WO2012158800A2

WO2012158800A2 - System and method for aligning power transfer modules within a vehicle wireless charging system

Info

Publication number: WO2012158800A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/038141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Wright; Gunnar BRACELLY; Jeffrey Golden; Steven M. Mainville; Sreeniwas Ranganathan
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Priority date: 2011-05-18
Filing date: 2012-05-16
Publication date: 2012-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2013-11-18
Also published as: WO2012158800A3

Abstract

A vehicle wireless charging system includes a power transmission module configured to transfer energy to a power receiver module of a portable electronic device. The vehicle wireless charging system also includes a platform configured to contact the portable electronic device, and to facilitate translation of the portable electronic device relative to the power transmission module along a direction of travel. The vehicle wireless charging system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module. The controller is configured to detect alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module, and to output a signal indicative of the detected alignment.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING POWER TRANSFER MODULES WITHIN A VEHICLE WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/487,467, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING COILS WITHIN A VEHICLE WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM", filed May 18, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates generally to wireless charging systems for motor vehicles, and more specifically, to a system and method for aligning power transfer modules within a vehicle wireless charging system.

[0003] Passengers frequently carry portable electronic devices, such as phones, cameras, and music players, into a vehicle. Consequently, it may be desirable for the passengers to charge the portable electronic devices via the vehicle electrical system. As will be appreciated, the portable electronic devices may be connected to the electrical system by a direct wired connection (e.g., a power cable connected to an auxiliary power outlet) or a wireless charging system. Wireless charging systems typically include a power transmission module configured to transfer energy from the vehicle electrical system to a power receiver module within the portable electronic device. To facilitate efficient energy transfer between the power transmission module and the power receiver module, the modules are typically aligned with one another prior to initiation of the energy transfer. The modules will then remain aligned throughout the charging process. Unfortunately, due to variations in the position of the power receiver module within assorted portable electronic devices, it may be difficult to establish module alignment. In addition, if module alignment is established, it may be difficult to maintain alignment throughout the charging process due to movement of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a vehicle wireless charging system including a power transmission module configured to transfer energy to a power receiver module of a portable electronic device. The vehicle wireless charging system also includes a platform configured to contact the portable electronic device, and to facilitate translation of the portable electronic device relative to the power transmission module along a direction of travel. The vehicle wireless charging system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module. The controller is configured to detect alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module, and to output a signal indicative of the detected alignment.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a vehicle wireless charging system including a power transmission module configured to transfer energy to a power receiver module of a portable electronic device. The vehicle wireless charging system also includes a platform configured to contact the portable electronic device, and to facilitate translation of the portable electronic device relative to the power transmission module along a direction of travel. The vehicle wireless charging system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module. The controller is configured to receive a signal to initiate a calibration mode, to facilitate movement of the platform along the direction of travel until alignment between the power receiver module and the power transmission module is detected, and to block movement of the platform along the direction of travel upon detecting the alignment.

[0006] The present invention further relates to a method for aligning power transfer modules within a vehicle wireless charging system including receiving a signal indicative of activation of a calibration mode. The method also includes translating a portable electronic device relative to a power transmission module of the vehicle wireless charging system along a direction of travel via contact with a movable platform. The method further includes blocking movement of the platform relative to the power transmission module along the direction of travel upon detecting alignment between a power receiver module of the portable electronic device and the power transmission module.

DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle that may include a wireless charging system configured to facilitate alignment between a power transmission module and a power receiver module of a portable electronic device.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary floor console, as shown in FIG. 1, having a compartment configured to store and wirelessly charge portable electronic devices.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device and an embodiment of a wireless charging system having a slot configured to receive the portable electronic device.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wireless charging system having a movable platform configured to translate a portable electronic device relative to a power transmission module.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a wireless charging system having a movable platform configured to translate a portable electronic device relative to a power transmission module.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for aligning a power receiver module of a portable electronic device with a power transmission module of a wireless charging system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 including a wireless charging system configured to facilitate alignment between a power transmission module and a power receiver module of a portable electronic device. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 includes an interior 12 having a seat 14 and floor console 16. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes a wireless charging system having a power transmission module in electromagnetic communication with an interior of a storage compartment within the floor console 16. In such embodiments, the power transmission module is configured to transfer energy to a power receiver module of a portable electronic device disposed within the interior of the storage compartment.

