Vehicle Wireless Charging Coil Alignment via Visual Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact power transmission systems 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 comprising a secondary coil, a drive part, a display unit, and a processing unit that calculates the relative position and gradient of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil based on coupling coefficients and displays alignment information to facilitate accurate alignment without the need for expensive automatic driving systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automatic driving functions are used for positional alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical automatic driving systems with a simpler visual guidance system. The processing unit calculates relative position and gradient based on coupling coefficients, then displays alignment information on a display unit, allowing manual alignment without expensive automatic driving equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual representation (copy) of the actual coil positions and alignment status on the display unit. This graphical interface shows the relative position and gradient, enabling the operator to align the coils accurately by viewing the displayed information rather than using complex mechanical systems.
2Device complexity
If manual alignment is used without visual guidance, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display unit as an intermediary between the coil alignment system and the operator. The display unit presents visual information about relative position and gradient, serving as a mediator that guides manual alignment without requiring complex automatic driving equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing unit continuously calculates the coupling coefficient, determines relative position and gradient, and displays alignment status on the display unit. This real-time feedback enables the operator to make adjustments and achieve accurate alignment through manual operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If visual alignment guidance is provided, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing components perform multiple functions. The processing unit not only controls power transmission but also calculates coupling coefficients, determines relative position, and generates alignment guidance information. The display unit serves both as a power transmission interface and as a visual alignment guidance display, reducing the need for separate dedicated alignment equipment.
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 accurate and cost-effective positional alignment of the secondary coil with the primary coil, reducing labor hours and operational complexity while ensuring efficient charging, by providing visual guidance through display modes that adjust based on the relative position and gradient.
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. In an event that the secondary coil is included in the target zone in relation to the left-right direction, the processing unit displays the relative position and the gradient of the secondary coil on the display unit, and changes display modes of displaying the relative position on the display unit according to a change in the relative position in the front-rear direction.