Ford is pursuing a patent to enhance the effectiveness of wireless EV charging.
Existing wireless charging systems are primarily found in the aftermarket space. Nevertheless, Ford’s patent application, revealed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on June 1 (originally submitted on Nov. 30, 2021), proposes several enhancements.
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Image of Ford’s wireless charging system patent
The patent application from Ford mentions that most wireless EV charging systems leverage electromagnetic fields to transfer power from a source to a receiver in the vehicle, sans any physical connection. The transmission of energy could be disrupted if objects, especially those comprising metal, are in the immediate vicinity of the charging equipment.
The proposed solution in the patent application is to employ cameras to identify any objects that might interfere with charging, alerting the driver with visual or audio cues. Such a system could utilize the cameras, lights, and speakers already installed on a vehicle, networked to the charger, as highlighted by Ford in the application.
Image of Ford’s wireless charging system patent
Such a warning system “may diminish or completely prevent accidental activation of an associated reduced power mode or shutdown of the charging system” if objects that could potentially obstruct the energy transfer between a wireless charger and receiver are identified, as per the application. However, this might not be the primary challenge obstructing the progression of wireless charging.
Wireless charging offers the advantage of eliminating cumbersome cables, enhancing convenience. WiTricity, one of the leading providers of aftermarket wireless charging, claims that its technology can equal the efficiency and power output of most AC plug-in charging hardware. The main obstacle to widespread adoption is the high cost—a matter that Ford does not tackle in this context.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ford Wireless EV Charging Patent
What is Ford’s patent application about?
Ford’s patent application, published by the USPTO, is about enhancing the effectiveness of wireless EV charging. It proposes using onboard cameras to identify any objects that may interfere with the charging process and alert the driver using lights or sounds.
How does Ford’s proposed wireless charging system work?
Ford’s proposed wireless charging system works by transferring energy from a power source to a receiver in the vehicle through electromagnetic fields. This process is wireless and doesn’t require any physical connection. The innovation lies in the use of cameras to identify objects that might disrupt this energy transfer and alerting the driver accordingly.
What is the potential benefit of the system proposed by Ford’s patent application?
The system proposed by Ford’s patent could reduce or eliminate interruptions in wireless charging due to the presence of objects, especially those containing metal, close to the charging hardware. This can ensure more efficient energy transfer between the charger and the vehicle.
What is the primary challenge in the adoption of wireless EV charging?
The primary challenge in the adoption of wireless EV charging is cost. While wireless charging eliminates the need for bulky cables and is generally more convenient, it is currently more expensive than traditional wired charging systems. Ford’s patent application does not address this cost issue.
More about Ford Wireless EV Charging Patent
- Ford’s Patent Application at USPTO
- WiTricity’s Aftermarket Wireless Charging
- Ford’s Official Website
6 comments
nice move by ford! this could be game changing but what about the costs? they need to address that too.
wow! ford’s really stepping up their game. Wireless charging with a smart system…cool stuff! Hope it isn’t gonna be too expensive though.
great news, but really? They’re still ignoring the elephant in the room: the cost issue. Tech’s no good if it’s too pricey for most people.
all for advancements but cost is still a big issue, ford’s gotta find a solution for that. let’s see how this plays out.
i love the idea of using cameras to spot objects around the charger, ford’s smart thinking…no more worrying about stuff being too close to the charger 😀
gotta say, wireless is the future. Way to go Ford, can’t wait to see this in action…sure hope it wont cost an arm and a leg though.