Manual Rack Mechanism for Wireless Charging Coil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive charging systems for motor vehicles are complex, expensive, and unsafe due to the need for precise alignment of charging antennas, which can be hazardous while driving, especially for entry-level vehicles and varying phone sizes.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging device with a single transmitter coil and a rack mechanism that can be actuated by the user to align with the item of user equipment, eliminating the need for motorized components and ensuring easy, safe, and cost-effective charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transmitter antenna is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the charging surface coverage is limited and precise alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single transmitter antenna movable through a rack mechanism that allows manual adjustment of its position. This dynamic positioning capability enables one antenna to cover multiple positions that would otherwise require multiple fixed antennas, resolving the contradiction between using a single antenna and providing adequate charging surface coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple transmitter antennas are used, then charging surface coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging function into two independent parts: a single transmitter antenna and a movable receiver antenna. The segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-position coverage not by multiplying antennas, but by enabling relative movement between the two antennas, thereby covering multiple charging zones with minimal antenna count.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and safety deteriorate due to constant adjustment needed while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The rack mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring technical knowledge or complex procedures. The user can easily adjust the receiver antenna position to match the transmitter antenna position, and the system maintains this alignment automatically during vehicle operation, eliminating the need for constant adjustments while driving.
4Ease of operation
If motorized alignment mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized alignment systems with a simple manual rack mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates motors, sensors, control circuits, and power consumption associated with automated systems, while still providing effective alignment capability through straightforward manual operation of the rack mechanism.
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and inexpensive method for aligning the charging coil with user equipment, enhancing safety and usability during vehicle operation while supporting a range of device sizes without the complexity and expense of motorized systems.
Implementation Method 1
a single transmitter coil configured so as to transmit an electromagnetic field for wirelessly charging the item of user equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A device for wirelessly charging an item of user equipment, intended to be installed in a motor vehicle. The device includes a housing delimiting an inner space, having a frame on which there is installed a support intended to receive an item of user equipment able to be recharged through wireless energy transmission. The device includes a wireless charging module installed in the inner space of the housing, having a circuit board on which there is installed a single transmitter coil configured so as to transmit an electromagnetic field for wirelessly charging the item of user equipment, it includes a rack mechanism able to be actuated by a user so as to move the transmitter coil along the support to a wireless charging position of the item of user equipment.