Modular Roadway Wireless Charging With Dynamic Vehicle Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles require tethered charging connections, which are inconvenient and impractical for long trips, and existing wireless charging systems are inefficient and costly to install, failing to account for vehicle differences and requiring substantial construction.

Innovation Solution

A system for untethered vehicles using vehicle and roadway antennae that opportunistically connect via authentication and dynamic seek operations, enabling wireless charging with modular roadways that adapt to different vehicles and charging parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tethered charging connections are used for electric vehicles, then charging reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience and impracticality for long trips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tethered connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based charging system. The roadway contains embedded charging antennae that create electromagnetic fields to wirelessly transfer energy to vehicle antennae, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-play connections and improving ease of operation while maintaining charging reliability through automated connection processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication and connection management system that automatically establishes wireless charging connections between roadway and vehicle. This intermediary layer handles the complex pairing and authentication processes, making the charging process transparent and easy for users while ensuring reliable connection establishment without manual tethered connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If existing wireless charging systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and installation cost worsen due to substantial construction requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless charging roadway into modular sections with distributed antennae embedded in the roadway structure. This segmentation allows for phased installation and maintenance while reducing overall system complexity. The modular approach enables easier deployment compared to large-scale monolithic wireless charging systems, as each segment can be independently installed and managed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If existing wireless charging systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy worsens due to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors charging parameters, vehicle position, and energy transfer efficiency. This feedback enables real-time optimization of the electromagnetic field strength and frequency, ensuring efficient energy transfer and minimizing energy loss. The system adjusts power delivery based on actual charging needs and environmental conditions, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.

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

Facilitates efficient and adaptable wireless charging without the need for tethers or large batteries, reducing installation costs and accommodating various vehicle types, while minimizing electricity flux exposure.

Implementation Method 1

vehicle propulsion system, e.g., electric motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

magnetic levitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Implementation Method 3

wireless charging systems... vehicle and roadway antennae that opportunistically connect... enabling wireless charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250346129A1Precision charging control of an untethered vehicle with a modular vehicle charging surface

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 COPELAND DAVID ALAN

AI summary

Methods and systems for precision charging control of a vehicle include at least a wireless charging antenna carried by a vehicle and in electrical communication with a vehicle propulsion system. A plurality of wireless charging antennae is associated with a charging surface and is in communication with at least a control system and a power source. An authentication connection is established between the vehicle wireless charging antenna and the control system which uses a timestamping technique. The wireless charging antenna carried by the vehicle is paired with one or more of the plurality of wireless charging antennae associated with the charging surface by triggering a dynamic seek operation or establishing a connection based on a timestamped location point. Transfer of a quantity of electrical energy between the first wireless charging antenna and the one of the plurality of second wireless charging antennae is adaptively controlled.