Triangulation Positioning for Inductive Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive charging systems for vehicles with electrified drive trains face inefficiencies due to the need for precise spatial alignment of secondary and primary coils, which is challenging to achieve with current positioning methods, especially for applications requiring accuracy within 10 centimeters in multiple spatial directions.
Innovation Solution
A system using electromagnetic distance and angle measurement by triangulation, employing low-frequency antennas for detecting the location position of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil, allowing for real-time calculation of the travel trajectory and automatic adjustment of the vehicle's position to maximize power transfer efficiency during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging is used to eliminate wired connections, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving accurate coil alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces low-frequency antennas as an intermediary system to enable precise positioning and alignment of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil. These antennas transmit electromagnetic signals that allow the vehicle's control system to determine its position and orientation accurately, serving as a mediator between the inductive charging system and the positioning requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated electromagnetic-based positioning system. Instead of relying on physical guidance or manual positioning, the system uses low-frequency electromagnetic signals for distance and angle measurement, enabling automated adjustment of the vehicle's position to optimize power transfer efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If precise coil alignment is required to maximize power transfer efficiency, then energy transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the low-frequency antenna system. The same antennas serve both for communication between the vehicle and charging unit, and for positioning and alignment through electromagnetic signal measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated positioning hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to autonomously determine its position and orientation relative to the charging unit using its own sensors and the electromagnetic signals from the charging unit's antennas. The vehicle's control system automatically processes this information to achieve optimal alignment without requiring complex external positioning infrastructure or manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated positioning systems are implemented to achieve precise alignment, then productivity is improved through faster charging setup, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vehicle continuously monitors its position and orientation relative to the primary coil using electromagnetic signals from low-frequency antennas. The control system processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the vehicle's position to maintain optimal alignment, enabling rapid and accurate positioning without requiring overly complex systems.
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 method enables precise positioning of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil, optimizing energy transmission efficiency and allowing for automated or assisted alignment of the vehicle for efficient inductive charging.
Implementation Method 1
the induction charging unit has at least two low-frequency transmitting antennas and the vehicle has at least two low-frequency receiving antennas for the electromagnetic distance and angle measuring
Implementation Method 2
the power transfer takes place by way of an electromagnetic exciter field of a vehicle-external primary coil to a vehicle-side secondary coil by way of electromagnetic induction at the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a charging position for a charging system comprising a vehicle and an induction charging unit, includes measuring a magnetic field vector for the at least one positioning signal, wherein the magnetic field vector is unambiguously assigned to at least one transmitting antenna by virtue of a coding of the position signal, and calculating a local position of the at least one transmitting antenna with respect to at least one receiving antenna. The method further includes detecting a travel trajectory for the vehicle, along which the charging position can be taken up.