Capacitive Power Coupling Across Dielectric Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to power electronic sensors embedded in an underwater vehicle without physically penetrating the impermeable membrane that surrounds them, as traditional conduits compromise the integrity of the 'smart skin' system.
Innovation Solution
The method employs capacitive or magnetic coupling using circuits with parallel plates or coupled coils to transmit direct current power across a non-conducting membrane, allowing power to be delivered to sensors without breaching the membrane, utilizing conventional electronic components and transformers to optimize transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If physical conduits are used to power sensors, then power transmission is achieved, but the integrity of the impermeable membrane is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism to transfer power across the dielectric membrane without physical contact. The membrane itself becomes the dielectric medium of a capacitor, allowing electrical energy to be coupled from the external side to the internal sensors while maintaining the membrane's impermeable barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical penetration approach (physical conduits) with an electromagnetic field-based approach (capacitive coupling). This substitution eliminates the need for physical openings in the membrane by using electric fields to transmit energy through the dielectric material non-invasively.
2Reliability
If capacitive coupling is used to maintain membrane integrity, then power transmission across the membrane is achieved, but energy losses occur during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the capacitive coupling parameters including the dielectric constant of the membrane material, the area and separation distance of the coupling capacitors, and the operating frequency to maximize power transfer efficiency. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system minimizes energy losses while maintaining effective power transmission across the membrane.
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
This approach effectively transmits power to sensors or equipment embedded behind an impermeable membrane, maintaining the membrane's integrity while ensuring efficient energy transfer, with minimal losses and suitable for various applications, including underwater systems.
Implementation Method 1
Placing parallel plates on opposite sides of the membrane can form coupling capacitors across the membrane
Implementation Method 2
circular plates with a diameter of four centimeters and separated by a one-millimeter thick dielectric would have a capacitance of about ten pico-Farads
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic coupling mechanism is effected by placing coupled coils on topologically opposite sides of a non-magnetic membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coupling power across a non-conducting membrane. A generator converts a DC source on a first side of a non-conducting membrane to a square-wave at a determined frequency. The generator output connects to a transformer and onto a first set of capacitor plates on the first side of the membrane. A second set of plates on the second side of the membrane form a set of coupling capacitors wherein the non-conducting dielectric membrane becomes part of the coupling-capacitor dielectric material. The second set of plates connects to a transformer and onto a non-linear circuit that converts the square-wave to DC voltage and current that can power a load such that the power delivered is approximately equal to the power available from the DC source on the first side of the membrane. The coupling capacitors may be replaced by coupled coils with nearly the same power delivery effect.