Overhead Wireless EV Charging System with Robotic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems require ground-based installations, which are prone to interference and pose safety hazards, and involve cumbersome cable handling, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electromagnetic charging system that uses a robotic, overhead infrastructure to charge electric vehicles, featuring a movable electromagnetic power transmitting device that can engage with a receiving coil on the vehicle's surface, eliminating the need for ground-based installations and cable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground-based wireless charging devices are used, then wireless charging capability is provided, but the system is susceptible to interference from water, debris, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the charging system from a ground-based two-dimensional plane to an overhead three-dimensional configuration. The electromagnetic power transmitting device is suspended from the ceiling structure, positioning it above the vehicle rather than on the ground, thereby eliminating contact with water, debris, and wear-prone surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system extracts the electromagnetic power transmitting device from the ground-level environment and relocates it to the overhead space. This separation removes the device from harmful ground-based factors while maintaining the wireless charging function through vertical positioning.
2Reliability
If ground-based charging assemblies are installed, then wireless charging is enabled, but concrete or pavement modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves the charging infrastructure from the horizontal ground plane to the vertical overhead space. By suspending the electromagnetic power transmitting device from the ceiling, the system utilizes unused vertical space rather than requiring modifications to concrete or pavement surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system extracts the installation requirements from the ground structure by relocating the transmitting device overhead. This eliminates the need for concrete drilling, pavement cutting, or ground-level electrical conduit installation, as the device can be suspended using existing ceiling structures.
3Productivity
If cable-based charging systems are used, then charging capability is provided, but cable handling becomes cumbersome and occupies space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based charging system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless system. The electromagnetic power transmitting device suspended overhead transfers energy wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical cable connection, disconnection, and handling by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system enables automatic energy transfer when the vehicle is positioned under the overhead transmitting device. The charging process occurs without user intervention for cable manipulation, as the electromagnetic field automatically couples with the vehicle's receiving coil when in proximity.
4Productivity
If wall or ground mounted charging units are installed, then charging functionality is provided, but they obstruct human movement around the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system relocates from ground or wall level to the overhead vertical dimension. By suspending the electromagnetic power transmitting device from the ceiling, the system clears the ground and wall surfaces, allowing unobstructed human movement around the vehicle while maintaining charging functionality above the vehicle.
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 provides a more efficient, safe, and accessible charging method that does not require ground modifications, reducing interference and improving the ease of use for electric vehicle owners by enabling wireless charging from above, enhancing the charging efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating current in the primary inductor (the electromagnetic power transmitting device) produces a fluctuating electromagnetic field. When the secondary inductor (electromagnetic power receiving device) is placed in proximity to the primary inductor, the fluctuating electromagnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the secondary inductor, thereby transferring power to the electromagnetic power receiving device.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus for charging an electric vehicle, can include a receptacle mountable to a structure above the electric vehicle. The receptacle can maintain a charge transmitting device, which can be automatically moveable and directable from the receptacle toward a target area on the electric vehicle associated with a receiving coil mounted on the electric vehicle for the charging of an electric vehicle when the one receiving coil engages with the charge transmitting device when the electric vehicle is located below the receptacle. One or more optical sensors can be utilized to direct the charge transmitting device toward the target.