Optical Fiber Foreign Matter Detection in Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power supply systems face efficiency losses due to conductive foreign matter intrusion between power-supplying and power-receiving coils, which existing countermeasures often fail to completely prevent, necessitating a method to quickly detect and mitigate such intrusions.
Innovation Solution
A foreign matter detection device utilizing a temperature detection system with an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, to detect temperature changes caused by conductive foreign matter in the magnetic field, allowing for rapid identification of efficiency reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If countermeasures are devised to prevent foreign matter intrusion, then foreign matter prevention is improved, but complete prevention cannot be achieved when the power-supplying coil is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical prevention systems with an optical detection system. Instead of using complex mechanical barriers or covers to prevent foreign matter intrusion, the invention uses optical fibers to detect the presence of conductive foreign matter through temperature changes, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary detection mechanism. The optical fibers act as mediators between the magnetic field environment and the detection system, allowing indirect detection of foreign matter through temperature-induced refractive index changes without requiring direct contact or complex mechanical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the power-supplying coil is left exposed, then ease of operation is improved, but conductive foreign matter intrusion cannot be completely prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection capability before foreign matter causes significant energy loss. The optical fiber detection system is pre-deployed in the magnetic field to continuously monitor temperature changes, enabling early warning of foreign matter intrusion before it leads to substantial efficiency degradation or safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical protection mechanisms with optical detection. Instead of using mechanical covers or barriers that would limit accessibility, the invention uses optical fibers to detect foreign matter, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing protection against harmful effects.
3Measurement precision
If temperature detection is implemented in the magnetic field, then foreign matter detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to bridge the magnetic field environment and the detection electronics. The optical fibers transmit temperature information from the harsh magnetic field environment to the detection system without requiring electronic components within the magnetic field, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic temperature sensors with optical fiber-based detection. This replacement eliminates the need for complex electronic shielding and interference protection that would be required in the magnetic field environment, simplifying the detection system while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If optical fibers are used for temperature detection, then measurement precision is improved, but susceptibility to magnetic field interference is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic temperature sensors with optical fiber sensors. Optical fibers are inherently immune to electromagnetic interference, allowing precise temperature detection in the magnetic field environment without susceptibility to magnetic field interference, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and interference resistance.
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
Enables quick detection of conductive foreign matter intrusions, thereby minimizing energy loss and maintaining transmission efficiency in wireless power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide laid in the magnetic field; a light source unit that outputs detection light into the optical waveguide; and a light-receiving unit that receives the detection light through the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a power-supplying coil installed on the power supply side, and transmit electric power using a magnetic field that is formed by the power-supplying coil
Implementation Method 3
a loss in energy occurs due to the heat generated by the conductive foreign matter
Implementation Method 4
a loss in energy occurs due to the heat generated by the conductive foreign matter
Data Source
AI summary
A foreign matter detection device of the present invention is provided with a temperature detection means that detects a temperature distribution in a magnetic field that is formed by a power-supplying device that transmits power wirelessly to a power-receiving device; and a signal processor that, based on a detection result from the temperature detection means, detects a conductive foreign matter in the magnetic field.