[0014] As discussed in detail below, the wireless charging system is configured to align the power receiver module with the power transmission module to facilitate efficient energy transfer to the portable electronic device. The wireless charging system is also configured to hold the portable electronic device in position during the charging process such that movement of the vehicle does not disturb the module alignment. For example, in certain embodiments, the wireless charging system includes a platform configured to contact the portable electronic device, and to facilitate translation of the portable electronic device relative to the power transmission module along a direction of travel. The wireless charging system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module. The controller is configured to detect alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module, and to output a signal indicative of the detected alignment. In certain embodiments, the controller is communicatively coupled to an indicator configured to alert an operator of the detected alignment upon receiving the signal. In such embodiments, the operator may place the portable electronic device in contact with the platform, translate the portable electronic device in the direction of travel until the indicator illuminates, and then activate a locking mechanism to block movement of the platform. Once the locking mechanism is engaged, the portable electronic device will be held in a position that aligns the power receiver module with the power transmission module. In further embodiments, the controller may be communicatively coupled to the locking mechanism, and configured to instruct the locking mechanism to automatically engage upon detecting module alignment. [0015] While the wireless charging system is described below with reference to a compartment of a floor console 16, it should be appreciated that additional compartments located within other areas of the vehicle interior 12 may include a similar wireless charging system. For example, in certain embodiments, a wireless charging system may be configured to provide electrical power to portable electronic devices located within a compartment or storage bin of a door panel, center stack, instrument panel, overhead console, vehicle seat or armrest, among other areas of the vehicle interior 12. In further embodiments, the wireless charging system may be configured to provide electrical power to portable electronic devices located adjacent to a surface within the vehicle interior 12. For example, in certain embodiments, the wireless charging system may be configured to charge portable electronic devices placed on a designed surface of the instrument panel, armrest or floor console 16. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the wireless charging system described below may be employed within other types of vehicles, such as boats, airplanes, buses, trains, and motorcycles, for example.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary floor console 16, as shown in FIG. 1, having a compartment configured to store and wirelessly charge portable electronic devices. As illustrated, the floor console 16 includes a body 18 enclosing one or more storage compartments. For example, the floor console 16 may include a storage compartment underneath the illustrated tambour door 20. As will be appreciated, the tambour door 20 may be configured to transition from the illustrated closed position to an open position that facilitates access to a storage compartment positioned at a front portion of the console 16. Similarly, the armrest 22 may rotate to enclose another storage compartment 24 positioned at a rear portion of the console 16. In certain configurations, the two storage compartments may be connected such that an occupant may access either storage compartment via the tambour door 20 or the armrest 22. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may include additional storage compartments positioned throughout the floor console 16.

[0017] In the present embodiment, a wireless charging system 26 is disposed within the storage compartment 24, and includes a slot 28 configured to receive a portable electronic device. In this configuration, a vehicle occupant may place a portable electronic device, such as a phone, camera or music player into the slot 28, thereby facilitating wireless charging of the device. As discussed in detail below, the wireless charging system 26 is configured to transfer energy (e.g., via an electric field, a magnetic field, or an electromagnetic field) to a variety of portable electronic devices having disparate power receiver module locations. For example, if an operator desires to charge a particular portable electronic device, the operator may activate a calibration mode via the controls 30. The operator may then insert the portable electronic device into the slot 28. A platform within the slot 28 will contact the portable electronic device, and control movement of the device in a downward direction. As the portable electronic device moves downwardly, a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module will monitor alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module of the portable electronic device. Once module alignment is detected, the controller will activate an indicator 32, thereby alerting the operator of the detected alignment. The operator may then lock the platform into position via the controls 30, thereby holding the portable electronic device in a position that aligns the power receiver module with the power transmission module. The wireless charging system 26 will then initiate an energy transfer to the portable electronic device. As discussed in detail below, the controller may automatically adjust the position of the platform to facilitate module alignment in alternative embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device 34 and an embodiment of a wireless charging system 26 having a slot 28 configured to receive the portable electronic device 34. As illustrated, the slot 28 is oriented in a substantially vertical position, thereby enabling the portable electronic device 34 to be inserted along a downward direction of travel 36. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the slot 28 may be oriented in a substantially horizontal position, or the slot 28 may be angled with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane. In such embodiments, the portable electronic device 34 may be inserted into the slot 28 along a corresponding direction of travel.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the controls 30 include a calibration button 38 configured to facilitate activation of a calibration mode. For example, if an operator desires to wirelessly charge a particular portable electronic device 34, the operator will depress the calibration button 38, and a position feedback indicator 40 will illuminate. The operator will then insert the portable electronic device 34 into the slot 28 along the direction of travel 36 until the device 34 contacts a platform within the slot 28. In certain embodiments, the platform will provide resistance to downward movement (e.g., via a damping assembly), thereby enabling the controller to detect alignment between the power transmission module of the wireless charging system and the power receiver module of the portable electronic device. For example, the controller may be configured to instruct the power transmission module to transmit an interrogation signal to the power receiver module. In such a configuration, the controller will detect alignment when the power transmission module receives a return signal from the power receiver module. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to detect energy transfer efficiency between the power transmission module and the power receiver module. In such a configuration, the controller will detect module alignment when the energy transfer efficiency reaches a local maxima.

