Roadway Induction Loops for Wireless EV Charging at Traffic Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of electric vehicles and the inconvenience of finding compatible charging stations, especially across international borders, hinder their everyday usability, and existing inductive charging solutions are not efficiently integrated into daily traffic scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Integrating induction loops into roadways at stationary traffic areas, such as in front of traffic lights or railway crossings, allowing vehicles to charge wirelessly during waiting times, with a detection device to optimize energy transfer based on vehicle presence and battery state, and synchronized with traffic signals to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric vehicles use traditional plug-in charging stations, then charging can be performed, but finding compatible stations is difficult especially across international borders and requires adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket charging system with an inductive charging system using electromagnetic fields. The induction loops embedded in the roadway transmit electrical energy wirelessly to the vehicle's receiving coil, eliminating the need for physical connectors and adapters across different countries.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive charging system provides universal compatibility by using standardized electromagnetic induction technology that can be deployed across different countries and regions. The system works with any vehicle equipped with the receiving coil, regardless of national plug standards, creating a universal charging infrastructure.
2Length of moving object
If electric vehicles have larger battery capacity to extend range, then range increases, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of energy storage (vehicle battery) with energy transfer (roadway induction loops). By combining stationary energy sources with mobile energy receivers, the system extends vehicle range without requiring proportionally larger onboard batteries, as energy can be replenished during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging action during the vehicle's idle waiting time at traffic lights and crossings. By charging the battery in advance during these stationary periods, the vehicle maintains extended range capability without needing oversized batteries, as energy is accumulated before the vehicle needs to travel.
3Productivity
If induction loops are installed in high-traffic areas with frequent stopping, then charging opportunities increase, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inductive charging infrastructure locally at specific high-value locations such as traffic lights and railway crossings where vehicles naturally stop. Rather than installing continuous charging infrastructure along entire roadways, the system targets specific locations where stopping occurs, optimizing charging frequency while controlling infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing traffic infrastructure (traffic lights, railway crossings) that already cause vehicles to stop. By placing induction loops at these existing stop points, the system converts idle waiting time into charging opportunities without requiring changes to traffic flow patterns or adding complex control systems.
4Loss of time
If vehicles wait at traffic lights and crossings, then charging time is available, but this time is currently wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted idle time at traffic lights and crossings into beneficial charging opportunities. The electromagnetic induction system activates during these stationary periods, transforming what was unproductive waiting time into effective battery recharging time, thereby reducing overall charging needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous charging action during vehicle stopping periods. By maintaining electromagnetic field activation whenever the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or crossings, the system ensures that every moment of idle time contributes to battery charging, maximizing the utilization of available time without interrupting normal traffic flow.
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
This solution significantly extends the range of electric vehicles by utilizing otherwise idle waiting times for charging, enhancing their suitability for daily use without the need for direct plug-in charging, and reducing the reliance on traditional charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
a section of roadway (1) having at least one integrated induction loop (2) designed for inductively charging a vehicle battery (3) of a hybrid or electric vehicle (4) when the vehicle which is situated on the induction loop (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A section of roadway has at least one integrated induction loop designed to inductively charge a vehicle battery of a hybrid or electric vehicle that is situated on the induction loop. The section of roadway is arranged in the region of a road in which the traffic is at least temporarily stationary. As a result, useless time waiting at traffic lights or railway crossing gates can be used productively.