Wireless Power Transfer for Vehicle Pallets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle transfer devices require power cables for operation, leading to increased installation costs and maintenance challenges, especially in temporary or construction-site settings, where cable management and damage are significant concerns.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device equipped with a power-receiving coil and circuit for wireless power supply, eliminating the need for cables by forming an electromagnetic coupling circuit with a power-supplying coil in the vehicle, which drives an electric motor to move the pallet in left-right or up-down directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power cables are used to supply power to the electric motor in the movable pallet, then the electric motor can be driven to move the pallet, but the installation cost increases and maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidcable installation and management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power supply system with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. The power-supplying coil in the vehicle and power-receiving coil in the pallet form an electromagnetic coupling circuit that transmits power wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and associated installation/maintenance complexities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the vehicle and pallet. The power-supplying coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the power-receiving coil, enabling power transmission without direct physical contact or cable connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a movable cable is used to supply power to the pallet during movement, then the pallet can be powered while moving, but the cable becomes easily damaged and requires huge amounts of care

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply during movementVSAvoidcable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical cable system entirely by using electromagnetic coupling for wireless power transmission. The power-supplying coil in the vehicle and power-receiving coil in the pallet maintain power connection during movement without any physical cable that could be damaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the cable component from the power supply system, retaining only the essential power transmission function through electromagnetic fields. This eliminates all cable-related durability and maintenance issues while preserving adaptability during movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Power

If cables are laid to supply power to the movable pallet, then the electric motor can be powered, but the number of man-hours and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery to palletVSAvoidinstallation effort and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cable laying and installation process with a wireless electromagnetic power transmission system. The power-supplying coil and power-receiving coil configuration enables power delivery without any cable installation, significantly reducing installation man-hours and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic coupling system is self-contained within the vehicle and pallet structures. The power transmission capability is integrated into the vehicles' existing electromagnetic systems, eliminating the need for separate cable installation infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution reduces installation costs, simplifies maintenance, and ensures stable power supply without contact malfunctions or short-circuiting, as power is transmitted wirelessly, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a power-receiving coil (31) that, together with a power-supplying coil (43), forms an electromagnetic coupling circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9669844B2Vehicle transfer device, and vehicle which supplies power to transfer device

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 IHI CORP

AI summary

A transfer device transfers an electric vehicle, that has been loaded onto a pallet, in a left-right direction or in an up-down direction relative to the direction of forward travel of the electric vehicle. The pallet is provided with: a power-receiving coil that, together with a power-supplying coil of the electric vehicle, forms an electromagnetic coupling circuit; a power-receiving circuit that receives power that is supplied wirelessly from the outside via the electromagnetic coupling circuit; and an electric motor that is driven by power received by the power-receiving circuit, and that causes the pallet to move in the left-right direction or in the up-down direction.