Underfloor Wireless Power Feeding for Continuously Moving AGVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply methods for mobile objects, such as AGVs, restrict their movement freedom and limit installation locations, leading to reduced operational efficiency due to the need for frequent charging at specific power supply locations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power supply system that provides power to mobile objects via power transmission units embedded or exposed beneath the traveling surface, allowing continuous operation and flexible installation without requiring the mobile object to stop for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If contact-type or side non-contact power supply is used, then power can be supplied to the mobile object, but the freedom of travelling is reduced and installation locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional power supply approach by placing the power transmission unit beneath the mobile object rather than having the mobile object approach a fixed power supply point. This allows the mobile object to receive power while moving freely across the factory floor, resolving the contradiction between travelling freedom and power supply availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional power supply interface (side contact or side non-contact) to a three-dimensional configuration where power is transmitted vertically from beneath the mobile object. This dimensional change enables power supply without constraining the mobile object's horizontal movement freedom
2Productivity
If power supply equipment is installed at predetermined locations, then power can be supplied, but the number of power supply opportunities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission unit beneath the floor can serve multiple mobile objects simultaneously and at multiple locations, making the power supply system universal rather than location-specific. This increases power supply opportunities and reduces the need for mobile objects to wait for charging, thereby improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile object can receive power continuously during its normal operation without needing to stop or return to predetermined charging locations. The power supply system adapts to the mobile object's movement rather than requiring the mobile object to adapt to the power supply locations
3Productivity
If the number of mobile objects is increased to compensate for reduced operating rate, then transport capacity is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding more mobile objects to maintain transport capacity with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. This substitution allows existing mobile objects to operate more efficiently by receiving power during movement, reducing the need to increase the fleet size
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
Enhances operational efficiency by enabling uninterrupted power supply during movement, reduces the need for additional mobile objects, and allows for flexible installation of power transmission units, improving the overall transport system's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission unit (4) provided on at least a portion of a travelling surface (6) along which the mobile object travels... supplies power to the power reception unit via the power transmission coil from beneath the mobile object
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless power supply system performs wireless power supply to a mobile object (2), the mobile object including a power reception unit. The wireless power supply system includes: a power supply (10) configured to supply AC power, and at least one power transmission unit (4a, 4b, 4c) provided on at least a portion of a travelling surface (6) along which the mobile object travels. Each of the at least one power transmission unit includes a power transmission coil within a containment case, receives power from the power supply, and supplies power to the power reception unit via the power transmission coil from beneath the mobile object.