Device for the transmission of a microwave along a rotating part

Abstract

The invention refers to a device comprising a rotating part, a waveguide and a sliding contact, wherein the sliding contact contacts a curved surface area of the rotating part and wherein the device is configured to transmit a microwave along the waveguide, along the sliding contact and along the rotating part.

Description

[0001] Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH G70387 / PT 0.3463

[0002] Device for the transmission of a microwave along a rotating part

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a device, which may comprise a rotating part for the transmission of a microwave along the rotating part.

[0005] Current technology for rotary microwave feed-throughs typically relies on the microwave signal traveling along the central axis of rotation. This is often achieved using traditional rotary joints, which can be complex and limited in application due to the central axis dependency.

[0006] The main disadvantages of the current state of the art include:

[0007] • Dependency on the central axis for signal transmission, limiting design and limited flexibility.

[0008] • Complexity and potential bulkiness of traditional rotary joints.

[0009] • Limited applicability in scenarios where the central axis cannot be used for microwave feed-through.

[0010] The present invention pursues the goal of overcoming at least one of the aforementioned difficulties.

[0011] The problem is solved by a device comprising the features of the first claim. Advantageous embodiments comprise the features of the dependent claims.

[0012] For solving the object of the invention, a device may comprise a rotating part, at least one waveguide and a sliding contact. The sliding contact may contact a surface area of the rotating part, and / or of a fixed part. However, there may be a gap between the sliding contact and the surface area. The gap may be a small gap. The surface area maybe a curved surface area of the rotating part or of a fixed part. The surface area maybe an inner curved surface area or an outer curved surface area of the rotating part or of a fixed part. The device can be configured to transmit a microwave along at least one waveguide and along the sliding contact. Providing a gap has the advantage that frictional forces can be avoided. Nevertheless, a microwave can pass through the gap. The gap is therefore so small that a microwave can pass through it.

[0013] Instead of a rotating part, there may be a part that can be moved in a different manner. In this case, the sliding contact may contact a surface area of the moving part. A waveguide of the device may run parallel to the rotating part. This means that the waveguide can extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating part. The waveguide can be a coaxial cable.

[0014] The sliding contact may contact at least one of the waveguides of the device. This waveguide can be a coplanar waveguide. The coplanar waveguide can comprise a substrate. The coplanar waveguide can comprise a central track which is between two further tracks. The central track and the two further tracks can be applied to a surface of the substrate by printing, for example. Additive manufacturing is also possible. Any type of lithographic suitable for conductive materials can be applied.

[0015] The sliding contact may contact a waveguide that is curved.

[0016] A sliding contact can comprise a pin pre-tensioned by a spring that is mounted in a sliding position. The sliding contact can be a pogo pin or a Fuzz button. The sliding contact can be a spring-loaded contact pin or spring contact probe.

[0017] A pogo pin is an electrical connector mechanism to establish temporary or permanent electrical connections. A pogo pin consists of a cylindrical metal pin contained within a spring-loaded housing. The spring provides the necessary force to push the pin outward. The pin is a conductive part that makes contact with the corresponding terminal. The housing of a pogo pin encases the spring and the pin and guides the movement of the pin.

[0018] A pogo pin is a reliable contact. Consistent pressure ensures a stable and reliable electrical connection. A pogo pin can accommodate slight misalignments and variations in connection points. Pogo pins are valued for their ability to provide secure and stable connections in a variety of settings.

[0019] A fuzz button is a type of electrical contact used in electronic applications to create reliable connections between components. Unlike traditional connectors, fuzz buttons are made from a bundle of fine, gold-plated wire filaments compressed into a cylindrical shape. A fuzz button comprises very fine wires, often gold-plated for enhanced conductivity and corrosion resistance.

[0020] The shape of a fuzz button is typically cylindrical or disk-shaped. The filaments are densely packed, creating a spring-like structure. The spring-like nature of the filaments allows the fuzz button to accommodate variations in the mating surfaces, providing reliable connections even with slight misalignments.

[0021] Thus, a pogo pin uses a single, spring-loaded pin, while a fuzz button uses a bundle of wire filaments. Fuzz buttons typically offer higher compliance and flexibility compared to pogo pins. Fuzz buttons provide multiple contact points, whereas pogo pins have a single point of contact.

[0022] The device may comprise a microwave connector on one end of the waveguide. The microwave connector can be a tiny connector like an MHF or ll.FL connector.

[0023] MHF is a miniature coaxial connector designed for high-frequency signal transmissions. MHF connectors are very small, making them suitable for compact electronic devices.

[0024] U.FL is another type of miniature RF connector, similar in size and application to MHF connectors, but with different mechanical characteristics.

