Sensor systems and methods

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sensor system and method. The sensor system includes one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving in a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas are one or more of the conditions around the axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system, and the one or more rotor antennas are configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace disposed on the outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with respect to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed in this patent application relates to sensor systems. Background Art

[0002] In traditional rotating machine applications, wireless monitoring systems are necessary in order to verify system-level models, provide condition-based monitoring and can be used for asset control. In order to increase the fidelity and / or reliability of the sensed data obtained by the sensor, a multi-channel sensing system is preferred. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensing systems are ideal for rotating applications because SAW systems are essentially passive, among other things, and do not require the use of batteries or other energy collection technologies at the sensing points of the system, and the SAW system can be interrogated via wireless devices. These properties make it a candidate for sensors in areas where mobile and / or thermal environments exclude the use of wired and / or conventional electronics. A key attribute associated with a passive sensing system such as a SAW sensing system is having an efficient radio frequency (RF) connection. Improved sensing data communication between a sensor system and a reader disposed away from the sensor system can be achieved by an optimal RF connector antenna design within the sensing system.

[0003] One problem with multi-channel sensing systems is crosstalk between two or more channels. Crosstalk between channels of a sensing system causes problems because each channel can cause interference to adjacent channels. This interference can reduce the measurement accuracy of the sensed parameter or can render the system unusable when the interference is severe enough. Another problem with wireless multi-channel sensing systems is establishing and maintaining electrical connections between the rotor antenna and the stator antenna, and between the rotor antenna and a reader that is located away from the sensing antenna. A rotor antenna that does not maintain signal connectivity with the reader through the stator antenna will provide inaccurate, sporadic data, or no data at all. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, the sensor system includes one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving within a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas being one or more of around or along the axis of the sensor system, the one or more rotor antennas being configured to communicate sensed data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna, and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with respect to each other. The one or more rotor antennas are configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: radially around an outer surface of the sensor's axis or along an outer surface of the sensor's axis.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method includes extending one or more rotor antennas on a shaft that moves within a stator bracket in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system. The one or more rotor antennas extend in one or more of the following situations: radially around the outer surface of the shaft of the sensor or along the outer surface of the shaft of the sensor. The method includes communicating sensed data with one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with respect to each other.

[0006] In one embodiment, the sensor system includes one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving within a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas being one or more of around the axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system. The one or more rotor antennas are configured to communicate sensed data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with each other. The one or more rotor antennas are configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: radially around the outer surface of the sensor's axis or along the outer surface of the sensor's axis. The stator bracket is configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor or in a direction along the axis of the sensor. The stator bracket includes one or more stator antennas. Each stator antenna has a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate, and a stator return trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate. The one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the one or more rotor antennas.

[0007] Technical solution 1 of the present invention provides a sensor system, comprising: one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving within a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas being around the axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system in one or more cases, the one or more rotor antennas being configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket, each rotor antenna having a rotor signal trace arranged on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace arranged on the outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with each other, wherein the one or more rotor antennas are configured to extend in one or more of the following cases: radially around the outer surface of the axis of the sensor or along the outer surface of the axis of the sensor.

[0008] Technical Solution 2: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace do not surround a common point on the axis.

[0009] Technical Solution 3: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the stator bracket is configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: around the axis or in a direction along the axis, the stator bracket includes the one or more stator antennas, each stator antenna having a stator signal trace arranged on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace arranged on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate, wherein the one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the one or more rotor antennas.

[0010] Technical Solution 4: A system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein a first stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas.

[0011] Technical Solution 5: A system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein a first stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, wherein the first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensing data using a different second channel.

[0012] Technical Solution 6: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the one or more rotor antennas are one or more differential line rotor antennas and the one or more stator antennas are one or more differential line stator antennas, wherein the one or more differential line rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more differential line stator antennas reduce crosstalk relative to the one or more microstrip rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more microstrip stator antennas.

[0013] Technical Solution 7: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the sensor system is a wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor system.

[0014] Technical Solution 8: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the shaft is configured to rotate around the axis of the system.

[0015] Technical Solution 9: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the axis is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the system.

[0016] Technical Solution 10: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the axis is configured to move in a direction parallel to the axis of the system.

[0017] Technical Solution 11: The system according to Technical Solution 1 further includes a rotor isolation ring configured to extend around the axis, wherein a first rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas is arranged on a first side of the rotor isolation ring and a second rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas is arranged on an opposite second side of the rotor isolation ring.

[0018] Technical Solution 12: A system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the sensor system is a multi-channel connection system.

[0019] Technical solution 13 provides a method, comprising: extending one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving within a stator bracket in one or more cases around the axis of a sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system, the one or more rotor antennas extending in one or more of the following cases: radially around the outer surface of the axis of the sensor or along the outer surface of the axis of the sensor; and enabling the one or more rotor antennas to communicate sensing data with one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket, each rotor antenna having a rotor signal trace arranged on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna, and a rotor return trace arranged on the outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with each other.

[0020] Technical Solution 14: A method according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace do not surround a common point on the axis.

[0021] Technical Solution 15: The method according to Technical Solution 13 further includes extending the stator bracket in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor system or in the direction along the axis of the sensor system, the stator bracket includes the one or more stator antennas, each stator antenna having a stator signal trace arranged on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace arranged on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate, wherein the one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the one or more rotor antennas.

[0022] Technical Solution 16: The method according to Technical Solution 15 further includes electrically connecting a first stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas to a first rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, and electrically connecting a second stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas to a second rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas.

[0023] Technical Solution 17: The method according to Technical Solution 15 further includes electrically connecting a first stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas to a first rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, and electrically connecting a second stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas to a second rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, wherein the first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensing data using a different second channel.

[0024] Technical Solution 18: A method according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the one or more rotor antennas are one or more differential line rotor antennas and the one or more stator antennas are one or more differential line stator antennas, wherein the one or more differential line rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more differential line stator antennas reduce crosstalk relative to the one or more microstrip rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more microstrip stator antennas.

[0025] Technical solution 19 provides a sensor system, comprising: one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving within a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas being around the axis of the sensor system or along one or more of the axis of the sensor system, the one or more rotor antennas being configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket, each rotor antenna having a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace disposed on the outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with each other, wherein the one or more rotor antennas are configured The stator bracket is configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: radially around the outer surface of the axis of the sensor or along the outer surface of the axis of the sensor, wherein the stator bracket is configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor system or in a direction along the axis of the sensor system, the stator bracket includes the one or more stator antennas, each stator antenna having a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace disposed on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate, wherein one or more of the one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to one or more of the one or more rotor antennas.

