Adjustable Suspension for Wireless Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems lack an effective visual indication of charging status, especially for induction charging, where alignment and efficiency are critical, and users often need to check internal dashboards or external connections manually.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with an adjustable-height suspension system that monitors charging status and adjusts vehicle height to provide a visual indication of charging, optimizing induction charging efficiency by lowering the suspension during charging and raising it when complete, and optionally using external lights or accessories for additional visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If induction charging is used without physical connection, then charging convenience is improved, but charging status indication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing indicators (such as LED lights or painted surfaces) that change color or become visible when charging is occurring. This provides clear visual feedback to users about charging status without requiring physical connection checks or dashboard monitoring, thus resolving the information loss problem while maintaining induction charging convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indication system (such as external lights or color-changing surfaces) that mediates between the charging process and the user. This intermediary provides direct visual feedback about charging status without requiring the user to interact with the vehicle's internal systems or check connections, solving the information transmission problem.
2Productivity
If induction coil alignment is optimized by lowering suspension, then charging efficiency is improved, but vehicle accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable suspension system that can lower the vehicle body during induction charging to optimize the gap between the induction coil and charging surface, thereby improving charging efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the suspension height based on charging detection, providing optimal alignment only when needed while maintaining normal accessibility at other times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of charging conditions and proactively adjusts the suspension height before charging begins. This preliminary action ensures optimal coil alignment is achieved in advance, maximizing charging efficiency from the start of the charging process while keeping the vehicle accessible during non-charging periods.
3Loss of information
If dashboard display is used for charging notification, then information accuracy is improved, but user awareness when outside vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the charging indication from the internal dashboard dimension to an external visual dimension. By placing visual indicators on the vehicle's exterior surfaces or using external lighting systems, the charging status becomes visible from outside the vehicle, allowing users to monitor charging accuracy without needing to enter the cabin or rely on dashboard displays.
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
Provides a clear visual indication of charging status without needing to access the vehicle, enhances charging efficiency by optimizing induction coil alignment, and conserves onboard energy by recharging the suspension system during charging.
Implementation Method 1
The induction coil can couple wirelessly to a base induction coil provided in a charging station. In use, the base induction coil generates a varying electromagnetic field which induces a charging current in the induction coil disposed in the vehicle.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having an electric drive system including an electric traction motor (11) and an energy storage device (13). The vehicle (1) also has an adjustable-height suspension (7) to allow the height (h) of the vehicle (1) to be adjusted. A monitor (21) is provided for monitoring charging of the energy storage device (13) from an external electrical supply. A control unit (27) is provided for adjusting the height of the suspension (7) in dependence on the monitor (21). Aspects of the present invention also relate to a charging indicator system (3); and a method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device (13).