[0025] The microwave connector can be a SMA connector. A SMA connector is larger and more robust compared to an MHF connector and a U.FL connector.

[0026] The microwave connector can be an l-PEX or W.FL connector.

[0027] The device may comprise a direct antenna connection to a hollow waveguide of the device. The antenna may provide a connection between the two waveguides.

[0028] The device may comprise a coplanar waveguide which partially encircles a rotational axis. A waveguide connector can be on one end or on a backside.

[0029] The device may comprise a coplanar waveguide.

[0030] The device may comprise a central axis of rotation which is occupied by other components, such as one or more coolant lines, one or more electrical contacts, a vacuum transfer system, or other necessary parts. The device may comprise a waveguide that encircles a rotational axis with a waveguide connector (6) on a backside. The device may comprise a waveguide that is in the form of a solid bushing that is located around a rotational axis with a waveguide connector (6) on a backside.

[0031] The device may comprise an antenna or an antenna system with a rotary joint. The antenna system may require rotation for signal tracking or alignment. The sliding contact can be used to transmit microwaves without the need for a central axis feed-through.

[0032] The device may be a part of a satellite ground station where one or more parabolic dishes need precise rotational alignment. The sliding contact can facilitate continuous microwave signal transmission during rotation.

[0033] The device may be a part of a radar systems comprising one or more rotating radar antennas. An antenna may rotate to provide 360-degree coverage, ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission.

[0034] The device may be a part of an air traffic control system. A rotating radar installation in air traffic control towers may comprise the device to provide consistent monitoring of aircraft movements.

[0035] The device may be a medical device which may comprise a rotary scanning equipment. The device may be a medical imaging device or a part of a medical imaging device that involve rotation, such as certain types of MRI or CT.

[0036] The device may be a scanner to transmit signals without interference from a central axis.

[0037] The device may be a therapeutic device that may rotate to deliver targeted microwave therapy to specific areas of a body.

[0038] The device may be a part of an industrial automation which may carry out rotating machinery monitoring, for example. The device may be a part of an industrial machinery that rotates during operation, for real-time transmission of microwave signals used in monitoring and control systems.

[0039] The device may be a part of a robotic arm where rotation is part of the movement, ensuring continuous signal transmission.

[0040] The device may be part of another automated system. The device may be a rotating spacecraft component for transmitting signals in components of spacecraft that require rotation, such as solar panel alignments or communication dishes.

[0041] The device may be a rotary wing aircraft or a part of it. The device may be part of a helicopter or another rotary-wing aircraft to transmit signals from rotating parts to stationary parts of the aircraft or vice versa.

[0042] The device may be part of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that requires rotational components, ensuring reliable microwave signal transmission for radar and other sensors.

[0043] The device may be a vehicle or part of a vehicle that has at least one rotating component that requires continuous signal transmission.

[0044] The invention may address the need for a reliable method to transmit microwave signals into a device mounted in a rotating fixture, where it is not feasible to feed the microwave signal directly through the central axis of rotation.

[0045] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using figures.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a coplanar waveguide.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a curved coplanar waveguide contacted by a sliding contact and a waveguide connector.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a curved coplanar waveguide contacted by a sliding contact and a waveguide connector.

[0049] Figure 4 shows the curved coplanar waveguide contacted by a sliding contact and a waveguide connector together with a inner shaft.

[0050] Figures 5 and 6 refer to a curved coplanar waveguide contacted by a sliding contact.

[0051] Figure 7 shows an embodiment with a ring-shaped coplanar waveguide.An example of a coplanar waveguide is shown in Figure 1 . The coplanar waveguide may comprise a conducting central track 1 and a pair of further tracks 2. The central track is arranged between the other two further tracks. The further tracks are separated from the central track by a small gap. The central track and the further tracks are located on a surface of a substrate 3. The central track and the further tracks are on the same side of the substrate 3, and hence are coplanar. The central track and the further tracks may have been printed on the surface of the substrate 3. The substrate 3 can be made of a dielectric material. Below the substrate 3 there may be a ground plane 4.

[0052] Figures 2 and 3 show a curved coplanar waveguide which is connected by a sliding pin on one side and a waveguide connector on the other side.

[0053] The further tracks 2 and the central track 1 of the coplanar waveguide are contacted by sliding contacts 5 on one side. The sliding contact is such that a microwave can pass through the contact. On the opposite side is a microwave connector 6 with a waveguide 7. The waveguide 7 can be a coaxial cable. The central track 1 and the further tracks 2 of the coplanar waveguide may be connected to the microwave connector 6 via pins 8.

