Wireless Power Position Detection Using Infrared Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless power transfer systems for induction heating cooking apparatuses face issues with erroneous detection of the power reception device's position due to heat propagation from the heating coil, leading to inaccurate positioning.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a second communication device positioned above the induction heating cooking apparatus, which receives a communication signal from a first communication device on the power reception device, determining whether the power reception coil is within a predetermined region using an array of infrared receiving units to prevent erroneous detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the power-reception-device detection unit is provided below the top plate to detect the power reception device, then the position detection function is achieved, but the detection unit is deteriorated by heat from the heating coil and heated objects, causing erroneous detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidheat deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit is extracted from the heat-affected zone below the top plate and relocated to the communication device positioned above the induction heating cooking apparatus. This separates the detection function from the harmful thermal environment, eliminating heat-induced erroneous detection while maintaining position detection capability through communication signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Communication signals serve as an intermediary mechanism between the power reception device and the detection system. Instead of directly detecting magnetic fields in the heat-affected zone, the system uses communication signals transmitted by the power reception device to determine position, thereby avoiding direct exposure to thermal interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the detection unit is placed below the top plate, then position detection is possible, but component deterioration occurs due to high temperature environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidoperating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is extracted from the high-temperature environment below the top plate and transferred to the communication device located above the induction heating cooking apparatus. This relocation removes the detection components from the thermal stress zone, preventing deterioration and maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If communication device is positioned above the induction heating cooking apparatus, then erroneous detection is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is assigned multiple functions: it enables bidirectional communication between the induction heating cooking apparatus and the power reception device, and simultaneously serves as the position detection unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate detection unit, maintaining detection accuracy while avoiding increased system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The position detection function is merged with the communication device rather than being implemented as a separate component. By combining detection capabilities with the existing communication infrastructure, the system achieves accurate position detection without adding unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration effectively prevents erroneous detection of the power reception device's position, ensuring optimal power transfer efficiency and reducing component deterioration, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and improving user usability.

Implementation Method 1

The power reception coil is wirelessly supplied with power from the heating coil through electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The power-reception-device detection unit detects a magnetic field generated by the power-reception-device transmitting unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a second communication device provided above the induction heating cooking apparatus, which receives a communication signal from a first communication device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3654494B1Non-contact power supply system
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3654494B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3654494B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3654494B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A wireless power transfer system includes an induction heating cooking apparatus including a heating coil that produces a high-frequency magnetic field, a power reception device including a power reception coil that receives power from the heating coil, a first communication device provided on the power reception device to transmit a communication signal, a second communication device provided above the induction heating cooking apparatus to receive the communication signal from the first communication device, and a notification unit that indicates whether the power reception coil is located within a predetermined region that is set in advance with respect to the heating coil, when the second communication device receives the communication signal from the first communication device.