Removable Inductive Power Pad for Roadway Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for charging battery-powered mass transit vehicles, such as overhead power lines, are costly and unsightly, and traditional battery sizes require extended charging periods, necessitating incremental charging along routes.
Innovation Solution
A removable inductive power transfer pad system embedded in a roadway frame, rated for vehicular traffic, using a polymeric matrix or syntactic foam with an inductive power transfer pad to transmit power wirelessly to a receiver pad, with sealing mechanisms to prevent liquid ingress and ensure durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery-powered mass transit vehicles use extended-range batteries, then vehicles can run for extended periods between charging, but vehicle weight increases and requires larger battery compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary charging action by providing charging pads at frequent intervals along the route. Vehicles receive incremental charging stops throughout their journey, eliminating the need for large batteries while maintaining extended operational duration. The charging infrastructure is pre-positioned to provide continuous top-up charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into multiple distributed charging locations along the route rather than requiring a single large battery. This segmentation allows the vehicle to access charging at multiple points, effectively dividing the total energy requirement into smaller, more manageable portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable pads are installed in roadway frames, then wireless charging can be provided at multiple locations, but the pads must withstand heavy vehicular traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The removable pad employs composite construction combining a rigid frame structure with a resilient pad material. The frame provides the necessary strength to withstand H-20 vehicular traffic loads, while the pad material accommodates the inductive power transfer components and provides the charging surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad system is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing dynamic deployment at multiple roadway locations. The removable nature enables flexible installation and maintenance while the frame structure provides the static strength needed for traffic loads.
3Reliability
If sealing mechanisms are added to protect wire vias from liquid ingress, then electrical reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism uses flexible gaskets and sealing films that conform to the wire via structures. These thin film seals provide effective liquid protection while adding minimal structural complexity compared to rigid sealing systems.
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 efficient, incremental wireless charging of mass transit vehicles without damaging the infrastructure, maintaining structural integrity and supporting heavy-duty vehicular traffic while withstanding various climatic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The IPT pad is shaped to transmit power to a receiver pad positioned above the removable pad
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a removable inductive power pad is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame with an opening in a top surface of the frame, and includes a removable pad with an inductive power transfer ("IPT") pad embedded therein. The IPT pad is shaped to transmit power to a receiver pad positioned above the removable pad. The removable pad is sized to conform to the opening, where the opening of the frame is shaped to support the removable pad and the removable pad and the opening are sized so that a top surface of the removable pad is substantially level with the top surface of the frame. When the frame is located in a roadway, the frame and removable pad mounted in the opening of the frame are rated for vehicular traffic to drive over the frame and/or the removable pad without damaging the frame or the removable pad.