[0020] Upon detection of module alignment, the controller will output a signal to the position feedback indicator 40 instructing the indicator to alert the operator of the detected alignment. For example, upon activation of the calibration mode, the position feedback indicator 40 will illuminate with a yellow color. The indicator 40 will then change to a green color when module alignment is detected. In addition, the position feedback indicator 40 may provide the operator with an indication (e.g., via a series of illuminated bars) of the energy transfer efficiency between the power transmission module and the power receiver module. Once the portable electronic device is positioned such that the power transmission module is aligned with the power receiver module, the operator will block movement of the platform by depressing the position lock button 42. With the platform locked into position, the portable electronic device will be held in a module-aligned position, thereby facilitating efficient energy transfer from the wireless charging system to the portable electronic device. The controller will then initiate transfer of energy to the portable electronic device, and instruct the charging indicator 44 to illuminate, thereby alerting the operator that charging has commenced. [0021] While the portable electronic device 34 is manually driven in the direction of travel 36 against the resistance of the platform in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may employ other techniques for translating the platform. For example, in certain embodiments, the operator may drive the platform to a lower extent, and the damping assembly will then slowly raise the portable electronic device until module alignment is detected. Alternatively, the operator may place the portable electronic device on the platform, and the damping assembly will slowly lower the portable electronic device until module alignment is detected. In further embodiments, the controller may be communicatively coupled to an actuator assembly configured to automatically translate the platform into a position that establishes alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module. In such embodiments, the actuator will automatically hold the platform in the desired position, thereby obviating the position lock button 42. Once the calibration is complete, the platform will be held in a position that establishes module alignment while the portable electronic device is disposed within the slot. Consequently, the operator may remove and/or insert the portable electronic device without reengaging the calibration mode.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wireless charging system 26 having a movable platform configured to translate a portable electronic device relative to a power transmission module. As illustrated, the wireless charging system 26 includes a damping assembly 46 extending between a base 48 and a movable platform 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the damping assembly 46 includes a spring 52 and a dashpot 54. The damping assembly 46 is configured to control translation of the platform 50 in the direction of travel 36. For example, an operator may insert the portable electronic device 34 into the slot 28 along the direction of travel 36 until the device contacts the movable platform 50. The damping assembly 46 will then provide resistance to movement in the direction of travel 36, thereby reducing the translation speed of the portable electronic device 34. As a result, a controller 56 communicatively coupled to a power transmission module, such as the illustrated primary inductive coil 58, will be able to detect alignment between the primary inductive coil 58 and the power receiver module (e.g., secondary inductive coil) of the portable electronic device 34. For example, the controller 56 may be configured to instruct the primary inductive coil 58 to transmit an interrogation signal to the secondary inductive coil. In such a configuration, the controller will detect alignment when the primary inductive coil receives a return signal from the secondary inductive coil. Alternatively, the controller 56 may be configured to detect energy transfer efficiency between the primary inductive coil 58 and the secondary inductive coil. In such a configuration, the controller 56 will detect coil alignment when the energy transfer efficiency reaches a local maxima.

