Wireless Charging Foreign Material Detection Using Distance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission technologies face issues with energy loss and device damage due to foreign materials present between the transmitting apparatus and the wireless device, leading to incomplete or blocked power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmitting apparatus equipped with distance sensors and a controller that detects foreign materials by measuring distances and determining whether they are present, and if so, blocks power transmission and alerts the user through a control panel, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wireless power transmission is performed without foreign material detection, then power transmission efficiency is maintained, but energy loss and device damage occur due to foreign materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs foreign material detection before initiating wireless power transmission. The controller checks for foreign materials in the charging area using distance sensors and level sensors, and only allows power transmission when no foreign materials are detected, preventing energy loss before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the charging area during power transmission using distance sensors and level sensors. When a foreign material is detected, the controller provides feedback by stopping power transmission and notifying the user through the control panel, preventing ongoing energy loss
2Reliability
If foreign material detection is implemented, then device safety is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs foreign material detection before initiating wireless power transmission. The controller checks for foreign materials in the charging area using distance sensors and level sensors, and only allows power transmission when no foreign materials are detected, ensuring device safety before operation begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses distance sensors and level sensors as intermediary detection devices to identify foreign materials. These sensors act as mediators between the user and the power transmission system, providing indirect detection of foreign materials without requiring direct contact or complex inspection mechanisms
3Reliability
If continuous foreign material monitoring is performed, then transmission safety is ensured, but energy consumption increases due to continuous sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs foreign material detection periodically at key moments: before power transmission begins and during transmission intervals. The controller activates distance sensors and level sensors at these periodic intervals rather than continuously, ensuring transmission safety while reducing unnecessary energy consumption during standby 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
The solution effectively prevents energy loss and device damage by accurately detecting foreign materials and controlling power transmission, providing safe and efficient wireless power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless power transmission technologies include a magnetic induction method using a magnetic induction phenomenon between a primary coil and a secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of distance sensors may include a light emitter configured to emit infrared light, a light receiver configured to receive reflected light from an object
Data Source
AI summary
A provided wireless power transmitting apparatus includes a plate, a communication circuit configured to communicate with a wireless device positioned on an upper surface of the plate, a plurality of distance sensors provided around a driving area of the plate and configured to acquire data about a distance to an object positioned on the upper surface of the plate, a transmitting coil configured to transmit wireless power to the wireless device, and a controller configured to determine whether a foreign material is present between the plate and the wireless device based on the data about the distance and determine transmission of the wireless power based on whether the foreign material is present.