[0054] A microwave can be transmitted via the waveguide 7 to the microwave connector 6. The microwave can be transmitted via microwave connector 6 to the central track 1 and the further tracks 2. The microwave can be transmitted via the central track 1 and the further tracks 2 to the sliding contacts 5. The sliding contacts can be connected to another waveguide for example to another coaxial cable. The microwave can be passed on via the other microwave conductor.

[0055] A coaxial cable, often referred to as coax cable, is a type of electrical cable consisting of a central conductor, which is usually a solid wire or stranded wire, surrounded by an insulating layer. Around this insulating layer, there is a cylindrical conducting shield. The shield is usually made of braided metal (such as copper) or foil, and it serves to protect the inner conductor from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and also helps contain the electrical signals within the cable.

[0056] The sliding contacts 5 can be connected to the central track 1 and the further tracks 2 of the coplanar waveguide in a sliding manner. The sliding contacts 5 can be stationary. The sliding contacts 5 cannot then be moved. It is then possible for the coplanar waveguide to rotate. The coplanar waveguide then rotates relative to the sliding contacts.

[0057] Figure 4 shows in addition a mechanism 9, 10 comprising an inner shaft 10 that occupies the rotational axis. The mechanism can comprise an axis 10 passing through a cylindrical component 9. The cylindrical component 9 can therefore be rotated around the axis 10. The curved coplanar waveguide may be attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical component 9. A microwave can then be directed to the waveguide 7 via the sliding contacts 5. Since the further tracks 2 and the central track 1 of the coplanar waveguide extend over a part of a circle, a rotational motion of the cylindrical component 9 can be limited to an angle less than 360°.

[0058] However, the further tracks 2 and the central track 1 of the coplanar waveguide can also extend over 360°. Then it is possible to rotate the cylindrical component 9 360° without interrupting a contact for the microwave. The rotation angle is not limited in this case.

[0059] Between the cylindrical component 9 and the waveguide, one or more layers 11 can be provided. The one or more layers 11 can be electrically conductive or electrically non- conductive. The one or more layers 11 can also be cylindrical.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a curved coplanar waveguide contacted by a sliding contact 5 together with a mechanism. The mechanism may be a part of a specimen holder. A specimen holder is a device used to secure and position a sample (specimen) for examination, testing, or processing in various scientific and industrial applications.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a housing 12 for the sliding contacts 5. Sliding contacts 5 can also be connected to a waveguide on the outside, for example to a coaxial cable. It is possible to rotate the cylindrical component 9 together with the coplanar waveguide comprising the further tracks 2 and the central track 1 without rotating the housing 12 and the sliding contacts 5.

[0062] The waveguide 7 can be recessed and thus protected. The waveguide 7 can run within a groove 13.

[0063] Figures 5 and 6 show a curved coplanar waveguide 1 , 2, 3 contacted by a sliding contact 5. In contrast to the case shown in Figure 4, the inside of a cylindrical component 9 is contacted.

[0064] Figure 7 shows an embodiment with a ring-shaped coplanar waveguide. The tracks 1 , 2 als well as the substrate 3 of the waveguide extend over 360°. Thus, the rotation angle is not limited. The central track 1 and the further tracks 2 of the coplanar waveguide may be connected to the waveguide 7 via pins 8 and a microwave connector. In Figure 7, the microwave connector is covered by the substrate 3 and is therefore not visible.

Claims

Forschungszentrum Julich GmbHG70387 / PT 0.3463Claims1 . Device comprising a rotating part, a plurality of waveguides (7) and a sliding contact (5), wherein the sliding contact (5) contacts a curved surface area of the rotating part (9) and wherein the device is configured to transmit a microwave along the waveguides (7) and along the sliding contact.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one waveguide (7) runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating part (9).

3. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one waveguide (7) is a coaxial cable.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding contact (5) contacts at least one waveguide (1 , 2, 3).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one waveguide is a coplanar waveguide comprising a substrate (3), central track (1 ) between two further tracks (2), wherein the central track (1 ) and the two further tracks (2) are placed on a surface of the substrate (3).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims that comprises a central axis of rotation which is occupied by other components.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims that comprises a waveguide (1 , 2, 3) that encircles a rotational axis with a waveguide connector (6) on a surface which is on the backside of the waveguide (1 , 2, 3), or that is a solid bushing that is located around a rotational axis with a waveguide connector (6) on a surface which is on the backside of the waveguide (1 , 2, 3).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one waveguide (1 , 2, 3) runs along a circle.

9. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one waveguide is attached to the rotating part (9).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating part (9) is hold by an axis (10).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding contact comprises a pogo pin or a Fuzz button.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a specimen holder.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a gap between a sliding contact and a surface area.

Images