Position Misalignment Detection in Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-contact power supply systems, detecting position misalignment between the transmitter and receiver during charging is challenging, leading to reduced charging efficiency and difficulty in identifying misalignment due to constant voltage and current levels.

Innovation Solution

A position misalignment detection device comprising a comparator, frequency counter, and register that compares induced electric current and transmit frequency to detect misalignment, enabling feedback for adjusting the receiver's position during charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If non-contact power supply transmitter method is used, then power transmission is achieved without contact, but position misalignment detection becomes difficult during charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless power transmissionVSAvoidposition misalignment detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that measures frequency components of transmitted power as an indirect indicator of position misalignment. Instead of directly detecting position, the system uses frequency analysis of the power transmission signal to infer alignment status, solving the detection difficulty while maintaining contactless operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or electrical contact-based position detection with a non-contact frequency analysis method. By substituting traditional detection mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based frequency measurement, the system maintains contactless power transmission while enabling position misalignment detection through spectral analysis

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If constant voltage and current levels are maintained during charging, then stable power supply is achieved, but position misalignment cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage and current stabilityVSAvoidposition misalignment detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by analyzing frequency components of the transmitted power signal. Instead of relying on static voltage and current measurements, the system uses periodic frequency analysis to detect changes in power transmission characteristics that indicate position misalignment, maintaining stable power supply while enabling detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors changes in frequency parameters of the transmitted power signal to detect position misalignment. By tracking frequency component variations rather than relying solely on constant voltage and current levels, the system maintains power supply stability while gaining the ability to identify misalignment through parameter changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If position misalignment is not detected, then charging continues without interruption, but charging efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where frequency analysis results are used to detect position misalignment and provide information for adjusting receiver position. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high charging efficiency by identifying and correcting misalignment issues while allowing charging to continue rather than interrupting it

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively detects position misalignment and improves charging efficiency by monitoring frequency components of transmitted power, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an electric current induced by a receiving coil in a receiver to which an electric power is transmitted from a transmitter with a non-contact power supply transmitter method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10075029B2Position misalignment detection device and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.09.11 ROHM CO LTD
  • US10075029B2 patent drawing
  • US10075029B2 patent drawing
  • US10075029B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The position misalignment detection device includes: a comparator configured to compare an electric current induced by a receiving coil in a receiver (RX) to which an electric power is transmitted from a transmitter (TX) with a non-contact power supply transmitter method; a frequency counter connected to the comparator, the frequency counter configured to count transmit frequency fi transmitted from the transmitter; and a register configured to store a counted value Fi counted by the frequency counter. There is provided the position misalignment detection device which can detect a position misalignment of the receiver on the transmitter during electric charging.