Contactless Coupler With Capacitive Electrodes for Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless power couplers with combined inductive and RF coupling for power and data transmission face reliability issues due to signal attenuation through mediums like air, gas, or oil, leading to decreased data link reliability and increased power losses.
Innovation Solution
A contactless coupler system that integrates inductive coupling for power transfer and capacitive coupling for data transmission, utilizing capacitive electrodes at the coupler front-ends to establish a reliable data link while minimizing power losses, with configurations that maintain rotational symmetry and prevent induced currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF coupling is used for data transmission in contactless power couplers, then wireless data transmission is enabled, but signal attenuation occurs through mediums like air, gas, or oil, decreasing data link reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitive coupling element as an intermediary for data transmission between the transmitting and receiving couplers. This capacitive coupling element acts as a mediator that transmits data signals through the medium (air, gas, oil, etc.) without suffering from the same attenuation problems that affect RF signals. The capacitive coupling element comprises one or more capacitive electrodes disposed at an end of the coupler, creating a direct capacitive path for data signals that is less susceptible to medium-induced attenuation.
2Power
If inductive coupling is used for power transmission, then contactless power transfer is achieved, but power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling functions by separating power transmission and data transmission into distinct coupling mechanisms. The inductive coupling element is dedicated solely to power transmission, while the capacitive coupling element is dedicated to data transmission. This segmentation allows each coupling element to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system losses by preventing data signal interference with the power transfer efficiency.
3Reliability
If capacitive coupling element is added for data transmission, then data transmission reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive coupling element with the existing inductive coupling structure. The capacitive coupling element comprises one or more capacitive electrodes disposed at an end of the coupler, integrating seamlessly with the inductive coupling element's housing or front end. This merging approach allows the system to achieve reliable capacitive data transmission without requiring a completely separate data transmission device, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 data transmission reliability and reduces power losses by using capacitive coupling for data transfer, ensuring stable connections in various environments, including those with fluids, and maintaining optimal coupling during rotational movements.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coupling element adapted to transmit and/or receive power by inductive magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive coupling element adapted to transmit and/or receive a data signal by capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A contactless coupler is disclosed. The contactless coupler has an inductive coupling element adapted to transmit and/or receive power by inductive magnetic coupling and a capacitive coupling element adapted to transmit and/or receive a data signal by capacitive coupling. The capacitive coupling element comprises one or more capacitive electrodes disposed at an end of the coupler.