Wireless EV Charging Station Alignment and Mobile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles require traditional plug-in charging methods, limiting their range due to inefficiencies in battery and motor technology, and there is a need for alternative, convenient, and efficient wireless charging solutions for both personal and commercial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The development of wireless charging stations equipped with a charging unit, control module, and communication unit that facilitate wireless power transfer to vehicles, along with a mobile application for aligning vehicles with charging units and managing charging processes, including reservation and payment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional plug-in charging methods are used, then vehicles can be charged, but the range is limited due to battery and motor inefficiencies and the charging process is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in charging system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. The charging unit uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly to the receiver in the vehicle, eliminating the need for physical connection and improving charging convenience while maintaining energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transfer between the charging unit and the vehicle receiver. This intermediary enables wireless energy transmission, solving both the convenience issue by eliminating plugs and the efficiency issue by using direct electromagnetic coupling
2Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented, then charging convenience is improved, but the alignment precision between vehicle receiver and charging unit becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit establishes a feedback loop between the charging unit and the vehicle receiver, exchanging alignment data and status information. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of the alignment between components, ensuring precise positioning without compromising user convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions by communicating positioning information to the vehicle before charging begins. The visual indicator system provides advance guidance to drivers on how to position their vehicles correctly, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before the charging process starts
3Ease of operation
If visual indicator systems are added to guide vehicle alignment, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit serves multiple functions: it exchanges alignment data, provides visual indicator control, and manages charging parameters. By making this single component multi-functional, the system improves ease of operation through comprehensive guidance while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visual indicator system with the existing communication unit and control module. Rather than adding separate complex subsystems, the alignment guidance functionality is integrated into the communication infrastructure already present in the wireless charging system, reducing overall complexity
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 efficient and convenient wireless charging of electric vehicles, extending their range and supporting the adoption of electric transportation by providing a user-friendly, efficient, and scalable charging infrastructure for both personal and commercial fleets.
Implementation Method 1
The charging unit can wirelessly transfer power to a receiver in a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a wireless charging system and methodology including a charging station, an application, and a server configured and operating to facilitate wireless vehicle charging. The charging station includes a charging unit for transferring power, a control unit, and a communication unit. The application is accessible through a mobile device and capable of communicating with the charging station. The server is capable of communicating with the charging station and the mobile device.