Wireless Charging Station With Movable Coil For Vehicle Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure faces challenges such as limited charging points, inconvenient cable management, and alignment issues between wireless charging stations and vehicles, which hinder efficient and user-friendly charging processes.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle charging system incorporating a wireless charging station with a mechanical conveyor and movable charging head, equipped with a proximity sensor and control module, that can adjust the primary charge coil to align with the vehicle's receiving coil, regardless of vehicle size or parking position, and manage multiple vehicles efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed wireless charging station is used, then the charging point is stable and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different vehicle sizes and parking positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different vehicle sizes and parking positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of charging station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station incorporates a mechanical conveyor system that enables the primary charge coil to move dynamically between multiple parking spots. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different vehicle sizes and parking positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the movement mechanism is integrated into the existing charging station framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging station is designed with a universal primary charge coil that can serve multiple parking spots through the mechanical conveyor system. This multi-functional design allows a single charging station to accommodate various vehicle types and parking configurations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed charging points and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple fixed charging stations are installed to serve multiple vehicles, then charging availability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging throughput and vehicle turnover rateVSAvoidnumber of charging stations and infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple charging functions into a single charging station by equipping it with a mechanical conveyor that can position the primary charge coil at different parking spots. This consolidation allows one charging station to serve multiple vehicles sequentially, improving charging throughput without requiring multiple separate charging infrastructures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging station operates through periodic action by sequentially serving different vehicles parked at various spots. The mechanical conveyor moves the primary charge coil from one parking spot to another in a systematic sequence, enabling the station to handle multiple charging tasks over time and achieve high productivity without simultaneous complex infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If manual alignment of charging coils is required, then the charging process is simple, but user convenience and charging efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of vehicle parking and charging initiationVSAvoidautomatic coil alignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station implements self-service functionality through automatic detection and alignment systems. When a vehicle parks in a designated spot, the system automatically detects the receiving coil position and adjusts the primary charge coil alignment accordingly, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and enhancing both convenience and charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect vehicle presence and receiving coil positioning, then use this information to automatically adjust the primary charge coil alignment. This closed-loop control ensures optimal charging efficiency while maintaining simple user interaction, as the system self-corrects based on real-time feedback from sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enables efficient wireless charging across multiple vehicles, maximizing power transfer efficiency and minimizing user intervention by automatically aligning the charging coils and managing charging sequences, thus addressing the limitations of current charging technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless charging station may include a primary charge coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9969287B2Vehicle charging system

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle charging system may include a parking area, indicia, and a wireless charging station. The indicia may be disposed on the parking area and define a plurality of vehicle parking spots. The wireless charging station may include a primary charge coil and a mechanical conveyor having the primary charge coil mounted thereon. The mechanical conveyor may be configured to move the primary charge coil across and between the parking spots defined by the indicia.