[0026] Technical Solution 20: A system according to Technical Solution 19, wherein a first stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna among the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna among the one or more rotor antennas, wherein the first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensing data using a different second channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The inventive subject matter will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sensor system according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 Description of the invention according to an embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sensor system;

[0030] Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 a graph illustrating a sensor system according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a sensor system according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6 Description of the invention according to an embodiment Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a sensor system; and

[0036] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method according to an embodiment is described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described in this specification provide a sensor system and method having a moving rotor antenna disposed on a moving shaft and a stator antenna disposed on a fixed stator bracket, the fixed stator bracket being configured to be electrically connected to the rotor antenna. The rotor antenna may have a signal trace and a return trace disposed on a first side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna, and the stator antenna may have a signal trace and a return trace disposed on a first side of a receiving dielectric substrate of the stator antenna. The first side of the dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna faces the first side of the receiving dielectric substrate of the stator antenna, so that the signal trace and the return trace of the rotor antenna face the signal trace and the return trace of the stator antenna. For example, the sensor system may be a differential line connecting the rotor antenna and the stator antenna.

[0038] The systems and methods described herein implement a wireless electrical connection between a rotor antenna and a stator antenna to communicate sensed data from a sensor on an axis (e.g., radio frequency communication) to a reader located a distance away from the axis. For example, the sensor system can be a multi-channel coupling system having: one rotor antenna, the one rotor antenna communicating with (e.g., electrically connected to) one stator antenna using a first communication channel; and another rotor antenna, the other rotor antenna communicating with (e.g., electrically connected to) another stator antenna using a second communication channel. The multiple communication channels of the multi-channel coupling system can communicate data using the same and / or different frequencies, and can operate at the same time and / or at different times. Compared to a sensor system that does not include a differential line connecting the rotor antenna and the stator antenna, the differential line connecting the rotor antenna and the stator antenna reduces cross talk between different communication channels of the multi-channel coupling system while maintaining connection performance requirements.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a sensor system 100 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The sensor system 100 includes a shaft 106 having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the shaft 106 may have any alternative cross-sectional shape and / or size. The shaft 106 extends between a first surface 126 and a second surface 128 along an axis 110 of a sensor of the sensor system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 106 is a solid member. Optionally, the shaft 106 may be hollow between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128. The shaft 106 is configured to rotate within the system 100 about the axis 110 in a direction A. For example, the shaft 106 may rotate about the axis at a speed of up to 5,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), 10,000 rpm, 20,000 rpm, 50,000 rpm, etc. Optionally, the shaft 106 may rotate at a speed less than 5,000 rpm and / or greater than 50,000 rpm. The system 100 may be used in applications such as aviation, oil and gas, transportation, renewable energy extraction, etc. to wirelessly communicate data obtained by sensors of a rotating shaft 106 .

[0040] The system 100 includes a stator bracket 112 having a semicircular cross-sectional shape extending around the axis 110. For example, the stator bracket 112 is generally C-shaped. The stator bracket 112 may have any alternative shape and / or size as desired. For example, the stator bracket 112 may have a non-semicircular cross-sectional shape, the stator bracket 112 may have a circular cross-sectional shape extending fully around and / or partially around the axis 106. In one or more embodiments, the stator bracket 112 may extend completely around the axis 106, so that the stator bracket 112 electrically includes the moving axis 106 and the sensor of the sensing system 100, and thereby electrically includes the associated electromagnetic field. For example, the stator bracket 112 may act as a Faraday cage to improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance of the wireless sensing system 100.

[0041] The stator bracket 112 is elongated along the axis 110 between a first end 122 and a second end 124. The stator bracket 112 is maintained in a fixed and / or stationary position. For example, the stator bracket 112 remains stationary when the shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110. The stator bracket 112 has a gap 120 that extends about the axis 110 and extends between the first end 122 and the second end 124 in a direction parallel to the axis 110. For example, the stator bracket 112 is separated from the shaft 106 by a certain distance according to the shape and size of the gap 120. The rotating shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110 within the gap 120 of the stator bracket 112. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment of , the stator bracket 112 is illustrated as a single component. Additionally or alternatively, the stator bracket 112 may have multiple components extending along the axis 110, the multiple components having unique and / or common shapes and / or sizes.

[0042] System 100 includes one or more rotor antennas 102 disposed on an outer surface 116 of shaft 106. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment of the system 100, the system 100 includes two rotor antennas 102A, 102B. Optionally, the system 100 may include more than two and / or less than two rotor antennas 102. The rotor antenna 102 has a curved shape that is curved to match the curved outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. For example, the rotor antenna 102 is disposed on the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106 and extends radially around the outer surface 116 of the rotating shaft 106. The rotor antenna 102 may have a curved shape that is substantially the same as the curved shape of the shaft 106. Optionally, the rotor antenna 102 may have a shape that extends radially around the axis 110 that is unique to the curvature of the shaft 106. The rotor antenna 102 will be described in more detail below.

[0043] The system 100 includes one or more stator antennas 104 disposed on an inner surface 118 of a stator bracket 112. The stator antenna 104 has a curved shape that curves to match the curved inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112. For example, the stator antenna 104 is disposed on the inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112 and extends radially around the inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112 so that the stator antenna faces the gap 120 and the axis 106. The stator antenna 104 can have substantially the same curved shape of the gap 120 of the stator bracket 112. Optionally, the stator antenna 104 can have a shape around the axis 110 that is unique to the curvature of the gap 120 of the stator bracket 112.

[0044] The rotor antenna 102 communicates sensed data with one or more stator antennas 104 as the shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110. For example, the first rotor antenna 102A is electrically connected to the first stator antenna 104A to communicate the sensed data from the first rotor antenna 102A to the first stator antenna 104A. Additionally, the second rotor antenna 102B is electrically connected to the second stator antenna 104B to communicate the sensed data from the second rotor antenna 102B to the second stator antenna 104B. For example, the first rotor antenna 102A is electrically connected to the first stator antenna 104A via a first radio frequency (RF) signal, and the second rotor antenna 102B is electrically connected to the second stator antenna 104B via a second RF signal.

