Wireless Power Transfer Foreign Object Detection by State-Based Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transmission systems lack a suitable method for controlling detection processing when multiple foreign object detection methods are available, which can lead to inaccurate detection and potential damage to foreign objects.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission apparatus is configured with a power transmission unit, a first detection unit for power loss-based detection, a determination unit to assess the state of power transmission apparatuses, and a second detection unit for waveform attenuation-based detection, allowing for selective use of detection methods based on predetermined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple foreign object detection methods are available in wireless power transmission systems, then detection coverage is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to lack of suitable control methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of detection methods based on real-time system conditions. The control unit switches between first detection method (power loss-based) and second detection method (waveform attenuation-based) according to predetermined conditions such as power transmission state and communication status, making the detection system adaptive rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes detection parameters by selecting different detection methods based on system state parameters. When power transmission is stable, the first detection method using power loss measurements is employed. When communication errors occur or power transmission is unstable, the system switches to the second detection method using waveform attenuation, thereby optimizing detection accuracy for each operational scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If power loss-based detection method is used, then detection simplicity is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates under certain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces communication status as an intermediary condition that determines which detection method to use. The control unit monitors communication between power transmission and reception apparatus, and when communication errors are detected, it switches from the simple power loss-based method to the more reliable waveform attenuation-based method, using communication status as a mediator to select the appropriate detection approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If waveform attenuation-based detection is always used, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into two distinct detection methods with different levels of complexity. The first detection method (power loss-based) is simpler and is used during normal operation. The second detection method (waveform attenuation-based) is more accurate but computationally intensive, and is only activated when needed based on predetermined conditions such as communication errors or power transmission instability, thereby avoiding unnecessary complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables accurate and efficient foreign object detection in wireless power transmission systems, improving the reliability of detection processing and preventing potential damage to foreign objects.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power reception apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first detection unit configured to perform detection processing using a first detection method for detecting an object different from the power reception apparatus, based on a power loss related to a power transmission by the power transmission unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower loss measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a second detection unit configured to perform detection processing using a second detection method for detecting an object different from the power reception apparatus based on at least either one of a voltage attenuation state and a current attenuation state related to the power transmission by the power transmission unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveform attenuation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250055324A1Power transmission apparatus, power reception apparatus, method for controlling wireless power transmission system, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 CANON KK
  • US20250055324A1 patent drawing
  • US20250055324A1 patent drawing
  • US20250055324A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless power transmission system wirelessly transmits power from a power transmission apparatus to a power reception apparatus. The system performs detection processing using a first detection method for detecting an object different from the power reception apparatus. The system determines whether a predetermined condition related to a state of at least either one of the power transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus is satisfied. Then, the system performs object detection processing using a second detection method, different from the first detection method, according to a result of the determination regarding whether the predetermined condition is satisfied.