Vehicle Inductive Charger Alignment Using Headlamp Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inductive charger systems for vehicles face inefficiencies in charging due to alignment issues and require costly off-board displays for alignment information, leading to increased system costs and limited flexibility in charging environments.
Innovation Solution
An inductive charger alignment system with an on-board inductive receiving coil, an alignment controller, and a signal element, such as a headlamp, that communicates alignment information between the on-board coil and an off-board transmitter coil to the driver, minimizing alignment distance for enhanced charging efficiency and reducing system costs by eliminating the need for external displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional inductive charger systems are used, then charging can be performed wirelessly with minimal physical actions by the driver, but charging efficiency is low and alignment issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the controller receives alignment information from sensors detecting the relative position between the on-board receiving coil and off-board transmitter coil, then uses on-board signal elements (headlamps, turn signals, brake lights) to provide visual feedback to the driver about alignment status, enabling the driver to adjust the vehicle position to achieve optimal charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment indicators or off-board display systems with an on-board lighting signal system that uses existing vehicle components (headlamps, turn signals, brake lights) to communicate alignment status, eliminating the need for mechanical connections or external display devices while maintaining ease of operation
2Loss of information
If off-board displays are used to convey alignment information, then alignment can be communicated to the driver, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes existing vehicle lighting components multi-functional by using headlamps, turn signals, and brake lights not only for their primary safety functions but also as alignment indication signals for the inductive charging system, thereby eliminating the need for separate display devices and reducing system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing lighting system serves itself by providing dual functionality - the same components that illuminate the road also communicate charging alignment status to the driver, eliminating the need for additional dedicated alignment display devices and reducing overall system complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging locations are deployed, then charging flexibility is improved, but system cost increases with each additional display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment information communication function from the charging location infrastructure (off-board displays) and relocates it to the vehicle itself (on-board signal elements), thereby eliminating the need for expensive fixed displays at each charging location while maintaining charging flexibility across multiple sites
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 improves inductive charging efficiency, reduces heat generation and electromagnetic interference, and lowers overall system costs by using on-board signal elements like headlamps to convey alignment information, allowing for flexible charging in various environments without the need for additional displays.
Implementation Method 1
an on-board inductive receiving coil adapted to charge an on-board power source
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive charger alignment system for a vehicle that includes: a plurality of on-board inductive receiving coils adapted to charge an on-board power source; an alignment controller coupled to the coils; an on-board signal element, e.g., a pair of headlamps, coupled to the controller; and an off-board inductive transmitter coil. Further, the controller is configured to direct the element to communicate an alignment between the receiving coils and the transmitter coil to an on-board driver. The alignment may include vehicle forward and side-to-side alignment between the receiving coils and the off-board transmitter coil.