[0045] The rotor antenna 102 wirelessly communicates sensed data sensed (e.g., collected, measured, read, obtained, etc.) by one or more sensors (not shown) of the system 100. For example, the system 100 may include one or more sensors disposed around the shaft 106, disposed inside the shaft 106, disposed at one end of the shaft 106, etc. to sense data such as temperature, pressure, orientation, strain, etc. The sensor may be a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor configured to measure the temperature and / or strain of the shaft 106 when the shaft 106 is rotating and / or stationary. Optionally, the sensor may be any alternative sensor that senses information about the system 100 and / or about one or more components of the system 100.

[0046] The system 100 includes a rotor isolation ring 114 extending around the shaft 106. The rotor isolation ring 114 separates the first rotor antenna 102A from the second rotor antenna 102B along the axis 110. The rotor isolation ring 114 is made of a conductive and / or magnetic material. For example, the rotor isolation ring 114 can be made of a steel alloy, a copper alloy, etc. If desired, the rotor isolation ring 114 can be made of a common material and / or a unique material with the shaft 106. The rotor isolation ring 114 electrically isolates the first rotor antenna 102A electrically connected to the first stator antenna 104A and the second rotor antenna 102B electrically connected to the second stator antenna 104B. For example, relative to a system that does not include a rotor isolation ring 114 that separates the first rotor antenna 102A from the second rotor antenna 102B, the rotor isolation ring 114 provides an electromagnetic barrier between the first rotor antenna 102A and the second rotor antenna 102B to reduce the amount of cross-talk between the first rotor antenna 102A communicating with the first stator antenna 104A using a first communication channel and the second rotor antenna 102B communicating with the second stator antenna 104B using a different second communication channel.

[0047] Figure 2 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor system 100 according to one embodiment. A first rotor antenna 102A is disposed on a first side 308 of a rotor isolating ring 114, and a second rotor antenna 102B is disposed on a second side 310 of the rotor isolating ring 114 along an axis 110 of the system 100. The first rotor antenna 102A and the second rotor antenna 102B include a plurality of rotor antennas disposed on the first side 308 of the rotor isolating ring 114. Figure 1 1 . The dielectric substrate 208 is a dielectric substrate 208 on the shaft 106. The dielectric substrate can be made of a dielectric material, such as Styrofoam, silicone, fluorinated polymers, ceramics, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the dielectric substrate 208 is a single layer of dielectric material operably connected to the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. If desired, the dielectric substrate 208 can be made of multiple layers of dielectric and / or non-dielectric materials. The dielectric substrate 208 (e.g., a single layer and / or multiple layers) can have a thickness between 1 mm and 8 mm (e.g., 0.04 inches and 0.315 inches), a thickness of less than 1 mm, and / or a thickness greater than 8 mm. If desired, the dielectric substrate 208 can have another thickness.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor isolation ring 114 separates the dielectric substrate of the first rotor antenna 102A from the dielectric substrate of the second rotor antenna 102B. Optionally, the first rotor antenna 102A and the second rotor antenna 102B may have a common dielectric substrate 208.

[0049] The rotor antennas 102 each include a rotor signal trace 204 and a rotor return trace 206 disposed on an outer rotor side 210 of a dielectric substrate 208 of the rotor antenna 102. For example, the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 are disposed on the outer rotor side 210 of the dielectric substrate 208, and the opposite inner rotor side 212 of the dielectric substrate 208 is disposed on ( Figure 1 The dielectric substrate 208 is operably connected to the shaft 106. For example, the inner rotor side 212 of the dielectric substrate 208 may be adhered to, bonded to, the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. The rotor antenna 102 may be referred to as a differential line coupling rotor antenna, such that the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 are disposed on the same outer rotor side 210 of the dielectric substrate 208. Alternatively, the rotor antenna 102 may be referred to as a microstrip coupling rotor antenna, such that the rotor signal trace 204 may be disposed on the outer rotor side 210 of the dielectric substrate 208, and the rotor return trace 206 may be disposed on the opposite inner rotor side 212 of the dielectric substrate 208.

[0050] The rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 are not concentric with respect to each other. For example, concentric circles, arcs, or other shapes have the same common central axis, wherein a larger circle, arc, or shape encloses a smaller circle, arc, or shape. Additionally, the concentric circles, arcs, or shapes that share a common central axis extend radially away from the common central axis in the same plane. For example, two or more concentric circles share a common central axis and extend radially away from the common central axis in the same plane. Additionally, two or more concentric circles extend different distances away from the common central axis. For example, a first circle of concentric circles may extend a first radial distance away from the common central axis relative to a second circle of concentric circles.

[0051] In contrast, the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 are not concentric with respect to each other. The rotor signal trace 204 extends radially in a first plane of the shaft 106, and the rotor return trace 206 extends radially in a second, different plane of the shaft 106. The rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 are disposed in different radial planes along the axis 110 of the shaft 106. Additionally, the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 do not share a common central axis. The rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 do not surround a common point on the axis 110. Alternatively, the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 surround different points on the axis 110. For example, the rotor signal trace 204 of the first rotor antenna 104A is disposed at a location along the axis 110 between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128 of the shaft, and the rotor return trace 206 of the first rotor antenna 104A is disposed at a different second location along the axis 110 between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128 of the shaft 106. Additionally, the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace extend radially a common distance away from the axis 110. For example, the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 are at the same common radial distance away from the axis 110.

[0052] The rotor signal trace 204 radiates the sensor wave 303 away from the rotor signal trace 204, and the radiated rotor wave 303 is received by the rotor return trace 206 when current is supplied to the rotor antenna 102. For example, the sensor wave 303A of the first rotor antenna 102A is transmitted from the rotor signal trace 204 of the first rotor antenna 102A to the rotor return trace 206, and the sensor wave 303B of the second rotor antenna 102B is transmitted from the rotor signal trace 204 of the second rotor antenna 102B to the rotor return trace 206.

