Wireless Charging Alignment Using UWB Time-of-Flight Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems lack precision and accuracy in aligning inductive charging elements with compatible assemblies across various distance ranges, affecting charging efficiency and time.
Innovation Solution
A guidance control system that includes an inductive charging element, a signal component for transmitting or receiving signals, and a controller determining the distance to a target position based on time measurements, such as time of arrival or time of flight, using ultrawideband antennas for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing wireless charging systems are used, then wireless charging can be provided, but precision and accuracy in aligning inductive charging elements with compatible assemblies deteriorates across various distance ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the alignment and charging process into distinct phases: a guidance phase using signal components (ultrawideband antennas) for precise positioning and alignment, followed by a charging phase using inductive charging elements. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, with the guidance system handling precision positioning and the inductive system handling power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal components (ultrawideband antennas) as an intermediary system between the vehicle and charging infrastructure. This intermediary provides precise distance and position measurements that enable accurate alignment before the inductive charging connection is established, resolving the alignment precision issue.
2Productivity
If precise alignment is achieved, then charging efficiency improves, but charging time may increase due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions using the guidance control system with ultrawideband antennas before the actual charging process begins. By pre-positioning and pre-aligning the inductive charging elements during the guidance phase, the system ensures that when charging starts, optimal alignment is already achieved, maximizing charging efficiency without adding significant time overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system operates continuously to maintain optimal alignment throughout the charging process. The signal components continuously monitor position and provide real-time feedback, ensuring that the inductive charging elements remain properly aligned throughout the entire charging duration, thereby maintaining high charging efficiency.
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
Enhances the precision and accuracy of wireless charging by facilitating precise alignment of inductive charging elements with target positions, reducing charging time and improving efficiency across different distance ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a signal component located relative to the inductive charging element for common movement with the inducting charging element, wherein the signal component transmits or receives a signal from a target position
Implementation Method 2
a controller that determines a distance between the inductive charging element and the target position based on a time measurement of the signal
Implementation Method 3
the time measurement can be a time of arrival measurement
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments described herein, devices, systems, methods and/or apparatuses are described that can facilitate locational awareness and/or guidance of an inductive charging element relative to a target charging station. A device can comprise an inductive charging element, a signal component located relative to the inductive charging element for common movement with the inducting charging element, wherein the signal component transmits or receives a signal from a target position, and a controller that determines a distance between the inductive charging element and the target position based on a time measurement of the signal. The time measurement can include a time of arrival measurement and/or a time of flight measurement. The signal component can be an ultrawideband antenna, laser doppler device, acoustic device, electromagnetic device and/or other transmitter and/or receiver.