Wireless Power Feeding Foreign Substance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power feeding systems in magnetic fields face challenges in accurately detecting foreign substances due to fluctuations in electric characteristic values like the Q factor, which are influenced by the quantity of conductors in the power receiving apparatus, making it difficult to set appropriate thresholds for detection across various types of apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A power feeding apparatus and method that includes a power feeding unit, a measuring unit, and a foreign substance detection unit, which sets and compares a threshold value based on the quantity of conductors in the power receiving apparatus, using electric characteristic values such as the Q factor, inductance, or surface area to accurately detect foreign substances by measuring changes in these values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed threshold is used for foreign substance detection based on electric characteristic values, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates because the threshold cannot accommodate variations in conductor quantity across different power receiving apparatus types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed threshold to a dynamic threshold that adapts to each power receiving apparatus. The system calculates an appropriate threshold based on the actual electric characteristic values measured during power feeding, allowing the threshold to change according to the specific apparatus being powered. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while achieving accurate detection across different apparatus types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the detection threshold from a fixed value to a variable value that is calculated based on measured electric characteristic values. By deriving the threshold from actual measurements during power feeding operation, the system adapts to variations in conductor quantity and configuration across different power receiving apparatus types, thereby maintaining detection accuracy without complicating the overall method.
2Measurement precision
If the quantity of conductors in the power receiving apparatus is considered for threshold setting, then the detection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to the need to account for different apparatus configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the power receiving apparatus to provide information about its own conductor configuration to the power feeding apparatus. The receiving apparatus transmits data about its conductor quantity and arrangement, allowing the feeding apparatus to automatically calculate an appropriate threshold without requiring manual configuration or complex external analysis. This reduces system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured electric characteristic values from actual power feeding operation to determine the detection threshold. The system continuously monitors the electric characteristics during normal operation and uses this feedback information to establish an accurate threshold for foreign substance detection. This approach adapts to different apparatus configurations automatically without increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If electric characteristic values are used for foreign substance detection, then the detection method is cost-effective and does not require additional sensors, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to fluctuations caused by variations in conductor quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to using electric characteristic values by transitioning from fixed threshold comparison to dynamic threshold calculation based on actual measured values. By deriving the threshold from real-time measurements during power feeding, the system maintains cost-effectiveness (using existing sensors and measurements) while achieving accurate detection despite variations in conductor quantity across different apparatus types.
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 accurate detection of foreign substances in magnetic fields, preventing heat generation and ensuring safe power transmission by setting appropriate threshold values specific to each power receiving apparatus, thereby improving the reliability of wireless power feeding systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power feeding unit configured to supply electric power to a power receiving apparatus through a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
when a foreign substance of a conductor (such as metal) enters into the magnetic field, an eddy current may flow through the foreign substance and the foreign substance may generate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A power feeding apparatus is provided. The power feeding apparatus includes a power feeding unit configured to supply electric power to a power receiving apparatus through a magnetic field; a measuring unit configured to measure an electric characteristic value and to generate a measurement value; a power receiving unit configured to provide a set value; and a foreign substance detection unit configured to detect a foreign substance in the magnetic field based on the set value and the measurement value. A power receiving apparatus, a power feeding system, and a method of controlling power feeding are also provided.