Tailgate Step Charging Coil for Cable-Free Vehicle Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle energy transfer systems require cables and additional hardware, limiting flexibility and convenience in energy transfer between vehicles and trailers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a tailgate and step support structure that houses a charging coil, allowing wireless energy transfer via induction between the vehicle and trailer, using existing vehicle hardware without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless energy transfer via induction is implemented, then convenience and flexibility are improved, but electromagnetic field exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a step support structure as an intermediary carrier that houses the charging coil. This mediator enables wireless energy transfer while providing physical containment and positioning, thereby facilitating convenience while managing electromagnetic field exposure through structured placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging coil is housed within the step support structure, which acts as a protective enclosure. This containment approach manages electromagnetic field exposure by providing a defined boundary for the coil while maintaining wireless functionality.
2Reliability
If the charging coil is housed within the step support structure, then the coil is protected from ambient environment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging coil housing function with the existing step support structure. By combining these two components, the coil receives protection from ambient environment while avoiding the need for separate protective housings, thereby minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The step support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tailgate, enables user access to the cargo area, and houses the charging coil for wireless energy transfer. This multi-functionality protects the coil while avoiding additional dedicated protective structures.
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
Enables convenient, cable-free energy transfer between vehicles and trailers, protecting the charging coil from ambient environment and reducing electromagnetic field exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle user may require to transfer energy from a vehicle's onboard battery to an external equipment (e.g., an electric tool), to operate the equipment. Similarly, the vehicle user may require to transfer energy from an external energy source to the vehicle's onboard battery
Data Source
AI summary
A first vehicle having a tailgate, a step support structure and a first charging coil is disclosed. The step support structure may be configured to slide in and out of a tailgate interior portion. The first charging coil may be connected to the step support structure. The first charging coil may be configured to couple with a second charging coil disposed on a second vehicle. The first charging coil and the second charging coil may be configured to transfer energy between the first vehicle and the second vehicle when the first charging coil and the second charging coil may be coupled with each other.