Optical Markings for Contactless EV Charging Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for positioning a motor vehicle relative to a primary element of a charging device for contactless charging are not precise and require significant effort, leading to inefficient energy transfer and charging times.

Innovation Solution

A method using a secondary element with at least two distinct markings and a distance sensor to detect the markings, allowing precise positioning of the motor vehicle relative to the primary element without communication between the stationary and mobile elements, enabling efficient energy transfer and fast charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional positioning methods are used, then the positioning can be implemented, but the positioning precision is insufficient and requires significant effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical detection system. A sensor detects optical markings (such as colored stripes or patterns) on the roadway to determine vehicle position, substituting mechanical measurement devices with a simpler optical field-based detection method that achieves high precision without complex mechanics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded markings on the roadway surface as positioning references. Different colors or color patterns indicate specific positions or zones, allowing the sensor to quickly identify vehicle position through optical color detection rather than complex coordinate measurement, achieving precise positioning with simple visual cues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of energy

If the secondary element is not precisely positioned, then the charging process can continue, but energy transfer efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer lossVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously detects the vehicle's position relative to the primary element through roadway markings. This position information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the vehicle position or charging parameters to optimize the alignment between primary and secondary elements, minimizing energy transfer loss through continuous position monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the vehicle using roadway markings as pre-established guides before the charging process begins. The markings indicate the optimal parking position in advance, allowing the vehicle to be pre-positioned correctly before engaging the charging sequence, ensuring optimal alignment between coils from the start and reducing initial energy transfer losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If complex positioning systems are used, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive optical markings painted or applied to the roadway surface as positioning references. These markings are simple, low-cost visual indicators that can be easily applied and removed or changed as needed, providing precise positioning information without requiring expensive permanent infrastructure or complex positioning hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical positioning equipment (such as laser scanners, GPS systems, or mechanical guides) with a simple optical sensor and visual roadway markings. This substitution uses light-based detection instead of mechanical measurement systems, dramatically reducing hardware costs while maintaining or improving positioning precision through software-based image processing of the markings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The method allows for precise and cost-effective positioning of the secondary element relative to the primary element, resulting in efficient energy transfer and fast charging with low energy losses, even under adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a distance sensor, by means of which different distances of the distance sensor or of the motor vehicle from the respective marking are detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistance measurement:

Implementation Method 2

energy is transferred inductively from the primary element to the secondary element without contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2692573B1Method for positioning a motor vehicle, system with such a motor vehicle as well as a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 AUDI AG
  • EP2692573B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2692573B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP2692573B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for positioning a motor vehicle (14) relative to a primary element (18) of a charging device (10) for contactless charging of an electrical storage device (12) of the motor vehicle (14), arranged on the side of a roadway (16) of the motor vehicle (14), in which a secondary element (20) of the charging device (10) corresponding to the primary element (18) and arranged on the motor vehicle (14) is moved relative to the primary element (18) into a predefinable charging position by moving the motor vehicle (14) on the roadway (16), wherein the reaching of the charging position by the secondary element (20) is determined by means of at least one sensor (36a-d) and at least one positioning element (40) having at least two different markings (38, 42, 44) by detecting the markings (38, 42, 44) by means of the sensor (36a-d). become.