Wireless Power Supply System Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of wireless electric power supply to vehicles is compromised by positional mismatching between power-receiving and power-transmitting devices, especially when vehicles are in motion or of varying types, leading to reduced power transfer efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle electric power supply system that includes a power-receiving device and a charging control unit within the vehicle, and multiple power-transmitting devices in the electric power supply area, with a control device that detects the position of the power-receiving device via wireless communication and selects the closest power-transmitting device for optimal power transfer, using magnetic resonance and a selector switch to ensure efficient energy transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless power supply is implemented while vehicles are traveling, then power supply accessibility is improved, but power supply efficiency deteriorates due to positional mismatching between power-receiving and power-transmitting devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply accessibilityVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the power-transmitting devices selectable and switchable based on real-time vehicle position. The control device dynamically selects which power-transmitting device to activate based on the detected position of the power-receiving device in the vehicle, allowing the system to adapt to moving vehicles while maintaining optimal coupling between transmitting and receiving coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power supply area into multiple zones with separate power-transmitting devices arranged at different positions. This segmentation allows the system to target specific regions and select the most appropriate transmitting device based on where the vehicle's power-receiving device is located, thereby maintaining efficiency across different vehicle positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If power-receiving device position varies by vehicle type, then system versatility is improved, but power supply efficiency deteriorates due to increased positional mismatching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle type compatibilityVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by providing multiple power-transmitting devices at different positions within the power supply area. This multi-functional arrangement allows the system to accommodate different vehicle types (passenger vehicles, trucks, etc.) with varying power-receiving device positions, ensuring efficient power transfer regardless of vehicle configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of power-transmitting device selection based on the detected position of the power-receiving device. By adjusting which transmitting device is activated according to the receiving device's position (which varies by vehicle type), the system maintains optimal coupling efficiency across different vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power-transmitting devices are provided at different positions, then adaptability to different vehicle positions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply function across multiple transmitting devices positioned at different locations. Each device handles a specific zone, and the control device selects the appropriate segment based on vehicle position, providing adaptability without requiring a single complex adjustable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device automatically detects the position of the power-receiving device and autonomously selects the most appropriate power-transmitting device to activate. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex control mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

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 system effectively suppresses deterioration in electric power supply efficiency by accurately selecting the optimal power-transmitting device based on the position of the power-receiving device, ensuring consistent and efficient wireless power delivery to vehicles, even when they are in motion or of different types.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing magnetic resonance to supply electric power wirelessly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

supply electric power wirelessly from the selected power-transmitting devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2757657B1Moving-vehicle electric power feeding system
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 IHI CORP
  • EP2757657B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2757657B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2757657B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is vehicle electric power supply system (A) that supplies electric power wirelessly to a vehicle (M) that is positioned within an electric power supply area (X). The vehicle electric power supply system (A) has: a power-receiving device (m1) that is provided in the vehicle; a plurality of power-transmitting devices (1a1, 1a2, 1a3, 1b1, 1b2, 1b3, 1c1, 1c2, 1c3) that are provided at mutually different positions within the electric power supply area; a position detecting device (4) that detects the position of the power-receiving device within the electric power supply area; and a control device (4) that, based on detection results from the position detecting device, selects from among the plurality of power-transmitting devices the power-transmitting device that is located in a position that corresponds to the power-receiving device, and then causes power to be supplied wirelessly from the selected power-transmitting device.