[0053] The stator antennas 104A and 104B include a Figure 1 1 . The stator dielectric substrate 312 is a stator dielectric substrate 312 on the stator bracket 112. The stator dielectric substrate 312 may be made of a dielectric material, such as silicone, a fluorinated polymer, a ceramic, etc. Optionally, the stator dielectric substrate 312 and the dielectric substrate 208 may be made of the same or a unique dielectric material. In the illustrated embodiment, the stator dielectric substrate 312 is a single layer of dielectric material operably connected to the inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112. Optionally, the stator dielectric substrate 312 may be made of multiple layers of dielectric and / or non-dielectric materials. The stator dielectric substrate 312 (e.g., a single layer and / or multiple layers) may have a thickness between 1 mm and 8 mm (e.g., 0.04 inches and 0.315 inches), a thickness less than 1 mm, and / or a thickness greater than 8 mm. The stator dielectric substrate 312 may have any alternative thickness as desired.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the stator isolation ring 302 separates the stator dielectric substrate 312 of the first stator antenna 104A from the stator dielectric substrate 312 of the second stator antenna 104B. The first stator antenna 104A and the second stator antenna 104B may have a common stator dielectric substrate 312, if desired.

[0055] The stator isolation ring 302 has an outer surface 342 that is substantially coplanar with the first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312 of the first stator antenna 104A and the second stator antenna 104B. If desired, the outer surface 342 may be non-planar with the first side 314. For example, the outer surface 342 may be disposed closer to the rotor isolation ring 114 than the first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312, or may be disposed farther from the rotor isolation ring 114 relative to the first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312.

[0056] The stator antennas 104 each include a stator signal trace 304 and a stator return trace 306 disposed on a first side 314 of a stator dielectric substrate 312 of the stator antenna 104. For example, the stator signal trace 304 and the stator return trace 306 are disposed on the first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312, and the opposing second side 316 is operably connected to the stator bracket 112. For example, the second side 316 of the stator dielectric substrate 312 may be adhered to, bonded to, etc., the inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112. The stator antenna 104 may be referred to as a differential line connection stator antenna such that the stator signal trace 304 and the stator return trace 306 are disposed on the same first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312. Alternatively, the stator antenna 104 may be referred to as a microstrip-connected stator antenna such that the stator signal trace 304 may be disposed on a first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312 and the stator return trace 306 may be disposed on an opposing second side 316 of the stator dielectric substrate 312 .

[0057] The stator signal trace 304 radiates a reception wave 305 away from the stator signal trace 304, and the radiated stator wave 305 is received by the stator return trace 306 when current is supplied to the stator antenna 104. For example, a reception wave 305A of the first stator antenna 104A is transmitted from the stator signal trace 304 of the first stator antenna 104A to the stator return trace 306, and a reception wave 305B of the second stator antenna 104B is transmitted from the stator signal trace 304 of the second stator antenna 104B to the stator return trace 306.

[0058] The first rotor antenna 102A is electrically connected to the first stator antenna 104A so that the radiated rotor waves 303A of the first rotor antenna 102A are electrically connected to the radiated stator waves 305A of the first stator antenna 104A so as to wirelessly communicate the sensing data from the first rotor antenna 102A to the first stator antenna 104A. In addition, the second rotor antenna 102B is electrically connected to the second stator antenna 104B so that the radiated rotor waves 303B of the second rotor antenna 102B are electrically connected to the radiated stator waves 305B of the second stator antenna 104B so as to wirelessly communicate the sensing data from the second rotor antenna 102B to the second stator antenna 104B.

[0059] The first rotor antenna 102A and the first stator antenna 104A may communicate sensing data using a first channel, and the second rotor antenna 102B and the second stator antenna 104B may communicate sensing data using a different second channel. For example, the system 100 may be referred to as a multi-channel sensing system that communicates data using multiple channels, such that the first antennas 102A, 104A communicate wirelessly using a first channel in the multi-channel system, and the second antennas 102B, 104B communicate wirelessly using a second channel in the multi-channel system. In one or more embodiments, the first and second communication channels may communicate sensing data using a common or unique frequency, may operate at the same or different times, etc. The configuration in which the differential line first rotor antenna 102A and the second rotor antenna 102B are electrically connected to the differential line first stator antenna 104A and the second stator antenna 104B reduces the amount of crosstalk between the first antennas 102A, 104A that communicate sensing data using the first channel and the second antennas 102B, 104B that communicate sensing data using the second channel. For example, a differential wire rotor antenna electrically connected to a differential wire stator antenna reduces the amount of crosstalk and / or interference between the differential wire rotor antenna and the differential wire stator antenna relative to a microstrip rotor antenna electrically connected to a microstrip stator antenna.

[0060] Additionally, the rotor isolation ring 114 can improve electrical isolation between the first rotor antenna 102A and the first stator antenna 104A communicating using the first channel and the second rotor antenna 102B and the first stator antenna 104B communicating using the second channel relative to the system 100 that does not include the rotor isolation ring 114. For example, the rotor isolation ring 114 reduces the amount of crosstalk between adjacent communication channels of a multi-channel system and can improve the precision / accuracy of sensing data communicated between the first antenna 102A, 104A and the second antenna 102B, 104B.

[0061] In one embodiment, the system 100 may include a plurality of rotor antennas electrically connected to a plurality of stator antennas 104. For example, the system 100 may include more than two and / or less than two rotor antennas 102 configured to communicate sensing data with more than two and / or less than two stator antennas 104 using unique and / or common channels for communicating sensing data. Additionally, the system 100 may include a plurality of rotor isolation rings 114 extending around the shaft 106 to electrically isolate the rotor antennas 102 and stator antennas 104 from additional rotor antennas 102 and stator antennas 104. The system 100 may include any number of rotor antennas 102, any number of stator antennas 104, or any number of rotor isolation rings 114 as desired.

[0062] The rotor antenna 102 and the stator antenna 104 are electrically connected as the shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110 in the direction A. In addition, the rotor antenna 102 and the stator antenna 104 are electrically connected as the shaft 106 moves in the axial direction B along the axis 110. For example, the shaft 106 is configured to move in the axial direction B as the shaft 106 rotates.

[0063] Figure 3A , 3B 3C illustrate a cross-sectional view of the system 100 according to one embodiment. The circular cross-section of the shaft 106 is generally centered on the axis 110. The stator bracket 112 extends about the axis 110 so that the shaft 106 rotates within the gap 120 of the stator bracket 112. The shaft is configured to move in a radial direction C perpendicular to the axis 110 of the system 100. In addition, the rotor antenna 102 and the stator antenna 104 rotate as the shaft 106 rotates in the direction A ( Figure 1 and 2 As the shaft 106 moves in the axial direction B ( Figure 1 and 2 ) and / or electrically connected as the shaft 106 moves in the radial direction C. For example, as the shaft 106 moves in the radial direction C, the gap 402 extends between the rotor antenna 102 and the stator antenna 104. The gap 402 may change for each revolution of the shaft 106 as the shaft 106 rotates within the gap 120, may change at different revolutions of the shaft 106, etc. For example, the shaft 106 may not be centered on the axis 110, the shaft 106 may not have a circular cross-sectional shape, the gap 120 of the stator bracket 112 may not have a circular cross-sectional shape, etc.

