Optical LEV Charging With Beam Tracking and Solar Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging systems for light electric vehicles (LEVs) do not allow for remote charging without dedicated infrastructure, as they require physical connection to a charging station, limiting street parking LEV users who cannot access these stations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system incorporating an artificial light source and a tracking system, where the artificial light source is directed to a solar collector on the LEV using a drive mechanism controlled by a computing unit, enabling autonomous charging without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical charging cable connection is used, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but charging infrastructure complexity and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an optical wireless power transmission system. A laser emitter transmits power wirelessly through air to a photovoltaic receiver on the vehicle, eliminating the need for physical plugging and dedicated charging stations. This substitution maintains reliable power transfer while dramatically reducing infrastructure complexity and enabling charging anywhere within the laser's line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (photons) as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the ground-based emitter and the vehicle receiver. This optical intermediary enables wireless energy transmission through the atmosphere, replacing the direct electrical contact required by traditional cable-based systems and allowing power transfer without physical infrastructure at the charging location.
2Power
If dedicated charging stations are deployed, then power transfer capability is ensured, but system deployment cost and coverage area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based laser emitter serves multiple functions: it acts as both a power transmission source and a positioning reference. The system can charge any vehicle within its operational range without requiring vehicle-specific infrastructure, making the charging capability universal and location-independent. This multi-functionality allows a single emitter to serve multiple vehicles and locations, greatly enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions charging from a ground-level infrastructure-dependent operation to a three-dimensional wireless beam transmission. The laser beam can be directed at vehicles parked on streets, hills, or any elevated surface within line of sight, expanding charging locations from fixed ground stations to any position within the beam's coverage volume. This dimensional change enables charging in previously inaccessible locations.
3Device complexity
If manual charging operations are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but charging time and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic tracking and alignment mechanisms that enable self-service charging. The laser emitter automatically tracks the vehicle's position and adjusts the beam direction, while the vehicle's receiver automatically positions itself to maximize power reception. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in alignment and positioning, reducing charging time while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position sensors and power transfer monitoring to continuously adjust the laser beam direction and intensity. This real-time feedback control ensures optimal power transfer efficiency without requiring manual adjustment, automatically compensating for vehicle movement or positioning variations, thereby reducing charging time while maintaining system simplicity through closed-loop control.
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 remote, autonomous charging of LEVs by using a directed artificial light source to a solar collector, overcoming the limitation of requiring physical charging stations and allowing LEVs to charge in situ, such as on streets.
Implementation Method 1
a solar module mounted proximate to the inner surface of the converging lens
Implementation Method 2
a receiver module including a converging lens, which includes an inner surface
Implementation Method 3
a receiver module including a converging lens, which includes an inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging system is provided for use with a light electric vehicle, the wireless charging system comprising: a receiver module for mounting on the light electric vehicle, the receiver module including a converging lens, which includes an inner surface, a solar module mounted proximate to the inner surface of the converging lens and an electrical line in electrical communication with the solar module; a remote emitter module, the remote emitter module including an artificial light source, an actuator, which is in mechanical communication with the artificial light source, a microcontroller, which is in electronic communication with the actuator and a tracker, which is in electronic communication with the microcontroller and is one of a camera, a radio receiver or an audio receiver; and a signaller, which is one of a light source, a radio transmitter or an audio transmitter.