Segmented Electrostatic Power Supply via Current Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless power supply devices, particularly those using electromagnetic induction systems, are inefficient and costly when applied to electrostatic-coupling systems, as they require position detection sensors and complex voltage control, leading to increased costs and power loss.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic-coupling contactless power supply device with a power supply electrode divided into segment electrodes, a high-frequency power source circuit, and a switch controller that controls switches based on segment current detection to minimize power loss and eliminate the need for position detection sensors, ensuring efficient power delivery to only the necessary electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electromagnetic induction system with position detection sensor is used, then power supply efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the position detection sensor from the system, replacing it with a current detection-based approach. The controller determines electrode positioning by detecting segment currents rather than using external sensors, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining power supply efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own segment current as a signal source for position detection. The current flowing in each segment electrode naturally indicates the position of the power receiving electrode, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors and enabling self-diagnosis functionality.
2Loss of energy
If voltage control for each primary coil is implemented, then power loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply electrode is divided into multiple segment electrodes that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the electrode structure and applying voltage selectively to active segments based on current detection, the system reduces power loss while avoiding the complexity of continuous voltage control.
Solution Approach 2:
Voltage is applied locally only to the segment electrodes that are currently active (where power receiving electrode is positioned), rather than controlling voltage across all electrodes. This localized approach reduces overall power loss while simplifying the control strategy.
3Reliability
If all segment electrodes are supplied with voltage, then power supply coverage is ensured, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies voltage to segment electrodes periodically or selectively based on the position of the power receiving electrode, rather than continuously to all electrodes. The controller activates only the necessary segment electrodes at each moment, ensuring power supply coverage while minimizing power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying voltage to all segment electrodes (excessive action), the system applies voltage only to the specific segment electrodes where it is needed (partial action). This selective voltage application maintains adequate power supply coverage while significantly reducing power loss.
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 improves power supply efficiency by reducing power loss through targeted voltage application and eliminating the need for position detection sensors, thereby lowering costs and simplifying voltage control in the high-frequency power source circuit.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic-coupling system in which a capacitor is formed by electrodes, which face each other so as to be spaced apart from each other
Implementation Method 2
a high-frequency power source circuit that supplies high-frequency power to the power supply electrode
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electrostatic-coupling contactless power supply device of the invention includes a power supply electrode and a high-frequency power source circuit that are provided on a fixing portion, and a power receiving electrode and a power receiving circuit that are provided on a movable portion. The power supply electrode is formed of a plurality of segment electrodes which are arranged in a line in a moving direction of the movable portion and to which power is individually supplied from the high-frequency power source circuit. The electrostatic-coupling contactless power supply device further includes: a plurality of switches that are connected between the high-frequency power source circuit and the segment electrodes, respectively, and are opened and closed independently of one another; a current detecting circuit that individually detects segment currents flowing in the respective segment electrodes; and a switch controller that controls the switches on the basis of at least one of a magnitude and an increase/decrease state of each of the segment currents changing with the movement of the movable portion so that only a part of the plurality of switches are closed. Accordingly, it is possible to improve power supply efficiency in comparison with the related art in the contactless power supply using electrodes.