Non-contact Power Supply Sensor for Foreign Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-contact power supply apparatuses fail to detect living objects, such as fingers, between power transmitting and receiving coils due to the reliance on metallic foreign object detection methods, leading to potential heat generation and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a sensor system with orthogonal transmitting and receiving antenna configurations and frequency-based detection methods to differentiate between metallic foreign objects and living bodies, using resonance frequencies and reception intensity changes to accurately sense and prevent power transmission when either is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metallic foreign object detection method is used, then metallic objects can be detected, but living objects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from metallic object-specific signals to electromagnetic wave interaction characteristics that differ between metallic and living objects. By measuring reception intensity changes at specific resonance frequencies, the system can distinguish between metallic foreign objects and living bodies based on their different electrical properties and electromagnetic responses.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection method is used, then system complexity is low, but detection accuracy for different object types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple antenna parts (transmitting main antenna parts, transmitting sub antenna parts, receiving main antenna parts, receiving sub antenna parts) that operate at different resonance frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to detect different object types by analyzing responses at multiple frequency bands, improving detection accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular antenna design.
3Productivity
If power transmission continues without proper detection, then productivity is maintained, but harmful heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of both metallic foreign objects and living bodies before initiating power transmission. By using the antenna system to sense the presence of objects and determine their types based on electromagnetic wave interactions, the system prevents power transmission when objects are detected, thereby avoiding harmful heat generation while maintaining productivity when the path is clear.
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 of both metallic foreign objects and living bodies, preventing heat generation and ensuring safe and efficient power transmission by distinguishing between different types of objects based on their electrical properties.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting main antenna parts (43), transmitting sub antenna parts (45)... transmitting circuit (21)... Each of the receiving main antenna parts (27)... receiving sub antenna parts (29)... receiving circuit (25) receives the signal
Implementation Method 2
senses an object except the insulator between the first coil and the second coil, based on a change in the characteristic of the signal received
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact power supply apparatus includes a first coil, a second coil opposed to the first coil, and a sensor. The sensor includes an insulator, transmitting main antenna parts, transmitting sub antenna parts, a transmitting circuit, receiving main antenna parts, receiving sub antenna parts, and a receiving circuit.