Power Receiving Device Independent Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power receiving devices lack the ability to detect abnormalities, such as coil cracks or capacitor degradation, independently of a power transmitting device, and cannot differentiate between abnormalities in the power receiving unit and device unit.
Innovation Solution
A power receiving device is designed with a module, a first relay, an alternating-current power supply unit, a current sensor, and an electronic control unit, which supplies alternating current to the power line and detects current changes to identify abnormalities in coils and capacitors, even when not receiving power from the transmitting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power receiving device relies on a power transmitting device to detect abnormalities, then detection can be performed during power reception, but the device cannot detect abnormalities independently when power transmission is not occurring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary abnormality detection by injecting test signals before normal power reception operations. The control unit activates the signal generator to inject test signals into the power receiving unit, allowing the system to detect abnormalities in coils and capacitors independently of power transmitting device operation. This preliminary action ensures detection capability is maintained across all operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the power receiving device includes multiple coils and capacitors, then power reception functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of detecting abnormalities in individual components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the abnormality detection process by injecting test signals into specific power receiving units (coils and capacitors) individually. The control unit selectively activates signal injection for each component, measures the injected signal characteristics separately, and determines abnormalities on a component-by-component basis. This segmentation approach enables precise identification of which specific coil or capacitor is abnormal without requiring a complex overall system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal generator and control unit as intermediary components that facilitate abnormality detection without directly modifying the power receiving components themselves. These intermediaries inject test signals and measure responses, acting as a bridge between the power receiving units and the diagnostic function. This intermediary approach simplifies the detection system by keeping the testing mechanism separate from the power reception components.
3Reliability
If the device uses direct current for power reception, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but the ability to detect coil abnormalities through impedance changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic test signal injection at specific frequencies to detect coil abnormalities. The control unit periodically activates the signal generator to inject sinusoidal test signals at frequencies matching the resonant frequency of the power receiving unit. This periodic action allows impedance measurement for abnormality detection while maintaining DC power transfer efficiency during normal operations, as the test signals are injected only during diagnostic intervals rather than continuous power transfer.
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 independent detection of abnormalities in the power receiving device, distinguishing between power receiving unit and device unit issues, and detects changes in impedance to identify coil and capacitor problems, enhancing reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a power transfer system that contactlessly transfers electric power from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device
Implementation Method 2
an abnormality of the coil can be detected based on a change in the impedance of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
In a power receiving device, a module including a power receiving unit, a transformer, a filter circuit and a rectifier circuit includes a coil and a capacitor. An alternating-current power supply unit is configured to be able to supply alternating current to the power receiving device on a side closer to the power receiving unit than a relay. A vehicle electronic control unit is configured to, when alternating current is supplied from the alternating-current power supply unit in a case where the relay is turned off, detect whether there is an abnormality in at least one of the coil or the capacitor on the basis of a detected value of a current sensor.