Wireless Road Charging via Embedded Seam Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging road systems face challenges due to the high cost and time required for repaving entire road networks, damage from asphalt compaction, and exposure to moisture, which limits the effectiveness of magnetic field generators buried under the road.
Innovation Solution
Embedding magnetic field generators in seam gaskets that support and seal the edges of road pavement lanes, using water-impermeable rigid polymers to protect them from compressive forces and moisture, allowing for placement near the road surface and efficient propagation of magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field generators are buried under the top course paving of the roadway, then they are protected from environmental exposure, but the cost and time required for repaving entire road networks becomes prohibitively expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generators are segmented from the road paving structure and integrated into separate seam gasket components. This allows the generators to be installed in discrete locations at road seams rather than requiring burial under entire road surfaces, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming repaving of entire road networks while maintaining environmental protection through the gasket's sealed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The seam gasket acts as an intermediary component that houses and protects the magnetic field generators without requiring integration into the road base or top course paving. The gasket material serves as a protective intermediary that shields generators from moisture and environmental elements while allowing installation during routine seam repair operations rather than requiring full road repaving
2Reliability
If magnetic field generators are buried under compacted asphalt, then they are protected from environmental exposure, but the enormous pressure of compacting the asphalt is likely to damage them
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generators are extracted from the asphalt compacting process entirely and positioned in seam gaskets that are installed after the asphalt has been laid and compacted. This eliminates exposure to the enormous compressive forces of asphalt compaction while maintaining environmental protection through the gasket's water-impermeable rigid polymer construction that withstands vehicle loads without requiring the generators to be buried under compacting material
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 cost-effective and efficient wireless charging of electric vehicles during travel, with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure, allowing for widespread implementation and revenue generation through user fees, facilitating the transition to electric vehicles and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
multiple magnetic field generators embedded in seam gaskets which laterally support the top course and seal the seams of each paved travelled lane of a roadway
Implementation Method 2
wireless charging using magnetic field generators embedded in a roadway to couple wirelessly with induction wires in a moving vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for inductively charging the battery of an electric vehicle as it travels along a roadway. The system comprises a series of asphalt paving seam gaskets within which are embedded magnetic field generators. The magnetic field generator gaskets are arranged with opposite polarities exposed on either side of each of the charging lanes, so that induction wires within the vehicle transect the magnetic field lines and generate an electric current to charge the vehicle battery. Energy generated and/or distance travelled in the charging lanes can be metered and reported in order to impose user fees.