Wireless Charging Alignment Using UWB and Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for vehicle operators to align the capture resonator underneath the vehicle with the source resonator on the parking surface in wireless battery charging systems, affecting efficiency due to the difficulty in determining the correct positioning during parking.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle parking assist system utilizing GPS, cameras, ultra-wide band sensors, and proximity sensors to calculate and guide the vehicle into alignment with the source resonator, including autonomous driving and height adjustment for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capture resonator and source resonator are both disposed underneath the vehicle, then wireless charging can be achieved, but it becomes difficult for the vehicle operator to determine where to maneuver the vehicle for proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of visual markers on the ground and a camera mounted on the vehicle. This intermediary system mediates between the hidden resonators and the operator, providing visual feedback about alignment status. The camera captures images of the markers, and the processing system generates alignment indicators that guide the operator in maneuvering the vehicle correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical alignment process with an optical and computational system. Instead of relying on physical guides or manual measurement, the system uses a camera to capture images of visual markers, processes these images computationally to determine alignment, and provides digital feedback to the operator. This substitution of mechanical alignment methods with optical-computational methods resolves the difficulty of detecting correct positioning.
2Productivity
If the source resonator and capture resonator are not in close proximity, then wireless charging can occur, but the charging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the position of visual markers relative to the vehicle, and the processing system provides real-time alignment indicators to the operator. This feedback loop enables the operator to make incremental adjustments to achieve optimal alignment and close proximity between the resonators, thereby maximizing charging efficiency while accounting for the operational difficulty.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is used, then the system is simpler, but the alignment precision and charging efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment system into distinct functional modules: visual markers disposed on the ground, a camera mounted on the vehicle for capturing images, an image processing system for analyzing marker positions, and an indicator system for providing feedback. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high alignment precision while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modular design.
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
The system effectively assists in aligning the capture resonator with the source resonator, enhancing charging efficiency by providing precise navigation and reducing the distance between the two components during charging.
Implementation Method 1
The charging pad is a source resonator and the receiving plate is a capture resonator. The source resonator emits a magnetic charging signal that may be amplitude modulated. The charging signal is transmitted to the capture resonator wherein the charging signal induces an electric current.
Data Source
AI summary
A parking assist system and method for aligning a capture resonator mounted on a vehicle with a source resonator, charging pad, disposed on a ground surface is disclosed. The parking assist system includes a vehicle GPS receiver, a vehicle external sensor, an ultra-wide band (UWB) sensor, a controller; and a display device. The controller is configured to process information collected from the vehicle GPS receiver, the vehicle external sensor, and the UWB sensor to determine the location of the source resonator and to calculate a path to park the vehicle such that the capture resonator is aligned with the source resonator. A rendering of a trajectory path is displayed on a display device. The calculated path may be communicated to an autonomous driving system to autonomously maneuvering the vehicle into a parking space such that the capture resonator is aligned with the source resonator.