Wireless Power Transfer Coil Alignment via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of wireless power transfer (WPT) coils between vehicles and ground-based charging systems is often misaligned due to various factors such as vehicle load, tire conditions, and infrastructure issues, leading to reduced efficiency in power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses sensor data to detect three-dimensional misalignments between primary and secondary WPT coils and sends control commands to actuators to adjust the coil positions, employing machine learning to optimize the alignment and improve power transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wireless power transfer is implemented with fixed coil positions, then the system structure is simple, but power transfer efficiency decreases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coil alignment by making the coil positions adjustable rather than fixed. The secondary coil is mounted on adjustable members that can move relative to the vehicle body, allowing real-time alignment adjustments to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency despite vehicle suspension variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the relative position and orientation between primary and secondary coils, then feeds this information back to the control system. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the adjustable members to correct misalignment, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal power transfer
2Loss of energy
If coil alignment is adjusted to compensate for vehicle conditions, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting misalignment through sensors and correcting it through the adjustable members without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously processes sensor data and actuates the alignment mechanism to maintain optimal coil positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a combination of sensors and controlled adjustable members. Instead of using elaborate mechanical linkages or manual adjustment systems, the invention uses sensor-based detection coupled with electronically controlled positioners to achieve precise alignment
3Manufacturing precision
If sensor detection and actuator control systems are added for coil alignment, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary detection devices that measure the relative position between coils and convert it into electrical signals for the control system. These sensors act as mediators between the physical coil alignment state and the electronic control system, enabling precise measurement without requiring direct mechanical coupling
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
The solution enables precise alignment of WPT coils, increasing the efficiency of power transfer and reducing waste energy, particularly beneficial for infrastructure operators and indoor charging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a ground-based coil is supplied power, thereby inducing a current remotely in a second, vehicle-based coil
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device obtains sensor data indicative of three dimensional (3-D) orientations of primary and secondary wireless power transfer (WPT) charging coils. The secondary coil is mounted to a vehicle and the primary coil provides charge to the secondary coil during charging. The device detects misalignment between the primary and secondary WPT coils based on the sensor data. The device determines a coil alignment correction to offset the detected misalignment. The device sends control commands to one or more actuators to implement the coil alignment correction by moving one or more of the coils, either directly (e.g., via directly-coupled actuators) or indirectly (e.g., via the suspension of a vehicle).