Methods for detecting mated coils
First Claim
1. An adaptive power control system for an electromagnetic induction power transfer apparatus comprising:
- a signal receiver;
a sensor configured to detect the presence and absence of an electromagnetic induction power receiving apparatus;
a power supply with an active state and an inactive state, configured to switch between the active state and the inactive state at a selectable duty cycle; and
a power-transmitting inductor coupled to the power supply;
wherein;
the inactive state of the power supply is controlled at least in part in response to a signal received from the signal receiver; and
the inactive state of the power supply is controlled at least in part in response to a signal received from the sensor.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems for improved efficiency when an inductive power transmitter associated with an inductive power transfer system experiences a low-load or no-load condition. More particularly, methods and systems for detecting when an inductive power receiver is absent or poorly connected to an inductive power transmitter. The inductive power transmitter includes, in one example, a current peak monitor coupled to an inductive power transmit coil. The current peak monitor waits for a current peak resulting from spatial displacement of a magnetic field source within the inductive power receiver, indicating to the inductive power transmitter that the inductive power receiver is moving, or has moved, toward the inductive power transmitter. Other examples include one or more Hall effect sensors within the inductive power transmitter to monitor for the magnetic field source of the inductive power receiver.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An adaptive power control system for an electromagnetic induction power transfer apparatus comprising:
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a signal receiver; a sensor configured to detect the presence and absence of an electromagnetic induction power receiving apparatus; a power supply with an active state and an inactive state, configured to switch between the active state and the inactive state at a selectable duty cycle; and a power-transmitting inductor coupled to the power supply; wherein; the inactive state of the power supply is controlled at least in part in response to a signal received from the signal receiver; and the inactive state of the power supply is controlled at least in part in response to a signal received from the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of activating a transmit circuitry associated with an inductive power transmission apparatus, the transmit circuitry comprising a transmit coil, the method comprising:
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providing an interface surface for mating to an inductive power receiving apparatus comprising at least one magnetic field source; monitoring the transmit coil for a current spike; and activating the transmit circuitry in response to the current spike. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A method of activating a transmit circuitry associated with an inductive power transmission apparatus, the transmit circuitry comprising a transmit coil, the method comprising:
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providing an interface surface for mating to an inductive power receiving apparatus comprising at least one magnetic field source; monitoring with a processor one or more magnetic field sensors for an indication of a proximity of the magnetic field source; and activating the transmit circuitry in response to determining the proximity of the magnetic field source is at least lower than a selected threshold. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method of activating a transmit circuitry associated with an inductive power transmission apparatus, the transmit circuitry comprising a transmit coil, the method comprising:
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providing an interface surface for mating to an inductive power receiving apparatus; monitoring one or more proximity sensors for an indication of a proximity of the inductive power receiving apparatus to the interface surface; determining if a proximity of a magnetic field source is at least lower than a selected threshold; verifying that the inductive power receiving apparatus is ready to receive transmitted power; and activating the transmit circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification