Multi-Coil Inductive Charging for In-Wheel Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive charging systems for vehicles face inefficiencies due to misalignment between the vehicle's inductive coils and the charging station's coils, leading to energy loss during wireless charging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-coil inductive charging system with power storage devices and motors, where multiple inductive coils are strategically positioned around the vehicle to receive and convert wireless transferred power into direct current, and an electronic control unit manages energy distribution based on coil efficiency and state of charge, allowing for parallel charging and efficient energy storage and vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inductive coil is used for wireless charging, then the system structure is simple, but charging efficiency decreases due to misalignment with the charging station coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single inductive coil into multiple segmented coils positioned at different locations on the vehicle (front-left, front-right, rear-left, rear-right wheels). This segmentation allows at least one coil to maintain effective alignment with the charging station coil even when the vehicle position varies, thereby reducing energy loss while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the charging system from a single-point (single coil) to a multi-point distributed arrangement across different spatial dimensions on the vehicle. By positioning coils at multiple wheel locations, the system creates redundant charging paths in three-dimensional space, ensuring that misalignment in one location does not result in complete charging failure.
2Loss of energy
If multiple inductive coils are used for wireless charging, then charging efficiency improves by compensating for misalignment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inductive coils into a unified charging system controlled by a single electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU integrates power management, coil selection, and energy distribution functions, coordinating all coils as a single system rather than independent units. This merging approach improves charging efficiency through multiple coils while minimizing the increase in operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it manages power reception from the charging station, controls individual coil activation, distributes energy to multiple power storage devices, and monitors system status. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve improved charging efficiency without proportionally increasing control complexity.
3Loss of time
If parallel charging with multiple power storage devices is implemented, then charging time is reduced, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the state of charge of each power storage device and dynamically adjusting power distribution. The ECU receives status information from all coils and storage devices, then optimizes charging allocation in real-time to balance charging speeds and prevent overcharging, thereby reducing overall charging time while managing control complexity through intelligent algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic power distribution where the ECU continuously adjusts the charging rate allocated to each power storage device based on real-time conditions such as state of charge, temperature, and load requirements. This dynamic control enables parallel charging to proceed efficiently without requiring complex static control configurations, as the system adapts automatically to changing conditions.
4Reliability
If distributed power distribution to multiple motors is implemented, then vehicle mobility and reliability improve, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit implements self-service energy management by autonomously monitoring the state of each power storage device and motor, then automatically distributing power without requiring external intervention. The ECU uses built-in algorithms to balance load distribution, manage energy flow, and ensure reliable vehicle operation, thereby improving mobility while keeping energy management complexity contained within the control unit rather than requiring complex external management systems.
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 enhances charging efficiency by compensating for misalignment, reduces charging time through parallel charging, and ensures continuous power supply by redistributing energy among multiple storage devices, even if one is fully charged or faulty.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive charging, also known as wireless charging, uses an electromagnetic field to transfer electrical energy between a source, such as a charging station, and a device, such as an EV or PHV vehicle
Implementation Method 2
Another power electronics circuit converts the power from the electromagnetic field into direct current (DC) to charge a battery and/or run the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for inductively charging a vehicle. The inductive charging system includes multiple inductive coils for receiving a wireless transferred power. The inductive charging system includes a power electronics circuit that converts the wireless transferred power to a DC current and one or more power storage devices for storing the electrical energy by charging the one or more power storage devices using the DC current. The inductive charging system includes one or more motors configured to move the vehicle using the electrical energy. The inductive charging system includes an electronic control unit that is configured to control at least one of an amount of the electrical energy that is stored in each of the one or more power storage devices or an amount of the electrical energy that is distributed to the one or more motors to move the vehicle.