Wireless Power Supply Thruster Contact Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power supply systems for underwater or surface water applications face damage risks due to external forces like tidal currents and waves, as they require a fixed positional relationship between the mobile object and structure, leading to potential damage when these forces exceed the static frictional force.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power supply system that includes a contact portion on the mobile object to press against a structure using a thruster, combined with a position detecting device to ensure stable power transmission and stop power transfer when the positional relationship deviates from a reference position, utilizing metal or ultrasonic detection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile object and structure are firmly fitted to each other during power transmission, then stable power transmission is achieved, but damage occurs to the fitted portion when external forces exceed static friction
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fitted connection to a dynamic controlled connection. The mobile object can be pressed against the structure by a thruster during power transmission to maintain stability, and can be separated when external forces become too large, preventing damage while ensuring reliable power transfer when needed.
2Reliability
If the mobile object and structure are firmly fitted during power transmission, then power transmission stability is improved, but operator burden increases due to repair requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic separation of the mobile object from the structure when external forces become excessive, preventing damage that would require repair. This reduces maintenance burden while maintaining power transmission stability during normal operation through controlled pressing by the thruster.
3Strength
If the mobile object is allowed to separate from the structure, then damage is prevented, but power transmission stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using a thruster to press the mobile object against the structure before and during power transmission. This proactive measure ensures stable contact and reliable power transfer, while allowing separation only when necessary to prevent damage.
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 stabilizes power transmission by increasing static friction between the contact portion and structure, preventing damage by allowing separation without physical fitting, thus protecting both the mobile object and structure from external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a thruster that presses the contact portion against the structure during the transmission of electric power
Implementation Method 2
increasing static friction between the contact portion and the structure
Implementation Method 3
the position detecting device includes a metal piece that is disposed in one of the mobile object and the structure on which the power-receiving device is mounted and a metal detecting device that is disposed in one of the mobile object and the structure on which the power-supplying device is mounted and detects the metal piece in a wireless manner
Implementation Method 4
the position detecting device includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting device that is disposed in one of the mobile object and the structure on which the power-receiving device is mounted and an ultrasonic wave receiving device that is disposed in one of the mobile object and the structure on which the power-supplying device is mounted
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power supply system includes a power-supplying device mounted on one of a mobile object and a structure different from the mobile object and a power-receiving device mounted on the other of the mobile object and the structure and supplies electric power from the power-supplying device to the power-receiving device disposed to face the power-supplying device under water or on surface of water. The wireless power supply system includes a contact portion that is disposed in the mobile object and that comes in contact with the structure and a thruster that presses the contact portion against the structure during the transmission of electric power.