Vehicle Positioning via Road Magnet Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems for motor vehicles, such as GNSS and optical markers, often fail to provide accurate lane-level positioning, which is crucial for autonomous vehicle guidance and optimal inductive charging, as they suffer from inaccuracies and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing magnetizable structures embedded in the road, magnetized by the vehicle's charging coil, which are identified through measurement data analysis to determine precise position information, leveraging digital maps and potentially AI classifiers for unambiguous identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS positioning systems are used, then positioning coverage is provided, but positioning accuracy is insufficient for lane-level determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GNSS positioning with magnetic field detection to achieve lane-level accuracy. The magnetic field detection system uses charging coils to generate magnetic fields that interact with ferromagnetic structures in the road, providing precise lateral positioning that complements the longitudinal positioning from GNSS, thereby resolving the accuracy-reliability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
Ferromagnetic structures embedded in the road serve as intermediaries between the charging coil's magnetic field and the positioning system. These structures create detectable magnetic field distortions that enable precise determination of the vehicle's lateral position on the road, achieving lane-level accuracy without relying solely on GNSS.
2Measurement precision
If optical markers are used for positioning, then lane identification is possible, but the system is susceptible to interference and lacks robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical markers with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The charging coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with ferromagnetic structures in the road, creating a contactless, interference-resistant positioning mechanism that eliminates the vulnerabilities of optical systems to environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter used for positioning from optical reflection to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic structures in the road and the magnetic field generated by the charging coil, the system achieves robust lane identification that is insensitive to optical interference.
3Use of energy by moving object
If inductive charging coil is used for energy transfer, then charging function is provided, but positioning accuracy for optimal charging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging coil serves dual functions: electromagnetic induction for wireless energy transfer and magnetic field generation for precise positioning. By detecting the interaction between the coil's magnetic field and ferromagnetic structures in the road, the system determines the vehicle's lateral position with lane-level accuracy, enabling optimal charging while maintaining the primary charging function.
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 approach enables highly accurate and robust positioning of motor vehicles, enhancing autonomous guidance and inductive charging efficiency by using active magnetic field detection and unique structural geometries to distinguish between road features.
Implementation Method 1
magnetizing, by supplying current to the charging coil, at least one magnetic structure arranged in or on a surface on which the motor vehicle drives
Implementation Method 2
measuring, using the measurement means, measurement data which describe the magnetic behavior of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for determining position information of a motor vehicle, which has an inductive charging device with at least one charging coil, which is in particular situated in the region of the bottom of the vehicle, and a measurement means which is assigned to the charging coil to measure a magnetic field, the method having the following steps: magnetizing, by supplying current to the charging coil, at least one magnetic structure which is situated in or on a surface on which the motor vehicle drives, wherein the structure and further structures are stored together with a position indication for the respective structure in a digital map; measuring, using the measurement means, measurement data which describe the magnetic behavior of the structure; identifying the structure by evaluating the measurement data; and determining the position information depending on position indication assigned to the identified structure.