Wireless Qi Charging Automation Field Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in automation technology require frequent battery charging, which involves significant effort and is often performed under harsh environmental conditions, necessitating the opening of the device and removal of connectors, especially in inaccessible areas.
Innovation Solution
A field device with a receiving unit and coil for wireless inductive energy transfer, adapted to the Qi standard, allowing for energy storage in a rechargeable battery without opening the device, and a charging system with a transmitting unit and coil for efficient energy transmission, enabling charging without disrupting the device's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired battery charging is used, then energy supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance effort increase due to required housing opening and connector removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (plugs, connectors, housing opening) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based energy transmission system. The transmitting coil generates a magnetic field that induces current in the receiving coil, eliminating the need for physical contact and housing manipulation during charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for energy transmission. The transmitting coil converts electrical energy to a magnetic field, which then induces electrical current in the receiving coil, serving as a non-contact energy transfer mediator between the power source and battery.
2Ease of operation
If housing opening is required for charging, then battery access is improved, but protection against environmental factors deteriorates during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical access methods (housing opening, connector plugging) with wireless electromagnetic coupling. The transmitting coil is positioned near the housing exterior, and energy is transferred through the housing wall via electromagnetic induction, keeping the housing sealed and protected throughout the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving coil and rectifier circuit automatically detect and establish wireless power reception when the transmitting coil is activated near the housing. The system self-regulates the charging process without requiring manual housing opening or connector manipulation, maintaining environmental protection while enabling convenient charging.
3Ease of operation
If wireless inductive charging is implemented, then maintenance effort and device complexity are reduced, but energy transmission efficiency may be affected by coupling distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter optimization including coil geometry design, winding density, and operating frequency selection to maximize magnetic coupling efficiency. The transmitting and receiving coils are designed with specific inductance values and physical dimensions that optimize the magnetic field overlap and minimize energy loss at the chosen coupling distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates magnetic flux density in the local region between the transmitting and receiving coils through optimized coil positioning and housing material selection. The housing wall thickness and material properties are specifically chosen to minimize magnetic field attenuation while maintaining mechanical protection, creating a localized high-efficiency energy transfer zone.
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 uninterrupted operation and reduced maintenance effort by allowing wireless charging of field devices without opening the housing, improving installation simplicity and reducing maintenance needs, especially in remote or harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving unit (5) with a receiving coil (6) for receiving wirelessly inductively transmitted energy
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting unit (11) with a transmitting coil (12) for transmitting energy wirelessly inductively
Data Source
AI summary
A field device of automation technology includes a field device housing and a field device electronics arranged in the field device housing. The field device also includes a first rechargeable battery arranged in the field device housing for energy supply of the field device electronics and a receiving unit with a receiving coil for receiving wirelessly inductively transmitted energy. The receiving unit is connected with the rechargeable battery so that the received, wirelessly inductively transmitted energy is storable, and is stored, in the rechargeable battery. The field device electronics is adapted in such a manner that energy supply occurs exclusively or at least partially from the first rechargeable battery and wherein the receiving unit and the receiving coil are adapted to receive wirelessly inductively transmitted energy as defined in a Qi standard 1.2.4 or a standard derived therefrom and to store such in the first rechargeable battery.