Movable Seat Wireless Power Coil Tracking With Slack Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply devices for movable seats in vehicles face inefficiencies and size constraints due to increased distances between power receiving and transmitting coils during seat movement, requiring larger coil setups to maintain power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a power receiving unit, power transmitting unit, and slack absorption portion that moves with the seat, maintaining a constant relative position through coordinated movement and rotation, and includes a winding mechanism to manage slack in the power transmitting extension, allowing for efficient and compact power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply coil is set to a size corresponding to the entire movement range of the power receiving coils, then power supply efficiency is maintained, but the area occupied by the power supply coil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power transmitting unit movable, allowing it to dynamically follow the position of the power receiving unit on the movable seat. This dynamic configuration replaces the need for a large stationary coil that would otherwise need to cover the entire movement range, thereby maintaining power supply efficiency while reducing the occupied area.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmitting extension portion acts as an intermediary element that connects the power transmitting unit to the power receiving unit. It transmits power wirelessly across the gap that varies as the seat moves, enabling efficient power transfer without requiring the coils to be in fixed proximity.
2Area of stationary object
If the power transmitting unit is made movable to follow the power receiving unit, then the area occupied is reduced, but the complexity of managing the power transmitting extension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winding portion automatically winds and unwinds the power transmitting extension portion based on the movement of the power transmitting unit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems to manage the extension, reducing overall device complexity while enabling the power transmitting unit to follow the movable seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding portion changes its operational state (winding vs. unwinding) based on the position and movement direction of the power transmitting unit. This parameter-based control simplifies the management of the power transmitting extension by automatically adapting to the system's operational conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power receiving coils are positioned at multiple locations in the movable seat, then power supply coverage is improved, but the distance from the power supply coil increases causing power supply problems
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmitting unit dynamically adjusts its position to maintain optimal proximity to the power receiving unit regardless of which position the receiving coil occupies on the movable seat. This dynamic tracking ensures stable power supply to any of the multiple receiving coil positions without increasing the distance.
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
The device ensures efficient power supply to movable seats by maintaining a constant positional relationship between coils, reducing leakage magnetic flux, and minimizing device size by accommodating slack in the power transmitting extension.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitting unit that includes a power transmitting coil disposed opposing the power receiving coil and configured to supply power to the power receiving coil in a contactless manner
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device 10 configured to supply power to a seat S that is movable relative to a floor F of a vehicle includes a power receiving unit 20 that includes a power receiving coil 24 and configured to move along with the seat S, a power transmitting unit 30 that includes a power transmitting coil 34 disposed opposing the power receiving coil 24 and configured to supply power to the power receiving coil 24 in a contactless manner and a power transmitting extension portion 35 extending from the power transmitting coil 34, the power transmitting unit 30 being configured to move along with the seat S and the power receiving unit 20, and a slack absorption portion 40 that includes a winding portion 45 configured to wind and feed the power transmitting extension portion 35 by rotating in coordination with the movement of the seat S.