Self-locating Inductive Coil for Wireless Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inductive power transfer systems, imperfect alignment between the transmitting and receiving coils results in power transfer efficiency losses, leading to reduced charging rates and user inconvenience due to the need for manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A movable power-transmitting inductor within a housing that can translate in two dimensions to align with a power-receiving inductor, utilizing centering components such as springs, linear bearings, or low viscosity fluids, and magnetic fields to automatically adjust its position for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the transmitting coil is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but power transfer efficiency decreases due to misalignment with the receiving coil
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting coil is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to align with the receiving coil. The coil assembly can translate in two dimensions (x and y directions) to achieve optimal alignment, thereby maintaining high power transfer efficiency regardless of the receiving coil's position on the interface surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic alignment mechanisms including centering components (springs, linear bearings, or low viscosity fluids) and magnetic field sources that enable the transmitting coil to self-align with the receiving coil without user intervention. The controller receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts the coil position to maximize power transfer efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment adjustment is required, then alignment precision can be improved, but user convenience and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs alignment without requiring user intervention. The controller receives feedback from the receiving coil and automatically adjusts the transmitting coil's position to achieve optimal alignment, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller receives signals from the receiving coil about power transfer efficiency and automatically adjusts the transmitting coil position accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures precise alignment while eliminating manual intervention.
3Loss of energy
If the transmitting coil is movable to align with the receiver, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting coil assembly is designed to be movable within the housing, capable of translating in two dimensions to align with the receiving coil. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain high power transfer efficiency while using relatively simple mechanical components for movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system may employ low viscosity fluids as centering components to enable smooth movement and translation of the transmitting coil assembly. This approach simplifies the mechanical structure compared to traditional mechanical actuators while achieving the required alignment precision.
4Ease of operation
If automatic alignment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically aligns the transmitting coil with the receiving coil without user intervention, significantly improving ease of operation. The automatic alignment is achieved through a combination of centering components, magnetic field sources, and controller feedback, which manage the added complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical actuators with simpler centering components (springs, linear bearings, or low viscosity fluids) and magnetic field sources to achieve automatic alignment. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining automatic alignment capability.
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 enhances power transfer efficiency by ensuring precise alignment between coils, reducing energy losses and eliminating the need for user intervention in adjusting the device positions, resulting in consistent and efficient charging.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting coil within the transmitter may produce a time-varying electromagnetic flux that may induce a current within a receiving coil within the device
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field source coupled to the power-transmitting inductor and translatable with the magnetic field source
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for automatically aligning a power-transmitting inductor with a power-receiving inductor. One embodiment includes multiple permanent magnets coupled to and arranged on a surface of a movable assembly accommodating a power-transmitting inductor. The permanent magnets encourage the movable assembly to freely move and/or rotate via magnetic attraction to correspondingly arranged magnets within an accessory containing a power-receiving inductor.