Vehicle Charging System Automatic Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of electrified vehicles is hindered by the lack of supporting infrastructure for charging high voltage batteries, particularly due to the need for precise alignment of wireless charging systems' transmitting and receiving coils.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system with an automatic alignment system that includes a slidable bar, wheel guides, and a charging device, which automatically positions the charging device relative to the vehicle's receiving coil using the vehicle's motion, ensuring precise alignment for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging systems are used to charge electrified vehicles, then charging infrastructure can be established, but precise alignment between transmitting and receiving coils is required which complicates the system
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system uses the vehicle's own motion to automatically position the charging device. As the vehicle moves forward, the wheel guides engage with the vehicle wheels and the slidable bar automatically adjusts the charging device's position, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms or complex electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wheel guides as an intermediary mechanical element that mediates between the vehicle's motion and the charging device's positioning. The wheel guides engage with the vehicle wheels and transfer the vehicle's motion into precise alignment of the transmitting coil with the receiving coil.
2Device complexity
If manual alignment of charging devices is used, then system complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment operations with an automatic mechanical alignment system. The slidable bar, wheel guides, and connecting bar work together as a mechanical system that automatically achieves precise alignment based on the vehicle's position, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed position charging devices are used, then installation is simplified, but adaptability to different vehicle positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the slidable bar mechanism. The bar can slide along the connecting bar to adjust the charging device's position, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle positions while maintaining a relatively simple fixed installation base.
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
The system enables hands-free, precise, and repeatable alignment of the charging device with the vehicle, facilitating efficient wireless charging of electrified vehicles without the need for complex electronics or extensive installation, thus addressing the infrastructure barrier.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless charging systems are known that utilize electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between two objects
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a slidable bar, a connecting bar attached to the slidable bar, and a charging device carried by the connecting bar and movable with the slidable bar. The charging device may be automatically aligned to a receiving device of an electrified vehicle using motion of the electrified vehicle to move the charging device.