Self-Locating Transmit Coil for Wireless Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems require manual operation by the vehicle operator to initiate the charging process, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for automated charging systems that aim to reduce operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system that includes pressure-sensitive sensors on a tire pad to detect the position of the tire and control the movement of a transmit coil to align it with a vehicle receive coil, allowing for automated alignment and energy transfer without the need for precise parking or user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is required to insert the plug into the receptacle, then the charging process can be initiated, but the operator intervention is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects tire position via pressure sensors, calculates receive coil location, and positions the transmit coil without any manual plug insertion or operator intervention, making the system self-servicing
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical plug insertion operation is replaced by an automated sensor-based detection and motor-driven transmit coil positioning system that aligns coils wirelessly
2Manufacturing precision
If precise parking is required to align the transmit coil with the receive coil, then energy transfer can be optimized, but the parking requirement becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure-sensitive sensors on the tire pad serve as intermediaries to detect tire position, which then enables automated calculation of receive coil location and subsequent transmit coil positioning without requiring direct visual or manual alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensor readings to dynamically calculate and adjust the transmit coil position based on the actual tire location, ensuring precise alignment regardless of parking variations
3Extent of automation
If multiple operations are required to initiate charging, then the charging process can be started, but the number of operations increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-detection of tire position, self-calculation of receive coil location, and self-positioning of the transmit coil, eliminating the need for multiple manual operations to initiate charging
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 system simplifies the charging process by automating the alignment of the transmit coil with the receive coil, reducing operator intervention and enabling efficient energy transfer, regardless of vehicle orientation or precise parking requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The interface may couple the energy conductively or inductively
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged at known locations of the tire pad and configured to output signals having a magnitude indicative of a pressure applied by a tire
Data Source
AI summary
Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles include a rechargeable traction battery. An automated vehicle charging system is configured to charge the traction battery with minimal operator intervention. The vehicle charging system includes at least one tire pad including a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged at known locations of the tire pad and outputting signals having a magnitude indicative of a pressure applied by a tire at the known locations. The vehicle charging system also includes at least one controller programmed to receive the signals and control movement of a transmit coil according to a position of the tire on the tire pad that is derived from the signals. The known locations may be generally equally spaced or unevenly spaced across the tire pad. The tire pad may include a tire stop to limit motion of the tire in one direction.