Wireless Charging Coil Alignment via Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless charging systems face efficiency losses due to lateral misalignment between transmitting and receiving coils, particularly in applications like electric vehicle charging, where misalignment leads to increased energy loss and reduced charging speed.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator mechanism is used to automatically adjust the position of the receiving coil in the electronic device to minimize lateral misalignment with the transmitting coil, increasing the wireless power transfer efficiency by moving the coil in x and y directions until a target efficiency threshold is met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitting and receiving coils are spaced further apart to increase versatility, then the charging station can be implemented in more locations, but energy loss increases and charge efficiency suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil is mounted on a linear actuator mechanism that enables dynamic lateral movement in x and y directions. This dynamic positioning system automatically adjusts the receiving coil's position during charging to maintain optimal alignment with the transmitting coil, resolving the contradiction by allowing both increased spacing (versatility) and maintained efficiency through active repositioning.
2Loss of energy
If manual alignment adjustment is required to achieve proper coil alignment, then charging efficiency can be maximized, but the ease of operation decreases and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an automatic alignment system where a control unit receives alignment signals and autonomously controls the linear actuator to position the receiving coil. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual user adjustment, maintaining high power transfer efficiency while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives automatic wireless charging alignment signals that provide feedback on the current alignment status. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the receiving coil position through the linear actuator, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal efficiency without user intervention.
3Device complexity
If the receiving coil position is fixed to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity decreases, but the ability to compensate for misalignment is lost and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil is mounted on a linear actuator mechanism that enables dynamic lateral movement in x and y directions. This dynamic positioning system automatically adjusts the receiving coil's position during charging to maintain optimal alignment with the transmitting coil, resolving the contradiction by allowing both increased spacing (versatility) and maintained efficiency through active repositioning.
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
This solution enhances charging efficiency by reducing misalignment, minimizing energy loss, and enabling faster charging times, even when the charging area is obscured, and allows for reliable alignment without manual adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
A receiving coil installed in a wireless charging-capable electronic device is mounted to a linear actuator mechanism operable to move the receiving coil in one or more lateral directions
Implementation Method 2
an induction coil in the wireless charging assembly (transmitting or primary coil) uses alternating electric current, often provided from the power grid, flowing through the coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field. When an induction coil in the electronic device (receiving or secondary coil) is positioned within the generated electromagnetic field, a current is induced in the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: calculating a wireless power transfer efficiency during a wireless charging session involving a wireless charging assembly having a transmitting coil and an electronic device having a receiving coil mounted to a linear actuator mechanism; and controlling the linear actuator mechanism to move the receiving coil in a lateral direction such that the wireless power transfer efficiency increases.