal power management system allows the same infrastructure to support various operating modes (single power source, multiple power sources, charging, discharging) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables precise detection and alignment of conductive tracks, ensuring reliable energy transfer and efficient power distribution using multiple power sources, enhancing the propulsion of electric vehicles along roadways with varying track lengths.

Implementation Method 1

a coil which, by its relative motion to tracks, is adapted to sense the variation of the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

one or more electric conductors, through which a current is adapted to pass, and/or one or more permanent magnets, for generating a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2552734B1A system adapted for one or more electrically propellable vehicles. (detector arrangement).
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 ELWAYS AB
  • EP2552734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1C
  • EP2552734B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~4
  • EP2552734B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

This invention comprises a detector arrangement, said arrangement is related to a system (''S''), adapted for driving a vehicle (1) driven electrically and by one or several batteries, along a stretch of roadway, comprising ''a'' one or more over an individual electric motor or motors drivable vehicle (1), and ''b'' a plurality of road sections (2a1, 2a) subdividing the stretch of the roadway, each one being allotted one or more electric stations (s1, III) for charging the set of batteries (''B'') of the vehicle (1) and/or for supplying the necessary power and energy for driving the vehicle forward. Said vehicle (1) is on its underneath side provided with a displaceably disposed contact means as a current collector (41a, 41b; 42a, 42b), moveable up and down and displaceable sideways, counted in the direction of transportation. Said current collectors are coordinated with a control equipment (10) for creating simple adaptation of the collector (4) for a registering of a mechanical and electrical contact to said rails (4a, 4b) over a detector arrangement, sensing the variation of a generated magnetic field (L1, L2).