Vehicle Guidance System for Inductive Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles face challenges with operator error during charging, such as improper connection or disconnection of charge cords, leading to inefficient charging and potential damage, and the need for secure storage of cords when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle guidance system that includes a controller to determine the instantaneous position of the vehicle relative to an external charging pad and transmit vehicle status signals, with an interface displaying a vehicle position indicator and charging status message to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle for inductive charging, reducing the reliance on physical connections and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a charge cord is used to connect the vehicle to an external power supply, then charging can be facilitated, but operator error may occur leading to improper connection or disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical charge cord connection system with an inductive charging system using electromagnetic fields. The charging port and charging pad establish wireless power transfer, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-play operations that cause operator errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary guidance interface that mediates between the driver and the charging system. This interface provides visual feedback and guidance to ensure proper alignment of the charging port with the charging pad, preventing improper connection while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user manually manages the charge cord, then charging connection is possible, but damage to the charge cord or vehicle may occur due to forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive charging system performs charging automatically once the vehicle is positioned near the charging pad. The system self-regulates the power transfer without requiring the user to manually connect or disconnect components, eliminating the risk of forgetting to disconnect and causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the charge cord from the charging system, removing the physical connection component that requires manual handling. This eliminates the source of potential damage while preserving the essential charging function through wireless power transfer.
3Productivity
If a charge cord is used for charging, then power transfer is enabled, but secure storage is required when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the charge cord from the system entirely, replacing it with a fixed charging pad infrastructure. This eliminates the need for storing, transporting, and managing the charge cord while maintaining efficient power transfer capabilities through inductive charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging pad serves as a permanent, fixed infrastructure that eliminates the need for portable charge cords. This universal charging solution can be installed at various locations and provides consistent charging capability without requiring users to manage removable charging equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle guidance system is provided with a controller configured to receive input signals indicative of an instantaneous charging port position relative to an external charging pad and a charging status. The controller is further configured to transmit a vehicle status signal in response to the input signals. An interface communicates with the controller, and is configured to display a vehicle position indicator and a charging status message in response to the vehicle status signal.