Wireless Power Supply Extraneous Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact power supply systems struggle to distinguish between changes in load caused by charging or load modulation and those due to the presence of extraneous objects, which can lead to unintended power supply interference.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus equipped with object sensors on a placing table that generate detection signals, a determiner to assess these signals against reference values, and a controller to manage power supply based on the presence of extraneous objects, ensuring independent detection and control to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply is performed using electromagnetic field resonance phenomenon, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but extraneous objects cannot be reliably detected and controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent object sensors positioned at different locations on the placing table. Each sensor independently monitors its local area, and the controller integrates signals from multiple sensors to detect extraneous objects. This segmentation approach improves detection reliability without requiring a single complex detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple object sensors act as intermediaries between the power supply system and the extraneous objects. These sensors detect changes in the electromagnetic field or other physical parameters caused by extraneous objects, converting them into detection signals that the controller can process. This intermediary approach enables reliable detection while keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If load change detection is used to detect extraneous objects, then detection capability is provided, but distinction between charging load changes and extraneous object load changes becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented from the power supply function. Multiple object sensors are dedicated solely to detection, while the power supply unit handles power transmission. This separation allows detection signals to be processed independently from power delivery signals, enabling precise identification of extraneous objects without interference from charging load changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback signals from multiple object sensors and processes them to distinguish extraneous objects from legitimate electronic devices. By analyzing patterns in detection signals from multiple sensors simultaneously, the system can differentiate between load changes caused by extraneous objects versus those caused by normal charging operations or communication.
3Measurement precision
If power supply is controlled based on single sensor detection, then simple control is achieved, but detection accuracy is insufficient to prevent interference with extraneous objects
Solution Approach 1:
The placing table surface is segmented into multiple detection zones, each monitored by a dedicated object sensor. This spatial segmentation allows the system to detect not only the presence but also the location of objects. By requiring corroboration from multiple sensors or analyzing spatial patterns, the system achieves high detection accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple sensor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple object sensors are merged into a coordinated detection network controlled by a single controller. The controller integrates signals from all sensors, combining their individual detection capabilities to achieve superior overall detection accuracy. This merging approach allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-sensor detection without requiring each sensor to be overly complex.
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
Effectively detects extraneous objects and controls power supply to prevent interference, allowing for safe and reliable wireless charging of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Communication apparatuses in such non-contact power supply systems that supply power to electronic devices utilizing the electromagnetic field resonance phenomenon are known.
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of object sensors that are provided on the placing table, and generate object detection signals
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus of this invention includes a communication unit that performs transmission of power and transmission/reception of information, in a non-contact manner, a plurality of object sensors that are provided on a placing table, and generate object detection signals, a determiner that determines, based on identification information of the electronic device acquired by the communication unit, whether or not the detection signals from the object sensors are within predetermined reference value ranges, a power supply unit that supplies power to the electronic device if it is determined that the detection signals are within the reference value ranges, and a controller that uses signals from object sensors that have not detected placement of the electronic device for detecting extraneous object, and that controls the power supply unit based on whether or not an extraneous object is detected.