[0023] As previously discussed, once coil alignment is detected, the controller 56 will output a signal to an indicator, thereby instructing the indicator to alert an operator of the detected alignment. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 56 is communicatively coupled to a locking mechanism 60, and configured to engage the locking mechanism upon detection of coil alignment. As illustrated, the locking mechanism 60 includes a retractable protrusion 62 (e.g., solenoid) extending from the platform 50, and multiple apertures 64 within a wall of the slot 28. Upon detection of coil alignment, the controller 56 will instruct the protrusion 62 to extend, thereby engaging an aperture 64 and blocking movement of the platform 50 in the direction of travel 36. In this configuration, when an operator activates the calibration mode and inserts the portable electronic device into the slot, the platform will translate in the direction of travel 36 until coil alignment is detected. Once the primary inductive coil is aligned with the secondary inductive coil, movement of the platform will be blocked by the locking mechanism, thereby holding the portable electronic device in a position that facilitates energy transfer to the portable electronic device. Furthermore, when an operator subsequently inserts the portable electronic device into the slot, the platform will block movement of the device when the device reaches the position in which the coils are aligned.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the damping assembly 46 is configured to drive the platform 50 in an upward direction 66. For example, after an operator has activated the calibration mode, the operator may translate the portable electronic device 34 in the direction of travel 36 until the platform 50 contacts the base 48. Once the operator has released the device 34, the damping assembly 46 will drive the platform 50 in the direction 66. Upon detection of coil alignment, the controller 56 will instruct the locking mechanism to engage, thereby holding the platform in a position that maintains alignment between the primary inductive coil and the secondary inductive coil. In a further embodiment, the weight of the portable electronic device 34 may slowly drive the platform in the direction of travel 36. For example, after an operator has activated the calibration mode, the operator may translate the portable electronic device 34 in the direction of travel 36 until the device contacts the platform 50. Once the operator has released the device 34, the damping assembly 46 will slowly lower the platform in the direction 36 due to the weight of the device 34. Upon detection of coil alignment, the controller 56 will instruct the locking mechanism to engage, thereby holding the platform in a position that maintains alignment between the primary inductive coil and the secondary inductive coil.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless charging system 26 includes lateral supports 68 disposed within the slot 28. Each lateral support is configured to block movement of the portable electronic device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel 36, thereby aligning the primary inductive coil with the secondary inductive coil in a lateral direction. As illustrated, the lateral supports 68 are angled to guide the portable electronic device 34 toward the platform as the device is translated along the direction of travel. The supports may be constructed from flexible material configured to accommodate devices having a variety of widths. In addition, certain embodiments may include fore/aft supports configured to block movement of the portable electronic device 34 in the fore/aft direction. By providing flexible supports, the slot 28 may accommodate a variety of device shapes while facilitating and maintaining alignment between the primary inductive coil and the secondary inductive coil.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a wireless charging system 26 having a movable platform 50 configured to translate a portable electronic device 34 relative to a primary inductive coil 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless charging system 26 includes an actuator assembly 70 coupled to the platform 50, and communicatively coupled to the controller 56. The actuator assembly 70 is configured to automatically adjust the position of the platform 50 along the direction of travel 36 until the secondary inductive coil is aligned with the primary inductive coil. For example, an operator may insert the portable electronic device 34 into the slot 28 such that the base of the device contacts the platform 50. The operator may then activate the calibration mode. The controller 56, in turn, will instruct the actuator assembly 70 to drive the platform 50 in the direction of travel 36 until the secondary inductive coil of the portable electronic device is aligned with the primary inductive coil. Once the coils are aligned, the actuator assembly 70 will hold the portable electronic device in the coil-aligned position. While the actuator assembly 70 includes an electric motor in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may employ other actuator, such as pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or any other suitable device for driving the platform in the directions 36 and/or 66.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the controller 56 may be configured to associate the coil-aligned platform position with a particular portable electronic device. For example, the wireless charging system may include multiple buttons corresponding to various portable electronic devices. In such a configuration, the operator may associate a particular button with a desired portable electronic device. Once the wireless charging system has been calibrated to the desired portable electronic device, the operator may depress the appropriate button, and the controller will automatically instruct the actuator assembly to position the platform in the appropriate coil-aligned position for the device. In this manner, the wireless charging system may accommodate a variety of devices, while obviating the calibration process when switching between devices having stored coil-aligned positions.

[0028] While the wireless charging system described above utilizes inductive coupling to transfer energy to the portable electronic device, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may employ other types of wireless power transfer systems. For example, in certain embodiments, the wireless charging system may utilize capacitive coupling to transfer energy to the portable electronic device. In such embodiments, the power transmission module of the wireless charging system may include a primary electrode (e.g., in the form of a flat plate), and the power receiver module of the portable electronic device may include a secondary electrode (e.g., in the form of a flat plate). When the electrodes are aligned, energy may be transferred from the wireless charging system to the portable electronic device via capacitive coupling. In further embodiments, the power transmission module may be configured to wirelessly transfer energy to the power receiver module via near-field or far-field resonant coupling. In such embodiments, energy may be transferred from the wireless charging system to the portable electronic device when the modules are aligned. It should be appreciated that modules may be aligned (e.g., in an alignment that facilitates efficient energy transfer) while being physically separated and/or offset from one another. Accordingly, the wireless charging system may be configured to detect module alignment based on a return signal from the power receiver module and/or detection of a local maxima in energy transfer efficiency, rather than based on physical proximity of the modules.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 72 for aligning a power receiver module of a portable electronic device with a power transmission module of a wireless charging system. First, as represented by block 74, a calibration mode is activated. For example, an operator may depress a calibration button on the wireless charging system, thereby instructing the controller to enter the calibration mode. Next, the portable electronic device is translated relative to the power transmission module via contact with a movable platform, as represented by block 76. For example, an operator may drive the portable electronic device into the slot along the direction of travel. Alternatively, the platform may be driven by an actuator assembly configured to adjust the position of the portable electronic device relative to the power transmission module.

