METHOD FOR ALIGNING A VEHICLE WITH AN INDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.
4 Citations
27 Claims
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1-9. -9. (canceled)
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10. A method for controlling stray electromagnetic fields for a vehicle with an inductive charging system including a stationary primary coil and secondary coil mounted to the vehicle, comprising the steps of
(a) providing sensors for detecting the relative positions of the primary and secondary coils; -
(b) providing feedback to the vehicle operator to guide the alignment of the system; and (c) biasing the feedback to direct the vehicle operator to position the secondary coil within an alignment zone. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for providing feedback to a vehicle operator for an inductive charging system including a stationary primary coil and secondary coil mounted to the vehicle, comprising the steps of
(a) providing sensors for detecting the relative positions of the primary and secondary coils; - and
(b) providing feedback to the vehicle operator to guide the alignment of the system, the feedback being based on the current alignment state which is determined based on the location of a vehicle within one or more alignment zones, the alignment state being further determined by the order in which the vehicle transitions through the one or more alignment zones. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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- 21. A method as defined in 20, wherein sub-alignment zones are provided within these zones, each of said sub-alignment zones providing different feedback.
Specification