Device alignment in inductive power transfer systems

摘要

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power receiver includes a first inductive element configured to receive wireless charging power from a transmitter. The wireless power receiver further includes a second inductive element, laterally separated from the first, configured to receive wireless charging power from the transmitter. The wireless power receiver further includes a position detector configured to determine a lateral position of the receiver relative to the transmitter based on characteristics of the first and second inductive elements.

主权项

1. A wireless power receiver comprising:
a first inductive element configured to receive wireless charging power from a transmitter; a second inductive element, laterally separated from the first, configured to receive wireless charging power from the transmitter; a switch configured to, intermittently, electrically couple a first node, common to both the first and second inductive elements, with a second node, common to both a first sensor and a second sensor; the first sensor configured to measure a characteristic between one end of the first inductive element, opposite the first node, and the second node; the second sensor configured to measure a characteristic between one end of the second inductive element, opposite the first node, and the second node; and a position detector configured to determine a lateral position of the receiver relative to the transmitter based on the measured characteristics, and to provide at least one output for alignment of a vehicle comprising the wireless power receiver based on the determined lateral position.