Vehicle Wireless Power Reception Alignment Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When the top land of a tooth of the parking gear and the protrusion of the parking pole abut against each other, vehicles may move unintentionally due to external forces, causing the electric power reception apparatus to shift out of the region where it can receive power, with no effective control to prevent this.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with an electric power reception unit, a motive power generation apparatus, and a control apparatus that moves the vehicle to align the electric power reception unit with the transmission unit by outputting a drive force when the predetermined condition is met, including when the parking gear and parking pole are not well meshed, to maintain stable power reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the parking gear and parking pole are designed to fit together mechanically, then the vehicle can be held stationary in parking range, but the protrusion may not successfully fit in the groove due to angular misalignment, causing the vehicle to move unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary detection of the parking gear's rotational angle before the parking operation is completed. Based on this detection, the system proactively determines whether the protrusion will successfully fit in the groove, and if not, pre-adjusts the vehicle's position or notifies the driver to prevent unintentional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a detection mechanism that monitors the rotational angle of the parking gear during the parking operation. This feedback information is used by the control apparatus to assess whether the parking engagement will be successful and to take appropriate corrective actions, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures reliable parking lock engagement.
2Reliability
If the vehicle is allowed to move freely when the parking gear and parking pole abut against each other, then the protrusion can fit in the groove, but the electric power reception unit moves out of the region where it can receive power
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus continuously monitors both the parking gear's rotational angle and the position of the electric power reception unit relative to the transmission apparatus. This dual feedback system allows the control apparatus to detect when the vehicle position affects both parking engagement and power reception alignment, and to coordinate adjustments to satisfy both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Before finalizing the parking operation, the control apparatus performs preliminary assessment of both the parking gear alignment and the electric power reception unit position. If misalignment is detected in either aspect, the system proactively adjusts the vehicle position or notifies the driver to prevent both parking failure and power reception loss.
3Device complexity
If no control is implemented when the top land of a tooth and the protrusion abut against each other, then the structure remains simple, but external forces cause the vehicle to move and the parking gear to rotate uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus implements feedback control by detecting the rotational angle of the parking gear and monitoring the vehicle's movement state. When abnormal movement is detected or when the parking gear's angular position indicates potential engagement failure, the control apparatus activates corrective measures such as adjusting the drive unit or notifying the driver, ensuring reliable vehicle stability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing drive unit and control apparatus components to provide self-correction functionality. When parking engagement failure or abnormal movement is detected, the control apparatus utilizes the available vehicle systems (drive unit, communication apparatus) to automatically correct the issue or alert the driver, rather than requiring entirely new specialized components.
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 effectively stabilizes electric power reception by controlling the vehicle's movement to ensure the electric power reception unit remains within the power transmission area, reducing energy loss and preventing unnecessary movement, even when the parking gear and pole do not mesh properly.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power reception unit (100) wirelessly receiving electric power from an electric power transmission apparatus (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an electric power reception unit, a motive power generation apparatus generating on an output shaft a drive force for moving the vehicle, and a vehicle ECU controlling the motive power generation apparatus. The motive power generation apparatus includes a parking gear provided on the output shaft, a parking pole having a protrusion to be fit in a groove of the parking gear, and a drive unit outputting the drive force. The vehicle ECU controls the drive unit so that in a case where the electric power reception unit is located within an area in which electric power can be received from the electric power transmission apparatus and where the motive power generation apparatus has been set to a parking range, the vehicle is moved in a direction that causes the electric power reception unit to approach the electric power transmission apparatus.