Centrifuge Contactless Power Transfer for Slip Ring-Free Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional centrifuges rely on unreliable mechanical slip rings for powering and data transfer to active devices on rotating components, limiting their reliability and data exchange capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A centrifuge assembly with a contactless power source using wireless power transfer and data exchange, employing a power source transmitter and receiver, enabling reliable power and data transmission to active devices on the rotating component without mechanical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical slip rings are used to provide electrical power and data transmission to rotating components, then electrical connection is established, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical wear and connection failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of energy and data exchangeVSAvoidmechanical connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a contactless power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. A transmitter coil in the stationary base generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in a receiver coil on the rotating component, eliminating mechanical contact and associated wear problems. This substitution directly resolves the reliability issue caused by mechanical connection failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power and data between stationary and rotating components. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that couples the transmitter and receiver coils without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the mechanical wear and connection reliability issues inherent in slip ring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If slip rings are used for data transmission, then data exchange is enabled, but information transfer capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidinformation transfer flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless power transfer system serves multiple functions: it transfers electrical power, enables bidirectional data communication, and provides positioning information. The wireless communication capability allows the rotating component to send sensor data and receive control commands without mechanical constraints, significantly enhancing information transfer flexibility and adaptability compared to traditional slip rings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If mechanical slip rings are used, then electrical connection is maintained, but mechanical wear and failure occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of electrical connectionVSAvoidmechanical wear and failure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical slip ring system entirely and replaces it with a contactless electromagnetic power transfer system. The transmitter coil in the stationary base generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the receiver coil on the rotating component, maintaining electrical connection without mechanical contact. This substitution removes the source of mechanical wear and extends the operational duration without degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The contactless power transfer system provides inherent protection against mechanical wear by eliminating physical contact between moving and stationary components. The electromagnetic coupling maintains reliable power and data transmission throughout the operational lifetime without the degradation associated with mechanical wear, effectively cushioning against future failures before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enhances the reliability of active devices on rotating components by reducing mechanical failures and improving data exchange, allowing for more robust operation and versatility in processing blood and other fluids.

Implementation Method 1

a contactless, such as a wireless, power source including a power source transmitter associated with the base and a power source receiver associated with the rotating component. The power source transmitter wirelessly transmits power to the power source receiver.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4245331B1Centrifuge with contactless power source for electronic active device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 FENWAL INC
  • EP4245331B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4245331B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4245331B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A centrifuge assembly including a rotating component and an active electronic device associated with the rotating component. The active electronic device being powered by a contactless power source.