Inductive Watercraft Charging Coil Height Control for Varying Water Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for watercraft require complex support structures and repositioning due to varying water levels, making quick and efficient energy transfer challenging, especially for smaller and medium-sized vessels with frequent short docking times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a height adjustment mechanism, including a float and adjustable connecting element, maintains a constant vertical distance between the primary coil and water surface, allowing for quick and efficient inductive energy transfer regardless of water level fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex support structure with releasable locking means is used to connect the charging device to the watercraft, then the charging connection can be established securely, but the device complexity increases and the charging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex locking means and support structure from the charging device, extracting only the essential inductive coupling function. The primary coil is mounted on a simple support structure that extends over the edge of a dock without any locking mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into independent components: a stationary primary coil on the dock and a mobile secondary coil on the watercraft. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical connection and locking mechanisms, allowing the watercraft to be charged quickly upon approach without complex coupling procedures.
2Reliability
If the primary coil and locking means are constantly repositioned to accommodate water level fluctuations, then the charging connection can be maintained, but the charging time is extended and the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic support structure that can be vertically adjusted to accommodate varying water levels. The primary coil is mounted on a support structure with adjustable height, allowing it to be repositioned to maintain optimal coupling distance with the secondary coil on the watercraft, thereby maintaining charging reliability without complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-configured with adjustable height capabilities, allowing the primary coil to be positioned at the appropriate height before the watercraft arrives. This preliminary positioning reduces the time required for charging setup when the watercraft docks.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the charging device is designed for prolonged charging with extended port stays, then the charging efficiency for short docking periods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connection systems with inductive coupling, enabling wireless energy transfer that can be quickly established and terminated. This substitution allows for rapid charging during short docking periods, as the primary and secondary coils can be brought into coupling position quickly without mechanical assembly or locking procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of the coupling distance between primary and secondary coils to optimize charging efficiency for different docking scenarios. By changing the vertical position of the primary coil on its adjustable support structure, the system can achieve optimal coupling for both short and prolonged charging periods.
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 simple and rapid inductive energy transfer between a watercraft and shore-based charging station, independent of water levels, facilitating frequent and quick charging of watercraft batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil (12) for inductively transmitting electrical energy to a second coil (13)
Implementation Method 2
a height adjustment device (20) connected to the first coil (12) is provided in order to maintain the first coil (12) at a constant vertical distance from a water surface (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for inductively transmitting electrical energy between a power supply unit arranged on the shore of a body of water or in the body of water and a watercraft includes a primary coil associated with the power supply unit, and a secondary coil which is connectable to the primary coil for inductively transmitting electrical energy, and which is arrangeable on the watercraft. A height-adjustment device connected to the primary coil is provided in order to hold the primary coil at a consistent vertical distance from a water surface in a vertical direction running in the direction of the buoyancy. A corresponding charging system and method includes: aligning the coils relative to one another; previously or simultaneously adjusting a vertical distance between the primary coil and water surface by with a height-adjustment device; inductively transmitting electrical energy between the coils.