[0064] Figure 3AOne embodiment of the system 100 is illustrated having a gap 402A extending between the dielectric substrate 208 and the stator dielectric substrate 312 as the shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110 and moves in the radial direction C. The gap 402A may be a distance less than about 7 mm (e.g., less than about 0.3 inches) as the shaft 106 rotates.

[0065] Figure 3B One embodiment of the system 100 is illustrated having a gap 402B extending between the dielectric substrate 208 and the stator dielectric substrate 312 as the shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110 and moves in the radial direction C. The gap 402B may be a distance between about 7 mm (e.g., about 0.3 inches) and about 17.8 mm (e.g., about 0.7 inches). For example, the gap 402B may be a distance of about 12.7 mm (e.g., about 0.5 inches) as the shaft 106 rotates.

[0066] Figure 3C One embodiment of the system 100 is illustrated having a gap 402C extending between the dielectric substrate 208 and the stator dielectric substrate 312 as the shaft 106 rotates about the axis 110 and moves in the radial direction C. The gap 402C may be a distance greater than about 17.8 mm (e.g., greater than about 0.7 inches) as the shaft 106 rotates.

[0067] Figure 4 A graph illustrating a sensor system 100 operating at several frequencies to communicate sensed data from a rotor antenna 102 to a stator antenna 104 using multiple communication channels. A horizontal axis 404 represents a frequency range and a vertical axis 406 represents relative decibel (dB) units. A coupling variability band 412 illustrates a range of the measured channel-to-channel coupling of a differential line rotor antenna 102 and a stator antenna 104 of the sensor system 100. For example, the coupling variability band 412 illustrates that within a range of approximately 5 dB, the first rotor antenna 102A is electrically coupled to the first stator antenna 104A and the second rotor antenna 102B is electrically coupled to the second stator antenna 104B. The coupling variability band 412 may be a range less than 5 dB and / or greater than 5 dB, as desired.

[0068] The isolation variability band 414 illustrates a range of measured channel-to-channel isolation of the differential line rotor antenna 102 and the stator antenna 104 of the sensor system 100. For example, the isolation variability band 414 illustrates that the first rotor antenna 102A and the first stator antenna 104A are electrically isolated from the second rotor antenna 102B and the first stator antenna 104B within a range of approximately 55 dB. The isolation variability band 414 may be a range less than 55 dB and / or greater than 55 dB, as desired.

[0069] The signal to crosstalk range 410 illustrates the margin of isolation between the first antenna 102A, 104A and the second antenna 102B, 104B of the system 100 from the highest coupling loss point 416 showing maximum channel-to-channel coupling for the coupling variability band 412 to the lowest isolation point 418 showing minimum channel-to-channel isolation for the isolation variability band 414. The signal to crosstalk range 410 illustrates that differential line coupling the rotor antenna 102 and the stator antenna 104 can provide at least 30 dB of isolation (e.g., 15 dB coupling margin). For example, relative to a multi-channel communication system having a microstrip rotor antenna that communicates sensor data with a microstrip stator antenna, the arrangement of the rotor signal trace 204 and the rotor return trace 206 of the rotor antenna 102 disposed on the outer rotor side 210 of the dielectric substrate 208, and the arrangement of the stator signal trace 304 and the stator return trace 306 of the stator antenna 104 disposed on the first side 314 of the stator dielectric substrate 312, improves the channel-to-channel isolation of the multi-channel communication system 100. The signal to crosstalk range 410 can be greater and / or less than the 30 dB isolation range as desired.

[0070] Figure 5 A perspective view of a sensor system 500 is illustrated according to one embodiment. Figure 6 illustrate Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a sensor system 500 is shown. Figure 5 and 6 Will be discussed in detail together.

[0071] The sensor system 500 includes a shaft 106 extending between a first surface 126 and a second surface 128 along an axis 110 of a sensor of the system 500. The shaft is configured to move in a back-and-forth direction B along the axis 110 within the system 500. For example, the shaft 106 can be circular, or substantially circular, a piston rod, an oil and gas pump rod, etc. The system 500 can be used in applications such as aviation, oil and gas, transportation, renewable energy extraction, etc. to wirelessly communicate data obtained by the sensor of the shaft 106.

[0072] The system 500 includes a stator bracket 112 ( Figure 6 ). The stator bracket 112 remains in a fixed and / or stationary position. The shaft 106 moves in the direction B within the gap 120. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the stator bracket 112 is illustrated as a single component. Additionally or alternatively, the stator bracket 112 may be made of multiple components having a unique and / or common shape and / or size extending along the axis 110. The system 500 includes one or more rotor antennas 502 disposed on the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment of the system 500, the system 500 includes a first rotor antenna 502A and a second rotor antenna 502B. The system 500 may include more than two and / or less than two rotor antennas 502 as desired. The rotor antenna 502 extends along the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106 between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128 of the shaft 106 along the axis 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor antenna 502 extends a length that is the same or substantially the same length as the shaft 106 between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128. Additionally or alternatively, the rotor antenna 502 may extend a length that is less than the length of the shaft 106. For example, the rotor antenna 502 may extend more than half the length of the shaft, less than half the length of the shaft, a portion of the length of the shaft, etc.

[0073] The rotor antenna 502 includes a dielectric substrate 508 disposed on the shaft 106. The dielectric substrate may be made of a dielectric material such as styrofoam, silicone, fluorinated polymers, ceramics, etc. Figure 5 and 6 In the illustrated embodiment, dielectric substrate 508 is a single layer of dielectric material operably connected to outer surface 116 of shaft 106. Optionally, dielectric substrate 508 may be fabricated from multiple layers of dielectric and / or non-dielectric materials. In the illustrated embodiment, dielectric substrate 508 extends around the perimeter of shaft 106. Optionally, dielectric substrate 508 may extend around a portion of the perimeter of shaft 106.

