Wireless Power Transfer Control for Distance-Based Link Interruption Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a non-contact power feeding system, high-speed and large-capacity communication is required for exchanging information such as vehicle ID, requested power, and vehicle position while the vehicle is traveling, necessitating prompt detection of wide-area wireless communication interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A control device that determines interruption of wide-area wireless communication by setting an interruption determination time based on the distance between the vehicle and supply equipment, using position information to differentiate between threshold distances for communication modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed interruption determination time is used for wide-area wireless communication, then the system is simple to operate, but the detection speed is insufficient when the vehicle is close to the supply equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterruption detection timing accuracyVSAvoidcommunication control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interruption determination time is changed from a fixed value to a dynamic value that varies based on the distance between the vehicle and supply equipment. When the distance is shorter than a threshold, a first (shorter) interruption determination time is used; when the distance is longer, a second (longer) interruption determination time is used. This dynamic adjustment enables accurate and timely detection of communication interruptions regardless of vehicle position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The key parameter of interruption determination time is changed based on the distance parameter. By monitoring the distance between vehicle and supply equipment, the system switches between two different time values, optimizing the detection timing according to the actual communication conditions at each distance level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If the interruption determination time is shortened for vehicles close to supply equipment, then communication interruption detection is prompt, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication interruption detection timeVSAvoidcommunication control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the interruption determination time based on real-time distance measurements. When the vehicle is close to the supply equipment (distance < threshold), a shorter first interruption determination time is applied for rapid detection. When the vehicle is farther away (distance ≥ threshold), a longer second interruption determination time is used. This dynamic approach minimizes detection time losses without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interruption determination time parameter is changed according to the distance parameter. The system monitors distance and switches between two predefined time values, enabling timely interruption detection while maintaining relatively simple control logic through parameter-based adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If wide-area wireless communication is used for information exchange during power transfer, then communication capacity is sufficient, but interruption detection may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication data capacityVSAvoidinterruption detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the monitoring timing of wide-area wireless communication based on vehicle distance. When the vehicle is close to the supply equipment, the shorter first interruption determination time enables rapid detection of any communication failures. When the vehicle is farther away, the second interruption determination time is used. This ensures that despite using wide-area communication for high-capacity data exchange, interruption detection remains timely and accurate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interruption determination time parameter is adjusted based on distance to optimize detection speed. By changing this parameter according to actual communication conditions, the system maintains both the high data capacity of wide-area wireless communication and the prompt interruption detection required for reliable power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4661249A1Control device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4661249A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661249A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4661249A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device includes, in a wireless power transfer system that transfers power from supply equipment to a traveling vehicle in a non-contact manner by using narrow-area wireless communication and wide-area wireless communication, a processor configured to set interruption determination time of determining that communication of the wide-area wireless communication is interrupted to be shorter in a case where it is determined that a distance between the vehicle and the supply equipment is equal to or less than a threshold on the basis of position information of the vehicle than in a case where the distance between the vehicle and the supply equipment is longer than the threshold. As a result, the control device capable of promptly detecting the interruption of the wide-area wireless communication is provided.