Vehicle architectures, devices and control algorithms for managing wireless vehicle charging

• Main Authors: Ashby, Ryan M, Jones, Brandon R, Namou, Andrew J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.04.2019
• Subjects: ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING ORSUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES INGENERAL; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTINGELECTRIC POWER; CONTROLLING; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER; ELECTRICITY; GENERATION; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICS; REGULATING; SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for managing wireless vehicle charging, including vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of an electrical storage unit of a motor vehicle at a wireless vehicle charging station. The method includes: receiving a sensor signal indicating detection of an obstruction within a predetermined proximity of the vehicle charging station; determining whether the detected obstruction is living or lifeless; initiating, via a vehicle controller responsive to the detected obstruction being a living object, a first remedial action strategy that commands the vehicle to generate a visual or audible cue to drive away the living object; and, initiating, via the vehicle controller responsive to the detected obstruction being a lifeless object, a second remedial action strategy that commands the motor vehicle to move and thereby avoid contact with the object.