[0074] The rotor antennas 502 each include a rotor signal trace 503 and a rotor return trace 505 disposed on an outer rotor side 610 of a dielectric substrate 508. For example, the rotor signal trace 503 and the rotor return trace 505 are disposed on the outer rotor side 610 of the dielectric substrate 508, and the opposite inner rotor side 612 of the dielectric substrate 508 is disposed on the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. For example, the inner rotor side 612 of the dielectric substrate 508 may be adhered to, bonded to, the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. The rotor antenna 502 may be referred to as a differential line-connected rotor antenna, such that the rotor signal trace 503 and the rotor return trace 505 are disposed on the same outer rotor side 610 of the dielectric substrate 508. Alternatively, the rotor antenna 502 may be referred to as a microstrip connection antenna such that the rotor signal trace 503 may be disposed on an outer rotor side 610 of the dielectric substrate 508 and the rotor return trace 505 may be disposed on an opposing inner rotor side 612 of the dielectric substrate 508 .

[0075] The rotor signal trace 503 and the rotor return trace 505 are not concentric with respect to each other. For example, the rotor signal trace 503 and the rotor return trace 505 do not share a common central axis and do not extend radially around the axis 110 in a common radial plane. Additionally, the rotor signal trace 503 and the rotor return trace 505 do not surround a common point on the axis 110. Alternatively, the rotor signal trace 503 and the rotor return trace 505 do not surround the axis 110, but actually extend in a common direction with the axis 110.

[0076] The system includes one or more stator antennas 504 disposed on the inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112 ( Figure 6 ). Stator antenna 504 has a curved shape that curves about axis 110 to fit within curved inner surface 118 of stator bracket 112. If desired, stator antenna 504 may have a shape about axis 110 that is unique to the curvature of gap 120 of stator bracket 112.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the system 500 includes a first stator antenna 504A and a second stator antenna 504B corresponding to the first rotor antenna 502A and the second rotor antenna 502B. The system 500 may include more than two and / or less than two stator antennas 504 as desired. The stator antenna 504 extends between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128 of the shaft 106 in a direction along the axis 110 (not shown). For example, the stator antenna 504 extends a length that is the same length or substantially the same length as the rotor antenna 502. Additionally or alternatively, the stator antenna 504 may extend a length that is less than or greater than the length of the rotor antenna 502.

[0078] The stator antenna 504 includes a stator dielectric substrate 613 disposed on the stator bracket 112. The stator antennas 504 each include a stator signal trace 607 and a stator return trace 609 disposed on a first side 614 of the stator dielectric substrate 613 of the stator antenna 504. For example, the stator signal trace 607 and the stator return trace 609 are disposed on the first side 614 of the stator dielectric substrate 613, and an opposite second side 616 of the stator dielectric substrate 613 is operably connected to the stator bracket 112.

[0079] The system 500 includes a rotor isolation ring 514 extending between the first surface 126 and the second surface 128 of the shaft 106 in a direction along the axis 110. The rotor isolation ring 514 separates the first rotor antenna 502A from the second rotor antenna 502B about the axis 110. The rotor isolation ring 514 electrically isolates the first rotor antenna 502A electrically connected to the first stator antenna 504A and the second rotor antenna 502B electrically connected to the second stator antenna 504B. For example, relative to a system that does not include the rotor isolation ring 514 separating the first rotor antenna 502A from the second rotor antenna 502B, the rotor isolation ring 514 provides an electromagnetic barrier between the first antenna 502A, 504A and the second antenna 502B, 504B to reduce the amount of crosstalk between the first rotor antenna 502A in communication with the first stator antenna 504A and the second rotor antenna 502B in communication with the second stator antenna 504B.

[0080] The rotor signal trace 503 radiates a rotor wave 603 away from the rotor signal trace 503, and when current is supplied to the rotor antenna 502, the radiated rotor wave 603 is received by the rotor return trace 505. In addition, the stator signal trace 607 radiates a stator wave 605 away from the stator signal trace 607, and the radiated stator wave 605 is received by the stator return trace 609.

[0081] The first rotor antenna 502A is electrically connected to the first stator antenna 504A, so that the radiated rotor wave 603A of the first rotor antenna 502A is electrically connected to the radiated stator wave 605A of the first stator antenna 504A to wirelessly communicate sensing data between the first rotor antenna 502A and the first stator antenna 504A. In addition, the second rotor antenna 502B is electrically connected to the second stator antenna 504B, so that the radiated rotor wave 603B of the second rotor antenna 502B is electrically connected to the radiated stator wave 605B of the second stator antenna 504B to wirelessly communicate sensing data between the second rotor antenna 502B and the second stator antenna 504B.

[0082] The first rotor antenna 502A and the first stator antenna 504A may communicate sensing data using a first channel, and the second rotor antenna 502B and the second stator antenna 504B may communicate sensing data using a different second channel. For example, the system 500 may be referred to as a multi-channel sensing system that communicates data using multiple channels, such that the first antenna 502A, 504A communicates wirelessly using a first channel in the multi-channel system, and the second antenna 502B, 504B communicates wirelessly using a second channel in the multi-channel system. In one or more embodiments, the first and second communication channels may communicate sensing data using a common or unique frequency, may operate at the same or different times, etc. The configuration in which the differential line first rotor antenna 502A and the second rotor antenna 502B are electrically connected to the differential line first stator antenna 504A and the second stator antenna 504B reduces the amount of crosstalk between the first antenna 502A, 504A that communicates sensing data using the first channel and the second antenna 502B, 504B that communicates sensing data using the second channel. Additionally, the rotor isolation ring 514 may improve electrical isolation of the first antenna 502A, 504A communicating using the first channel from the second antenna 502B, 504B communicating using the second channel relative to a system without the rotor isolation ring 514. For example, the electrical connection of the differential wire rotor antenna 502 to the differential wire stator antenna 504 reduces the amount of crosstalk and / or interference between the differential wire rotor antenna 502 and the differential wire stator antenna 504 relative to the electrical connection of the microstrip rotor antenna to the microstrip stator antenna.

[0083] Figure 7 A method flow chart 700 illustrating a sensor system 100 according to one embodiment. At 702, one or more rotor antennas (e.g., rotor antennas 102, 502) of the sensor system are disposed on an outer surface 116 of a rotating shaft 106. The rotor antennas extend radially around and / or along the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106, thereby defining an axis 110 of the sensor system. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate, and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate. The dielectric substrate has an opposing inner rotor side disposed on the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106. For example, the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace of each rotor antenna are disposed on the same side of the dielectric substrate that extends radially around and / or along the shaft 106.

