Wheel-Integrated Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles can become immobile when completely depleted of charge, and existing charging solutions require a dedicated station, which may not be readily available, leading to potential abandonment in areas without access to charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A wireless vehicle-to-vehicle charging system where a vehicle equipped with a wheel featuring a conductive coil and ferrite layers can receive electrical energy from a donor vehicle, enabling bi-directional charging through proximity, using a resonant circuit and rectifier inverter module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric vehicles are charged only at dedicated charging stations, then charging reliability is improved, but accessibility and mobility are worsened because vehicles become immobile when depleted and charging infrastructure may not be readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless power transfer system as an intermediary between vehicles and charging infrastructure. The wireless charging module enables energy transfer through electromagnetic fields without direct physical connection, allowing vehicles to charge at any location where another vehicle with a donor battery is present, thus eliminating the need for fixed charging stations while maintaining reliable charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the charging system universal by enabling any vehicle to function both as a power consumer and a power donor. The wireless charging module can operate in bidirectional mode, allowing vehicles to share energy with each other. This multi-functionality transforms the charging ecosystem from a stationary infrastructure-dependent model to a mobile, peer-to-peer energy sharing system that adapts to any situation
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging components are integrated into vehicle wheels, then charging accessibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the wireless charging module within the wheel structure, nesting the power transfer components inside the wheel assembly. The wireless charging module, including coils and electronic components, is integrated into the wheel hub or rim, utilizing the existing wheel space and structure. This nesting approach adds charging functionality without significantly increasing overall vehicle complexity or requiring separate external charging apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wireless charging function with the wheel structure by integrating the charging module into the wheel assembly. The wheel serves dual purposes: mechanical support and wireless power reception/transmission. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having dedicated external charging equipment
3Productivity
If wireless charging modules are integrated into vehicle wheels, then charging speed and convenience are improved, but vehicle weight is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by placing wireless charging modules only in the wheels rather than distributing charging components throughout the vehicle. This localized approach concentrates the weight addition to minimal essential components while achieving the charging function. The wheel-integrated modules provide rapid wireless power transfer without requiring heavy battery packs or large charging equipment elsewhere in the vehicle
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 mobile charging of electric vehicles by allowing energy transfer between vehicles, reducing the need for dedicated charging stations and ensuring vehicles remain operational even when depleted.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless vehicle-to-vehicle charging system where a vehicle equipped with a wheel featuring a conductive coil and ferrite layers can receive electrical energy from a donor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The wheel may include a ferrite layer disposed over at least a portion of the inner surface of the cylindrical barrel. At least one of the plurality of spokes may include a ferrite layer.
Implementation Method 3
The charging system may include a wireless charging module in electrical connection with the coil, the wireless charging module comprising a resonant circuit and a rectifier inverter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a vehicle component, such as a wheel, for use in a vehicle-to-vehicle charging system. The charging system may include a coil disposed about a barrel of a wheel, and in electrical connection with the battery of the vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, and may be an autonomous vehicle. Also disclosed are the charging system, and a method charging a vehicle wirelessly by another vehicle, wherein said charging is accomplished by at least one induction coil.