Open-portion Power Reception Coil for Wireless Charging Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of wireless power transfer in autonomous running working machines, such as lawn mowers, declines if the power reception coil is not properly aligned with the core during charging, leading to suboptimal energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

The power reception coil is designed with an open portion that allows the core to pass through, with a front end positioned higher than the core's leading end and a low-position portion below, enabling easy alignment and efficient energy transfer, and a power transmission cover with a convex projecting portion that engages with a recessed portion on the machine, ensuring correct positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the power reception coil is arranged at an inappropriate position with respect to the core, then the alignment process becomes complex and difficult, but the energy transfer efficiency of wireless power feeding declines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidalignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power reception coil is designed with an open portion that allows the core to pass through during entry, enabling the coil to automatically align itself with the core without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms or manual adjustment. The coil's own structure facilitates its proper positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The open portion is provided in advance in the power reception coil structure, allowing the core to pass through before the coil needs to be fully positioned. This preliminary opening facilitates the alignment process by allowing the core to guide the coil into its correct position during the entry motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the power reception coil is designed with an open portion for core passage, then alignment with the core becomes easier, but the coil structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment easeVSAvoidcoil structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power reception coil is segmented into multiple turns with an open portion, allowing the core to pass through the coil structure. This segmentation enables the coil to maintain its functional winding structure while incorporating the necessary opening for alignment purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the front end portion of the power reception coil is positioned higher than the leading end of the core, then the core can pass through the open portion, but the coil requires precise positioning to maintain proper alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore passage capabilityVSAvoidcoil positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The power reception coil is designed with asymmetric positioning where the front end portion is arranged at a higher position than the leading end of the core, creating an inclined arrangement. This asymmetric design allows the core to pass through the open portion while the inclination naturally guides the coil into proper alignment during entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration allows for easy and efficient alignment of the power reception coil with the core, enhancing energy transfer efficiency and preventing collisions during charging, thus improving the autonomy and reliability of the machine.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetically guided wireless power feeding system which feeds power in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

inserting a core of a magnetic substance into a power transmission coil and a power reception coil in order to enhance the efficiency of energy transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic substance property: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3751700B1Autonomous running working machine and wireless power feeding system
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3751700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751700B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751700B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power reception coil (35) can be easily arranged at an appropriate position with respect to a core (34). An autonomous running working machine (2) that receives power wirelessly fed from a station (3) includes a power reception coil (35) that is provided in the station and is magnetically coupled to a power transmission coil (33), in which a core (34) of a magnetic substance is inserted, and the power reception coil (35) includes an open portion (70) through which the core (34) passes when the autonomous running working machine (2) enters the station (3).