Wireless Power Transmitter Management System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power transfer systems cannot distinguish between limited and normal power transmission modes, leading to inefficient charging processes, as they only determine if power transmission is possible or impossible, without accounting for situations where limited power transmission is feasible.

Innovation Solution

A management system for power transmitters that includes a detection unit, a storage unit, and an identification unit to determine and output power transmission levels, which can be unavailable, limited, or normal, allowing for detailed mode selection before power transmission begins, considering factors like temperature and foreign objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional binary power transmission determination is used, then the system is simple to operate, but power transmission efficiency is reduced due to inability to distinguish limited power transmission opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidpower transmission level classification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission capability is segmented into three distinct levels: normal power transmission (unlimited), limited power transmission (time-limited), and power transmission unavailable. This segmentation allows the system to provide more granular control and information to users, enabling them to make better decisions about when and how to charge, thereby improving overall power transmission efficiency without significantly complicating the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and classification of power transmission capability before the actual power transmission begins. By determining the power transmission level in advance (normal, limited, or unavailable) and notifying users beforehand, the system allows users to plan their charging activities accordingly, reducing wasted time and improving efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments during transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If limited power transmission is classified as impossible, then the system maintains simple binary classification, but charging completion time is prolonged due to loss of potential charging opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging completion timeVSAvoidpower transmission capability information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission status is divided into three segments: normal (unlimited transmission), limited (time-limited transmission), and unavailable (no transmission). This segmentation prevents the loss of information about limited transmission capabilities while maintaining a manageable classification system. Users receive accurate information about available charging opportunities, allowing them to optimize their charging schedules and reduce overall charging completion time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to users about the detected power transmission level (normal, limited, or unavailable) before transmission begins. This feedback mechanism ensures that users are informed about the true capability of the power transmitter, preventing them from missing out on limited transmission opportunities. By providing accurate information, the system reduces the time users spend searching for alternative charging locations and accelerates charging completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If detailed power transmission levels are provided, then users can optimize charging decisions, but the system requires more complex detection and classification mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser charging decision-makingVSAvoiddetection and classification system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex detection results are segmented into three simple, easily understandable categories: normal power transmission, limited power transmission, and unavailable. This segmentation simplifies the information presented to users, making it easy for them to make charging decisions without requiring them to understand complex technical parameters. The segmentation approach balances detailed detection capabilities with user-friendly presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary between the complex detection mechanisms and the user. It processes detailed detection results (temperature, foreign object presence, power transmission state) and translates them into simple, actionable information (normal, limited, unavailable). This intermediary function reduces the complexity burden on users while maintaining accurate detection and classification capabilities within the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3306782B1System, method, and program for managing power transmission device
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 IHI CORP
  • EP3306782B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306782B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3306782B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a management system manages a power transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting power to a power receiver of a movable object. The management system includes a detection unit configured to detect a state of the power transmitter, a storage unit configured to store a relationship between the state of the power transmitter and a power transmission level indicating possibility of power transmission of the power transmitter, an identification unit configured to identify the power transmission level corresponding to the state detected by the detection unit, and an output unit configured to output the identified power transmission level before the power transmitter starts transmitting power. The power transmission level includes at least an unavailable level indicating that power transmission is impossible, a limitation level indicating that power transmission is possible under a predetermined limitation, and a normal level indicating that power transmission is possible without limitation.