Wireless Power Coil Alignment Using Auto-Focus Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting power due to difficulties in detecting and adjusting the relative distance between the power transmission and reception coils.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power receiving device equipped with a power receiving coil, an auto-focus imaging unit, and a control unit that uses the imaging unit to detect a marker on the power transmission device and calculate the relative distance, allowing for precise adjustment of the coil alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless power transmission is performed without distance detection, then the system is simple, but power transmission efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
An imaging unit (camera) is introduced as an intermediary device to detect the relative distance between the power transmission coil and power receiving coil. The imaging unit captures images of a marker on the transmission device, and through auto-focus detection, provides distance information that enables efficient power transmission without directly complicating the power transmission system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distance measurement systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical sensors or direct contact measurement devices, the system uses an imaging unit with auto-focus capability to optically detect and calculate relative distance, simplifying the overall system while improving efficiency.
2Reliability
If the relative distance between coils is not accurately detected, then the system is easy to operate, but power transmission reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A marker is introduced as a visual intermediary that facilitates distance detection. The marker, when imaged by the power receiving-side imaging unit, provides reference points that enable the auto-focus function to accurately calculate relative distance, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing measurement difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the auto-focus detection mechanism, which continuously monitors and provides real-time distance information between the coils. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of the power transmission parameters based on the actual relative distance, ensuring reliable power transmission.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of coil distance is used, then the device is simple, but manufacturing precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical adjustment of coil distance is replaced with an automated optical detection system. The imaging unit with auto-focus capability automatically measures and provides distance information, eliminating the need for manual alignment while achieving precise coil positioning through digital image processing and auto-focus 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 efficient power transmission by ensuring the relative distance between the coils coincides with a desired distance, improving the efficiency and reliability of wireless power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
wireless power transmission systems performing wireless power transmission through magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
a power receiving-side imaging unit having an auto-focus function
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power receiving device that receives AC power from a power transmission coil included in a wireless power transmission device. The wireless power receiving device includes a power receiving coil configured to receive AC power from a power transmission coil, a power receiving-side imaging unit having an auto-focus function, and a control unit configured to cause the power receiving-side imaging unit to image a range able to be imaged by the power receiving-side imaging unit and, in a case in which a marker located at a predetermined first position on an outer surface of the wireless power transmission device is imaged by the power receiving-side imaging unit, to output relative distance information representing relative distance of the power receiving coil with respect to the power transmission coil based on a detected distance using the auto-focus function used by the power receiving-side imaging unit for imaging the marker.