Wireless Charger Plug Positioning via Magnetic Field Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electrified vehicles require manual alignment of charging plugs with charge ports, which is inconvenient and lacks precision, especially for vehicles with varying configurations and positions.
Innovation Solution
A charger assembly that uses a wireless transmission system, such as a magnetic field, infrared, ultrasonic, or optical recognition, to automatically position a charging plug relative to a charge port, employing a transmitter system on the vehicle and a receiver system on the charger, with an actuator to move the plug to the correct position for conductive charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of charging plugs with charge ports is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates and positioning precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs self-positioning through wireless transmission signals. The charging plug automatically aligns with the charge port by receiving positioning information from the vehicle, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated positioning system using wireless transmissions (magnetic fields, infrared, ultrasonic, or optical signals). This substitution improves ease of operation by eliminating manual intervention while the added complexity is confined to the sensing and actuation subsystems
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is used, then the device structure is simple, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless transmission signals (magnetic fields, infrared, ultrasonic, or optical) as intermediaries to convey positioning information between the vehicle and charging plug. This intermediary system enables precise positioning by providing real-time spatial and alignment data, overcoming the limitations of manual alignment while managing complexity through modular sensor and actuator components
3Extent of automation
If automatic positioning using wireless transmission is implemented, then ease of operation and positioning precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system achieves self-positioning and self-alignment through automated wireless transmission signals. The charging plug autonomously navigates to the correct position and orientation by processing positioning data from the vehicle, eliminating manual intervention entirely. The complexity is managed by integrating sensing and actuation functions into a unified automated control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated positioning using wireless transmissions (magnetic fields, infrared, ultrasonic, or optical signals). This substitution achieves high automation by eliminating human intervention while confining complexity to the electronic sensing, signal processing, and actuation subsystems
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 hands-free, precise, and automatic alignment of charging plugs with charge ports, facilitating efficient and convenient charging without the need for manual intervention, accommodating various vehicle models and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless transmission is a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the wireless transmission is generated by a coil
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary charger positioning method includes, among other things, positioning a charging plug of a conductive charger relative to a charge port of a vehicle based on a wireless transmission between the conductive charger and the vehicle. An exemplary charger assembly includes a transmitter system associated with one of a vehicle or a conductive charger, a receiver system associated with the other of the vehicle or the conductive charger, and an actuator that moves a charging plug of the conductive charger to a charging position in response to a transmission from the transmitter system.