Rotatable Inductive Charging Coil for Electric Autocycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric bicycles and scooters face challenges with battery charging, including weight issues for elderly users, the need for weather-proof and secure chargers, and inefficiencies in inductive power transfer systems that can cause electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a coil for inductive charging that is selectively activated when an electric autocycle is present, using a resonant circuit with a switch to decouple from the power supply when not in use, and a rotatable connection to ensure safe and efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inductive power transfer system is used for charging, then safety is improved by eliminating exposed live electrical contacts, but electromagnetic interference and stray magnetic fields are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coil assembly rotatable between a charging position and a stored position. When not in use, the coil is rotated away from generating stray fields, dynamically controlling when electromagnetic fields are present to minimize interference while maintaining safety benefits during charging
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by selectively activating the coil only during charging operations. The rotatable mechanism allows the coil to be positioned for charging when needed and retracted when not in use, creating periodic electromagnetic field generation that reduces overall electromagnetic interference exposure
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional charger is used with plug and socket, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to significant failure risk with use over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket connection system with an inductive power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates wear and contact failures associated with mechanical connectors while maintaining efficient power transfer through the coil-to-coil inductive coupling
3Ease of operation
If coil is continuously activated for inductive charging, then charging availability is improved, but energy consumption increases and electromagnetic interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable coil assembly enables dynamic control of charging availability. The system remains ready to charge by quickly rotating the coil into position when needed, rather than continuously generating fields. This maintains charging availability while avoiding constant energy consumption and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation of the coil through rotational positioning. The coil is activated only during charging operations and deactivated when not in use, creating a periodic pattern that balances charging availability with energy conservation and reduced electromagnetic interference
4Ease of repair
If multiple battery packs are stored and managed at charging station, then serviceability is improved for battery replacement, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive charging system provides multi-functionality by being able to charge different battery types through the same coil interface. The rotatable coil design allows a single charging station to serve multiple purposes and accommodate various battery configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized charging stations
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 safe, efficient, and easy charging of electric autocycles without exposing users to live electrical contacts, reduces electromagnetic interference, and allows for multiple autocycles to be charged with a single power supply while ensuring compliance with ICNIRP regulations.
Implementation Method 1
an engagement device having a coil adapted to provide a magnetic field for inductively charging an autocycle supported by the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
the coil comprises part of a resonant circuit which is adapted to receive power inductively from a power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive charging apparatus includes a primary conductor with at least one node for creating a magnetic field and at least one intermediate resonant circuit including a first coil for receiving inductive power from the node, a second coil operable in use to be driven by current from the first coil to generate a magnetic field for power transfer, and a tuning capacitor coupled to the first and second coils for resonance therewith.