Vehicle Positioning via Segmented Ground Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic parking systems, particularly for inductive charging of electric vehicles, face challenges in precise positioning due to the reliance on magnetic fields, which are affected by coil alignment and weather conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased stray fields, and lack standardization for different parking environments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing two transmitters in the infrastructure to generate positioning magnetic fields and signals, allowing the vehicle to determine its absolute position by triangulating the relative coordinates, with the second transmitter providing additional reference points to distinguish between parking positions and enhance precision, even in varying weather and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ground coil is used for inductive charging, then the vehicle can be charged inductively, but the positioning precision is insufficient to distinguish between multiple parking positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single ground coil is segmented into multiple coils (first ground coil and second ground coil) positioned at different locations. Each coil generates its own magnetic field that can be independently detected by the vehicle, enabling the system to distinguish between multiple parking positions through comparative measurement of field strengths from different coils.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ground coils act as intermediaries that provide additional reference points for positioning. By measuring the magnetic field strengths from multiple coils and comparing them, the system can triangulate the vehicle's position and determine which specific parking space it occupies, resolving the ambiguity of single-coil systems.
2Loss of energy
If the vehicle parks with high precision for inductive charging, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but the driver cannot assess positioning accuracy without visual contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring the magnetic field strengths from multiple ground coils and comparing them against expected patterns for different parking positions. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts and confirms positioning accuracy, providing the driver with confidence in precise alignment without requiring visual assessment, thereby maintaining high power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and alignment assessment is performed automatically by the system itself through magnetic field measurements and computational comparison, without requiring driver intervention or visual contact. The system self-evaluates whether the vehicle is correctly positioned over the charging coil(s) and can provide automated guidance for adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If optical systems like cameras are used for parking assistance, then visual guidance is provided, but the system fails in adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or fall leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical systems (cameras) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using light to detect parking position, the system uses magnetic field strength measurements from multiple ground coils, which are unaffected by weather conditions such as snow, rain, or fallen leaves, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with optical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical (light reflection, color recognition) to magnetic (field strength measurement). This parameter change makes the positioning system immune to environmental factors that affect optical detection, such as changes in light conditions, snow coverage, or leaf obstruction, ensuring consistent operation in all weather conditions.
4Loss of energy
If the two coils are not precisely aligned, then the magnetic field coupling factor drops, but stray fields increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and alignment assessment using magnetic field measurements from multiple ground coils before initiating full-power inductive charging. By pre-establishing correct alignment through comparative field strength analysis, the system ensures optimal coupling between the vehicle coil and ground coil(s), preventing energy loss and minimizing stray field generation during the charging process.
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 method enables precise and standardized vehicle positioning, reducing power loss and minimizing the impact of environmental factors like snow and leaves, ensuring efficient inductive charging and automatic parking across different parking spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitter (6) in the infrastructure or in the vehicle is excited to generate a positioning magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a second transmitter (7) in the infrastructure or in the vehicle is excited to generate a positioning signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the absolute position of a vehicle for the close-range positioning of same when the vehicle is being parked is described. An inductive positioning method is performed, wherein a first transmitter in the infrastructure or in the vehicle is excited to generate a positioning magnetic field and a second transmitter in the infrastructure or in the vehicle is excited to generate a positioning signal. The positioning magnetic field and the positioning signal are received by a reception device in the vehicle or in the infrastructure and the received positioning magnetic field and positioning signal are taken as a basis for ascertaining the absolute position of the vehicle. This allows particularly exact parking of the vehicle, in particular of an electrically operated vehicle for inductive charging.