Ground Penetrating Radar Alignment for Wireless Vehicle Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems for electric vehicles rely on visual indicia and above-ground markings for alignment, which can be unreliable in outdoor environments with worn, covered, or non-existent markings, leading to inefficiencies and power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system utilizing ground penetrating radar to autonomously align a vehicle's reception coil with an underground charging coil, eliminating the need for visual indicators and allowing for efficient charging in various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual indicia and above-ground markings are used for alignment, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the alignment reliability deteriorates in outdoor environments with worn, covered, or non-existent markings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground penetrating radar as an intermediary detection mechanism that penetrates through the ground surface to detect the charging coil position below. This intermediary system allows the alignment process to work through the ground medium rather than relying on surface markings, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and outdoor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual-mechanical alignment system (relying on visual indicators and manual positioning) with a radar-based detection and autonomous steering system. This substitution enables the vehicle to automatically detect and align with the charging coil using electromagnetic waves, significantly improving reliability in environments where visual cues are unavailable
2Loss of time
If the charging coil is activated during alignment, then the alignment process can be monitored, but energy is wasted and power is consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs alignment operations before activating the charging coil. The ground penetrating radar detects the charging coil position and guides the vehicle into proper alignment while the coil remains inactive. Only after successful alignment is achieved does the system activate the charging coil, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy consumption during the alignment phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic checking of alignment status through radar detection rather than continuous charging coil activation. The system periodically verifies alignment through low-energy radar signals and only activates the high-power charging coil when alignment is confirmed, creating an efficient periodic operation cycle that minimizes energy waste
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 precise and efficient wireless charging of electric vehicles by using ground penetrating radar for alignment, ensuring accurate positioning and reducing power consumption by keeping the charging coil inactive during alignment, thus suitable for outdoor environments with degraded or absent visual cues.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless charging system utilizing ground penetrating radar to autonomously align a vehicle's reception coil with an underground charging coil
Implementation Method 2
receiving inductive charge at the reception coil
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging system for a vehicle is described, as well as methods of using the system. The system may include a computer programmed with instructions stored in memory and executable by a processor, and a radar device controlled by the computer. One method includes: aligning a reception coil on a vehicle with a charging coil using ground penetrating radar data; and then receiving inductive charge at the reception coil.