[0084] At 704, a stator bracket 112 having one or more stator antennas (e.g., stator antennas 104, 504) extends around the axis 110 and / or in a direction along the axis 110. Each stator antenna has a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate. For example, the stator signal trace and the stator return trace of each stator antenna are disposed on the same side of the stator dielectric substrate, which is disposed on the inner surface 118 of the stator bracket 112 and faces the rotor antenna extending radially around and / or along the outer surface 116 of the shaft 106.

[0085] At 706, one or more rotor antennas are electrically connected to one or more stator antennas 104. For example, when electrical stimulation (eg, current) is supplied to the rotor antennas and / or the stator antennas, radiating rotor waves and radiating stator waves electrically connect the rotor antennas to the stator antennas.

[0086] At 708, the rotor antenna electrically connected to the stator antenna communicates sensed data with the stator antenna. For example, the first rotor antenna and the stator antenna (e.g., 102A, 502A, 104A, 504A) can communicate sensed data sensed (e.g., collect, measure, read, monitor, etc.) by the sensor of the sensor system using a first channel in the multi-channel sensor system; and the second rotor antenna and the stator antenna (e.g., 102B, 502B, 104B, 504) can communicate sensed data sensed by the sensor of the sensor system using a different second channel in the multi-channel sensor system. The configuration in which the differential line first and second rotor antennas are electrically connected to the differential line first and second stator antennas and communicate in different communication channels reduces the amount of crosstalk and / or interference relative to a multi-channel sensor system that does not have a differential line antenna configuration.

[0087] In one embodiment of the subject matter described in this specification, the sensor system includes one or more rotor antennas on an axis that moves within a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas extending in one or more of around the axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system, the one or more rotor antennas being configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna, and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with respect to each other. The one or more rotor antennas are configured to extend in one or more of the following: radially around an outer surface of the sensor's axis or along an outer surface of the sensor's axis.

[0088] Optionally, the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace do not encircle a common point on the axis.

[0089] Optionally, the stator bracket is configured to extend in one or more of the following: around the axis or in a direction along the axis. The stator bracket includes one or more stator antennas. Each stator antenna has a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace disposed on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate, wherein the one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the one or more rotor antennas.

[0090] Optionally, a first stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas.

[0091] Optionally, a first stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas. The first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a different second channel.

[0092] Optionally, one or more rotor antennas are one or more differential line rotor antennas and one or more stator antennas are one or more differential line stator antennas, wherein the one or more differential line rotor antennas are configured to communicate sensing data with one or more differential line stator antennas to reduce crosstalk relative to the one or more microstrip rotor antennas being configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more microstrip stator antennas.

[0093] Optionally, the sensor system is a wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor system.

[0094] Optionally, the shaft is configured to rotate about the axis of the system.

[0095] Optionally, the shaft is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the system.

[0096] Optionally, the shaft is configured to move in a direction parallel to the axis of the system.

[0097] Optionally, the system includes a rotor isolating ring configured to extend around the shaft. A first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas is disposed on a first side of the rotor isolating ring, and a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas is disposed on an opposite second side of the rotor isolating ring.

[0098] If necessary, the sensor system is a multi-channel connection system.

[0099] In one embodiment of the subject matter described in this specification, a method includes extending one or more rotor antennas on a shaft that moves within a stator bracket in one or more of about or along the axis of a sensor system. The one or more rotor antennas extend in one or more of the following: radially about an outer surface of the shaft of the sensor or along the outer surface of the shaft of the sensor. The method includes communicating sensing data with one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna, and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with respect to each other.

[0100] Optionally, the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace do not encircle a common point on the axis.

[0101] Optionally, the method includes extending the stator bracket in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor system or in a direction along the axis of the sensor system. The stator bracket includes one or more stator antennas. Each stator antenna has a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of a stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace disposed on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate, wherein the one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the one or more rotor antennas.

[0102] Optionally, the method includes electrically connecting a first stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas to a first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas, and electrically connecting a second stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas to a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas.

[0103] Optionally, the method includes electrically connecting a first stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas to a first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas, and electrically connecting a second stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas to a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas. The first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a second channel.

[0104] Optionally, one or more rotor antennas are one or more differential line rotor antennas and one or more stator antennas are one or more differential line stator antennas, wherein the one or more differential line rotor antennas are configured to communicate sensing data with one or more differential line stator antennas to reduce crosstalk relative to the one or more microstrip rotor antennas being configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more microstrip stator antennas.

[0105] Optionally, the sensor system is a wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor system.

[0106] Optionally, the shaft is configured to rotate about the axis of the system.

[0107] Optionally, the shaft is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the system.

[0108] Optionally, the shaft is configured to move in a direction parallel to the axis of the system.

[0109] Optionally, the method includes extending a rotor isolation ring around the shaft. A first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas is disposed on a first side of the rotor isolation ring, and a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas is disposed on an opposing second side of the rotor isolation ring.

[0110] If necessary, the sensor system is a multi-channel connection system.

[0111] In one embodiment, the sensor system includes one or more rotor antennas on an axis moving within a stator bracket, the one or more rotor antennas being one or more of around the axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system. The one or more rotor antennas are configured to communicate sensing data with the one or more stator antennas on the stator bracket. Each rotor antenna has a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna, and a rotor return trace disposed on an outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are not concentric with each other. The one or more rotor antennas are configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: radially around the outer surface of the sensor's axis or along the outer surface of the sensor's axis. The stator bracket is configured to extend in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor or in a direction along the axis of the sensor. The stator bracket includes one or more stator antennas. Each stator antenna has a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate, and a stator return trace disposed on a first side of the stator dielectric substrate. The one or more stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the one or more rotor antennas.

[0112] Optionally, a first stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna of the one or more stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna of the one or more rotor antennas. The first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a different second channel.

[0113] As used in this specification, an element or step recited in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, reference to "one embodiment" of the presently described inventive subject matter is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising / including" or "having" (or equivalent terms) an element or elements with a particular property may include additional such elements without the particular property.

