Rotary Wireless Power Transfer for Wear-Free LIDAR Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wired power connections for LIDAR devices are impractical due to wear and rapid degradation when connected to movable platforms, necessitating a reliable wireless power transfer solution.
Innovation Solution
An LLC resonant power converter system with a transformer, where a primary winding on a stationary platform transmits a wireless power signal across a gap to a secondary winding on a rotating platform, operating at a unity gain point in open loop mode without feedback control, ensuring consistent power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired power connections are used for LIDAR devices on movable platforms, then power can be supplied reliably, but the connection experiences wear and rapid degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired power connection system with an electromagnetic wireless power transfer system. The primary winding on the stationary platform and secondary winding on the rotating platform create a magnetic field that transfers power without physical contact, eliminating wear and degradation associated with mechanical connectors while maintaining reliable power supply to the LIDAR device
2Duration of action of moving object
If wireless power transfer is implemented with a rotating platform, then connection wear is eliminated, but power transfer consistency may be affected by rotation and gap variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic design elements including a rotating platform that allows the LIDAR device to move freely while maintaining power transfer. The system is designed to accommodate rotational motion and gap variations through the electromagnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings, which maintain functional magnetic connection despite positional changes, ensuring consistent power delivery during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes resonant frequency matching between the primary and secondary circuits to maintain efficient power transfer across varying gaps and rotational positions. By operating at resonant frequencies, the system compensates for parameter variations caused by rotation and gap changes, ensuring stable and consistent power delivery without requiring complex feedback control
3Reliability
If feedback control is added to maintain power consistency, then power delivery stability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating resonant power transfer system where the coupled resonant circuits automatically maintain optimal power transfer conditions. The system uses the inherent resonant properties of the primary and secondary circuits to self-adjust and maintain stability without requiring external feedback control mechanisms, thereby achieving reliable power delivery while minimizing system complexity
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 provides robust and consistent power transfer to LIDAR devices, even with varying loads and platform positions, reducing wear and enabling predictable power delivery, while allowing additional communication bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
an LLC resonant power converter, a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding disposed on the first platform, the secondary winding disposed on the second platform, and the primary winding configured to transmit a wireless power signal to the secondary winding across the gap separating the first platform and a second platform
Implementation Method 2
operating, by the LLC resonant power converter at a unity gain operating point and in an open loop mode without feedback control
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device is provided. The method includes driving, by an LLC resonant power converter, a wireless power signal at a primary winding of a transformer disposed on a first platform. The method includes transmitting the wireless power signal across a gap separating the first platform and a second platform. The second platform is configured to rotate relative to the first platform. The method includes receiving the wireless power signal at a secondary winding of the transformer. The secondary winding is disposed on the second platform. The method includes operating, by the LLC resonant power converter at a unity gain operating point and in an open loop mode without feedback control, a device mounted on the second platform based on the secondary winding receiving the wireless power signal.