Wireless Vehicle Charging Coil Positioning via Parking Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power feeding systems for vehicles require the vehicle to be stationary to prevent displacement of the power receiving coil, which limits mobility and efficiency during power transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power feeding control apparatus and system that includes a positioning unit to assist in positioning the power receiving coil using a magnetic field with weak excitation and a parking lock sensor to verify the locked state of the wheel before power transmission, ensuring accurate alignment and preventing displacement during charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the vehicle is stopped in a stationary state during power feeding, then the power receiving coil maintains appropriate position relative to the power transmitting coil, but the vehicle loses mobility and operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of power receiving coilVSAvoidvehicle mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The parking lock mechanism is activated before wireless power transmission begins to pre-establish the stationary state needed for accurate coil positioning. This preliminary action ensures the vehicle remains fixed during the entire charging process without compromising mobility before charging starts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electromagnetic shielding mechanisms with a mechanical parking lock system to maintain vehicle position. Instead of using complex electromagnetic fields to prevent displacement, a simple mechanical locking system on the wheels achieves the same positioning stability more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electromagnetic shields are added to prevent displacement during wireless charging, then positioning stability is improved, but system weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stability during chargingVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electromagnetic shielding with a mechanical parking lock system. The parking lock mechanism uses mechanical force through the braking system to prevent vehicle displacement, replacing the need for heavy electromagnetic shields while achieving comparable or superior positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary electromagnetic shielding component from the system. By using the existing mechanical parking lock mechanism instead, the patent eliminates additional weight and cost associated with electromagnetic shields while maintaining positioning reliability during wireless charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the vehicle is required to be stationary during power transmission, then accurate alignment between coils is maintained, but charging time and operational efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil alignment accuracyVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The parking lock mechanism is engaged before power transmission starts to quickly establish the stationary state needed for accurate coil alignment. This preliminary action prevents the need for prolonged stationary periods during charging, as the vehicle is locked in position immediately when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical parking lock system provides immediate and reliable vehicle stabilization, replacing slower electromagnetic positioning methods. This mechanical approach enables faster transition to the charging state while maintaining precise coil alignment throughout the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable and efficient wireless power transmission to vehicles while ensuring the power receiving coil is properly aligned and locked, allowing for stationary or mobile charging without the need for additional weight or cost from electromagnetic shields.

Implementation Method 1

the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil are positioned to face each other, and electrical power is fed from the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil by electromagnetic action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

detect the quantity of electricity generated at the power receiving coil by a magnetic field of the power transmitting coil subjected to weak excitation weaker than excitation for transmission of electrical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11584247B2Wireless power feeding control apparatus for vehicle and wireless charge system for vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.02.21 SUBARU CORP
  • US11584247B2 patent drawing
  • US11584247B2 patent drawing
  • US11584247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless power feeding control apparatus for a vehicle includes a positioning unit and an examination unit. The vehicle is provided with a power receiving coil that wirelessly receives electrical power from a power transmitting coil of a power transmission facility, a parking lock mechanism, and a parking lock sensor that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to a locked state of a wheel established by the parking lock mechanism. The positioning unit positions the power transmitting coil or assists in positioning the power transmitting coil on the basis of a quantity of electricity generated by the power receiving coil receiving a magnetic field from the power transmitting coil subjected to weak excitation weaker than excitation during electrical power transmission. The examination unit checks the locked state of the wheel after the weak excitation is stopped and before the electrical power transmission is started.