[0030] If module alignment is detected, as represented by block 78, movement of the platform will be blocked, as represented by block 80. Otherwise, the platform will continue to translate until the modules are aligned. As previously discussed, movement of the platform may be blocked by a locking mechanism that is either manually or automatically engaged. Alternatively, the actuator assembly may be configured to hold the platform in the position that establishes alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module. Once the modules are aligned, the wireless charging system will begin charging the portable electronic device, as represented by block 82. Because the power transmission module is aligned with the power receiver module, the wireless charging system will provide an efficient transfer of energy to the portable electronic device.

[0031] While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re- sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle wireless charging system, comprising:

a power transmission module configured to transfer energy to a power receiver module of a portable electronic device;

a platform configured to contact the portable electronic device, and to facilitate translation of the portable electronic device relative to the power transmission module along a direction of travel; and

a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module, wherein the controller is configured to detect alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module, and to output a signal indicative of the detected alignment.

2. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 1, comprising an indicator communicatively coupled to the controller, and configured to alert an operator of the detected alignment upon receiving the signal.

3. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 1, comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively block movement of the platform relative to the power transmission module along the direction of travel.

4. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 3, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is configured to block movement of the platform upon receiving the signal.

5. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 1, comprising a damping assembly coupled to the platform, and configured to control movement of the platform along the direction of travel.

6. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 1, comprising an actuator assembly coupled to the platform, and communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to automatically adjust a position of the platform along the direction of travel, and to hold the platform in the position upon receiving the signal.

7. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the power transmission module to transfer energy to the power receiver module upon detecting alignment between the power transmission module and the power receiver module.

8. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 1, comprising a slot configured to receive the portable electronic device, wherein the platform is disposed within the slot.

9. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 8, comprising a plurality of lateral supports disposed within the slot, wherein each lateral support is configured to block movement of the portable electronic device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.

10. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle wireless charging system is disposed within a floor console of a vehicle.

11. A vehicle wireless charging system, comprising:

a controller communicatively coupled to the power transmission module, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal to initiate a calibration mode, to facilitate movement of the platform along the direction of travel until alignment between the power receiver module and the power transmission module is detected, and to block movement of the platform along the direction of travel upon detecting the alignment.

12. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 11, comprising a locking mechanism communicatively coupled to the controller, and configured to selectively block movement of the platform.

13. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 11, comprising an actuator assembly coupled to the platform, and communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the actuator assembly to adjust a position of the platform along the direction of travel until alignment between the power receiver module and the power transmission module is detected, and to block movement of the platform along the direction of travel upon detecting the alignment.

14. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 11, comprising a damping assembly coupled to the platform, and configured to control movement of the platform along the direction of travel.

15. The vehicle wireless charging system of claim 11, comprising:

a slot configured to receive the portable electronic device, wherein the platform is disposed within the slot; and

a plurality of lateral supports disposed within the slot, wherein each lateral support is configured to block movement of the portable electronic device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.

16. A method for aligning power transfer modules within a vehicle wireless charging system, comprising:

receiving a signal indicative of activation of a calibration mode;

translating a portable electronic device relative to a power transmission module of the vehicle wireless charging system along a direction of travel via contact with a movable platform; and blocking movement of the platform relative to the power transmission module along the direction of travel upon detecting alignment between a power receiver module of the portable electronic device and the power transmission module.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising transferring energy to the power receiver module upon detecting alignment between the power receiver module and the power transmission module.

18. The method of claim 16, comprising activating an indicator upon detecting alignment between the power receiver module and the power transmission module to alert an operator of the alignment.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein blocking movement of the platform comprises engaging a locking mechanism coupled to the platform.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein translating the portable electronic device comprising driving the platform to move via an actuator assembly.