Vehicle Power Reception Coil Alignment Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact power transmission technologies for electric and hybrid electric vehicles require accurate positional alignment between the transmitting and receiving units for efficient charging, but current methods are costly and labor-intensive, especially when manual alignment is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A power reception apparatus with a secondary coil, drive part, display unit, and processing unit that calculates and displays the relative position and gradient of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil using coupling coefficients and position information, providing different display modes for accurate alignment in both left-right and front-rear directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automatic driving functions (steering control and speed control) are used to improve parking accuracy for non-contact power feeding alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces automatic driving functions (steering control and speed control) with a display-based guidance system. The processing unit calculates relative position and gradient information, then displays alignment guidance on a display unit, allowing manual alignment without complex automatic driving equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual representation (copy) of the actual alignment state by displaying calculated relative position and gradient information on a display unit. This virtual copy guides the alignment process without requiring physical automatic control systems.
2Device complexity
If manual parking alignment is required for non-contact power feeding, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing unit continuously calculates the coupling coefficient and determines relative position and gradient information between the primary and secondary coils. This alignment state information is displayed on the display unit, providing real-time feedback to guide manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display unit as an intermediary between the actual alignment state and the operator. The display unit translates complex coupling coefficient data into intuitive visual guidance, mediating between the physical alignment process and human operator control.
3Ease of operation
If standard parking procedures are used without alignment support, then usability is maintained, but alignment accuracy for non-contact power feeding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service alignment guidance by automatically calculating and displaying alignment information without requiring external assistance or complex automatic control. The driver uses the display guidance to perform alignment themselves, maintaining ease of operation while improving accuracy.
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
Enables easy and accurate positional alignment of the secondary coil with the primary coil, reducing labor costs and improving usability by providing clear visual feedback for operators, thus supporting low-cost and efficient charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary coil (for example, a secondary coil 105 described in an embodiment which will be described later) which receives electric power in a non-contact manner from a primary coil (for example, a primary coil 11 in the embodiment)
Data Source
AI summary
A power reception apparatus includes a secondary coil which receives electric power in a non-contact manner from a primary coil which is disposed on a plane defined by a front-rear direction and a left-right direction which are at right angles to each other, a drive part which can change a relative position on the plane of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil, a display unit, and a processing unit for processing an image to be displayed on the display unit. The processing unit displays the relative position and the gradient of the secondary coil on the display unit. A display mode which is used when the secondary coil is not included in the target zone in relation to the left-right direction is different from a display mode which is used when the secondary coil is included in the target zone in relation to the left-right direction.