Vehicle Beacon Mode for Wireless EV Charging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless electric vehicle charging systems are complex and costly due to the need for additional detection circuitry and communication systems to align and initiate power transfer, leading to delays and inefficiencies, especially in dynamic charging scenarios where vehicles have limited time for charging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-side beacon mode that uses a coil connected to boost circuitry and beacon circuitry to generate a beacon signal, allowing the base charging unit to detect the vehicle's presence and initiate power transfer without additional communication, seamlessly transitioning from beacon mode to power conversion without reconfiguration or synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional detection circuitry and communication systems are used to detect and align the vehicle with the charging pad, then the reliability of power transfer initiation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection circuitry and communication systems into a single integrated beacon system. The beacon circuitry generates signals that simultaneously perform detection, identification, and alignment functions, eliminating the need for separate circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power transfer initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the presence of the vehicle, identifying it, and aligning the charging pad with the vehicle coil. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate systems, reducing complexity while improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If additional detection circuitry and communication systems are implemented for vehicle identification and alignment, then the measurement precision of vehicle position and presence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges position detection, presence detection, and vehicle identification into a single beacon signal reception process. The base charging unit receives beacon signals that contain encoded information about vehicle presence and position, achieving high measurement precision without requiring multiple separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon signal acts as an intermediary that carries multiple types of information (presence, position, identification) in a single communication channel. This mediator approach allows the base charging unit to extract multiple measurement parameters without implementing multiple complex detection circuits.
3Reliability
If conventional detection and alignment procedures are used before power transfer, then the reliability of power transfer is improved, but the loss of time during charging initiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle continuously transmits beacon signals before approaching the charging pad, and the base charging unit continuously monitors for these signals. This preliminary action allows the system to be ready for immediate power transfer as soon as the vehicle enters the charging zone, eliminating delays associated with traditional detection and alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon signal transmission and reception operates continuously, maintaining constant awareness of vehicle presence and position. This continuous monitoring eliminates the need for periodic detection cycles and enables immediate power transfer initiation, reducing charging initiation time while maintaining reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate beacon generation and power conversion circuits are used, then the adaptability of the circuit for different operating modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beacon circuitry and boost circuitry into a single integrated circuit system. The same circuit components are used for both beacon signal generation and power conversion, allowing seamless transition between operating modes without requiring separate circuits or complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is designed to dynamically switch between beacon mode and power conversion mode based on operational requirements. The circuitry can adapt its function in real-time without physical reconfiguration, using control signals to switch between generating beacon signals and converting received power, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing complexity.
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 solution simplifies the charging process, reduces complexity and cost, and enables faster power transfer initiation, critical for dynamic charging environments where vehicles have limited charging time.
Implementation Method 1
Power is transferred from the charging pad to the device through two magnetically coupled coils, a primary coil of the charging pad and a secondary coil in the device. To do so, an inverter of the base charging unit drives the primary coil to generate a fluctuating magnetic field, which through magnetic coupling, induces voltage in the secondary coil to power the device.
Implementation Method 2
beacon circuitry connected to a voltage source that, in combination with portions of the boost circuitry, enables current to be driven into the coil to generate a beacon signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes aspects of a vehicle-based beacon mode for wireless electric vehicle charging. In some aspects, a circuit for receiving wirelessly transferred power includes a coil connected to boost circuitry configured to convert received power to a form suitable for storage. The circuit also includes beacon circuitry connected to a voltage source that, in combination with portions of the boost circuitry, enables current to be driven into the coil to generate a beacon signal. Based on this beacon signal, a base charging unit can detect the presence of the circuit and initiate the wireless transmission of power to the circuit without additional out-of-band communication. Further, the beacon circuitry may be compatible with, or protected from, current of the received power such that the circuit can seamlessly transition from generating the beacon signal to converting the received power without active reconfiguration, synchronization, or state control.