[0114] As used in this specification, terms such as "system" or "controller" may include hardware and / or software that operates to perform one or more functions. For example, a system or controller may include a computer processor or other logic-based device that operates based on instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a computer memory. Alternatively, a system or controller may include a hard-wired device that operates based on the hard-wired logic of the device. The systems and controllers shown in the figures may represent hardware that operates based on software or hard-wired instructions, software that directs the hardware to operate, or a combination thereof.

[0115] As used in this specification, terms such as "operably connected," "operatively connected," "operably coupled," "operatively coupled," and the like indicate that two or more components are connected in a manner that enables or permits at least one of the components to perform a specified function. For example, when two or more components are operably connected, there may be one or more connections (electrical and / or wireless connections) that allow the components to communicate with each other, allow one component to control another component, allow each component to control the other components, and / or enable at least one of the components to operate in a specified manner.

[0116] It should be understood that the application of the subject matter described in this specification is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the elements set forth in the description in this specification or illustrated in the drawings herein. The subject matter described in this specification can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in different ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used in this specification are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "including, comprising" or "having" and its variations in this specification is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items.

[0117] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the embodiments described above (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the subject matter currently described without departing from its scope. Although the dimensions and types of materials and coatings described in this specification are intended to define the parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no means restrictive, but exemplary embodiments. By reviewing the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the subject matter of the present invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims together with the full range of equivalents given to such claims. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as concise equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used only as marks and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the following claim limitations are not drafted in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted pursuant to 35 USC §112(f) unless such claim limitations expressly employ the phrase "means for" plus a recitation of functionality without additional structure.

[0118] This specification uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the subject matter of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, then they are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sensor system comprising: a plurality of rotor antennas on an axis that moves within a stator carrier, the plurality of rotor antennas being one or more of about an axis of the sensor system or along the axis of the sensor system, wherein the plurality of rotor antennas are configured to communicate sensing data with the plurality of stator antennas on the stator carrier; each rotor antenna having a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace disposed on the outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are non-concentric with respect to each other; each stator antenna having a stator signal trace disposed on an inner stator side of a dielectric substrate of the stator antenna and a stator return trace disposed on an inner stator side of a dielectric substrate of the stator antenna; At least one of the following: a stator isolating ring of the stator bracket, wherein a first stator antenna of the plurality of stator antennas is disposed on a first side of the stator isolating ring, and a second stator antenna of the plurality of stator antennas is disposed on an opposite second side of the stator isolating ring, wherein the stator isolating ring protrudes toward the shaft relative to an inner stator side; as well as a rotor isolation ring configured to extend around the shaft, wherein a first rotor antenna of the plurality of rotor antennas is disposed on a first side of the rotor isolation ring and a second rotor antenna of the plurality of rotor antennas is disposed on an opposing second side of the rotor isolation ring, wherein the rotor isolation ring protrudes toward the stator bracket relative to the outer rotor side; wherein the plurality of rotor antennas are configured to extend one or more of: radially around an outer surface of the shaft of the sensor or along the outer surface of the shaft of the sensor; and Wherein the plurality of rotor antennas are a plurality of differential line rotor antennas and the plurality of stator antennas are a plurality of differential line stator antennas, wherein the plurality of differential line rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with the plurality of differential line stator antennas reduce crosstalk relative to one or more microstrip rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with one or more microstrip stator antennas.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace do not encircle a common point on the axis.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of rotor antennas.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: A first stator antenna among the plurality of stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a first rotor antenna among the plurality of rotor antennas, and a second stator antenna among the plurality of stator antennas is configured to be electrically connected to a second rotor antenna among the plurality of rotor antennas.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate sensing data using a second, different channel.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor system is a wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor system.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft is configured to rotate about the axis of the system.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the system.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft is configured to move in a direction parallel to the axis of the system.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor system is a multi-channel connection system.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Non-concentricity indicates that the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace occupy two different planes.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace share a common central axis.

13. A method for a sensor system, comprising: causing a plurality of rotor antennas on a shaft moving within a stator carrier to extend one or more of around or along an axis of the sensor system, the plurality of rotor antennas extending one or more of: radially around an outer surface of the shaft of the sensor or along the outer surface of the shaft of the sensor; extending a plurality of stator antennas on the stator bracket one or more of about or along the axis of the sensor system, the plurality of stator antennas extending radially against an inner stator surface of the stator bracket or along an inner stator surface of an axis of the sensor; At least one of the following two method steps i) and ii): i) providing a stator isolating ring as part of the stator bracket; disposing a first stator antenna of the plurality of stator antennas on a first side of the stator isolating ring; and disposing a second stator antenna of the plurality of stator antennas on an opposite second side of the stator isolating ring; and ii) providing a rotor isolation ring so that the rotor isolation ring extends around the shaft; arranging a first rotor antenna of the plurality of rotor antennas on a first side of the rotor isolation ring; and arranging a second rotor antenna of the plurality of rotor antennas on an opposite second side of the rotor isolation ring; and causing the plurality of rotor antennas to communicate sensing data with the plurality of stator antennas on the stator carrier, each rotor antenna having a rotor signal trace disposed on an outer rotor side of a dielectric substrate of the rotor antenna and a rotor return trace disposed on the outer rotor side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace are non-concentric with respect to each other; and Wherein the plurality of rotor antennas are a plurality of differential line rotor antennas and the plurality of stator antennas are a plurality of differential line stator antennas, wherein the plurality of differential line rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with the plurality of differential line stator antennas reduce crosstalk relative to one or more microstrip rotor antennas configured to communicate sensing data with one or more microstrip stator antennas.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace do not encircle a common point on the axis.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising extending the stator bracket in one or more of the following situations: around the axis of the sensor system or in a direction along the axis of the sensor system, the stator bracket comprising the plurality of stator antennas, each stator antenna having a stator signal trace disposed on a first side of a stator dielectric substrate and a stator return trace disposed on the first side of the stator dielectric substrate, wherein the plurality of stator antennas are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of rotor antennas.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising electrically connecting a first stator antenna of the plurality of stator antennas to a first rotor antenna of the plurality of rotor antennas, and electrically connecting a second stator antenna of the plurality of stator antennas to a second rotor antenna of the plurality of rotor antennas. 17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the first stator antenna and the first rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensed data using a first channel, and the second stator antenna and the second rotor antenna are configured to communicate the sensed data using a second, different channel.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Non-concentricity indicates that the rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace occupy two different planes.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The rotor signal trace and the rotor return trace share a common central axis.

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