Wireless EV Charger Magnetic Mounting and RF Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrified vehicle charging systems require a plug-in charger and defined charge port, which can affect aerodynamics, allow water ingress, and are inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system that uses a magnet to secure a charger against the vehicle's surface, emitting radio frequency energy received by integrated antennas within the vehicle's body panel assembly, eliminating the need for a defined charge port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plug-in charger and defined charge port are used, then charging functionality is achieved, but aerodynamics deteriorate and water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the charging port opening from the vehicle body by implementing wireless charging. The charge port is eliminated entirely, and charging functionality is achieved through a wireless charging system comprising a transmitter unit positioned outside the vehicle and a receiver unit integrated into the vehicle body, thereby removing the source of water ingress and aerodynamic drag while preserving charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical plug-in charging system with a wireless electromagnetic energy transfer system. Instead of physically connecting a charger to a charge port through mechanical interfaces, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy, eliminating the need for openings in the vehicle body and the associated problems with water ingress and aerodynamics
2Ease of manufacture
If a defined charge port is used, then charging is enabled, but device complexity increases due to doors and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex charge port assembly including doors, flaps, and mechanical mechanisms from the vehicle body. Charging capability is maintained through a wireless system where the transmitter unit is positioned externally and the receiver unit is integrated into the vehicle body without requiring any moving parts or mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical charging system with doors, flaps, and plug-in mechanisms is replaced by an electromagnetic wireless energy transfer system. This substitution eliminates all mechanical complexity associated with charge port operation while maintaining full charging functionality through non-contact energy transfer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless charging is implemented without a defined charge port, then aerodynamics improve and water ingress is prevented, but charging system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system merges the transmitter and receiver units with existing vehicle components. The receiver unit is integrated into the vehicle body structure, and the transmitter unit can be positioned on existing external surfaces, thereby adding charging functionality while minimizing additional complexity and maintaining aerodynamic integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system is designed to work with various vehicle body configurations and positions. The transmitter unit can be positioned on different external surfaces of the vehicle, and the receiver unit can be integrated into different locations within the body structure, providing universal charging capability without requiring specific dedicated openings or complex positioning mechanisms
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 convenient and aerodynamically friendly charging of traction batteries without the need for a defined charge port, preventing water ingress and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet secures the charger to the surface of the electrified vehicle to dispose the charge against the surface
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency emitter of the charger that is activated to emit energy wireless from the charger for receipt by the electrified vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary charging system includes, among other things, a charger that conveys energy wirelessly to an electrified vehicle when the charger is disposed against a surface of the electrified vehicle. The energy is used to charge a traction battery of the electrified vehicle. An exemplary charging method includes, among other things, conveying energy wirelessly from a charger to an electrified vehicle to charge a traction battery of the electrified vehicle. The charger is disposed against a surface of the electrified vehicle during the conveying.