Capacitive Data Transmission and Optical Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for contactless data transmission between objects rotating relative to each other require complex structures to determine angle changes, leading to a bulky design.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first electrode carrier featuring a marking of luminous and absorption areas for optical detection, combined with capacitive coupling for data transmission, allows for compact design and accurate angle determination using a stationary optical sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex structure is used to determine rotational position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is integrated directly onto the first electrode carrier, combining the data transmission electrode structure with the angle measurement marking structure. This eliminates the need for separate angle encoding structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the optical sensor detection of the marking's luminous and absorption areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode carrier serves dual functions: it acts as an electrode for capacitive data transmission and simultaneously carries the marking for optical angle measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating separate components for each function while maintaining both data transmission and precise angle determination capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate components are used for data transmission and angle measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is applied directly on the first electrode carrier, merging the angle measurement marking with the data transmission electrode into a single integrated component. This integration significantly reduces device size while maintaining precise angle change determination through the optical sensor that detects the marking's luminous and absorption areas during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking structure is nested within or on the surface of the first electrode carrier, with the luminous and absorption areas arranged in a compact pattern that can be detected by the optical sensor. This nested arrangement allows both data transmission and angle measurement functions to coexist in a compact configuration, reducing overall device volume.
3Device complexity
If a simple structure is used for contactless data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine angle change is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is integrated onto the first electrode carrier, combining the simple capacitive data transmission structure with the angle measurement marking in a single component. This maintains low device complexity while enabling angle change detection through the optical sensor that reads the marking's luminous and absorption areas as the electrode carrier rotates.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode carrier performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the capacitive electrode for contactless data transmission and carries the marking for optical angle measurement. This multi-functionality ensures that angle change detection capability is maintained without increasing device complexity, as both functions share the same physical structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient contactless data transmission and precise angle change detection between rotating objects, achieving a compact and cost-effective solution with high angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second electrodes being arranged in such a way that data transmission is possible due to the electrical coupling between the first and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the luminous area can be, for example, a reflective area and/or a light-transmitting (translucent) area
Implementation Method 3
an absorption area absorbs light, so that less light is emitted from the absorption area than from the luminous area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for contactless data transmission and for determining angular changes between two objects moving relative to each other about a common axis of rotation. The first object has a preferably disc- or ring-shaped first electrode carrier comprising a first electrode, and the second object has a preferably disc- or ring-shaped second electrode carrier comprising a second electrode. The first and second electrode carriers are axially spaced apart from each other with respect to the axis of rotation, and the first and second electrodes are arranged such that data transmission is possible by electrical coupling between them. The first electrode carrier has a marking comprising at least one luminescent area and at least one absorption area.Furthermore, a control unit is provided, configured to transmit a signal from the first electrode to the second electrode, containing user data. An evaluation unit is also provided, comprising an optical sensor that is fixedly positioned relative to the second object and is designed to detect the marking. The evaluation unit is configured to determine any change in angle between the first and second objects based on the marking.