Contactless Power and Optical Data Transmission for Rotary LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contactless power transmission systems, such as slip rings, face challenges in durability, reliability, and complexity when used in rotary structures, particularly in LiDAR systems, due to their complex structure and reliance on wired connections, which hinder efficient power supply and data communication between rotating and fixed parts.
Innovation Solution
A contactless power supply and data communication apparatus utilizing a main shaft with a wireless power part for electromagnetic induction and an optical communication part with a light diffusion plate, enabling power transmission and data exchange between a rotary and a fixed substrate without physical connections, thus stabilizing power supply and enhancing communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a contact circuit is adopted for power transmission, then the structure is simple and low in price, but it is not easy to use in mechanical apparatuses with rotary structures due to wire twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transmission system with a magnetic field-based inductive coupling system. The primary coil generates a magnetic field that induces current in the secondary coil, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and thus solving the wire twisting problem in rotary applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the fixed primary coil and the rotating secondary coil. This magnetic coupling allows power transmission without direct mechanical contact, enabling rotary motion without wire twisting.
2Ease of operation
If a slip ring is used for contactless power transmission, then wire twisting is avoided, but the structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a magnetic field-based inductive coupling system. Instead of using sliding contacts and rotating connectors, the system uses electromagnetic induction to transmit power across the air gap between the fixed primary coil and rotating secondary coil, significantly simplifying the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical components of the slip ring system (sliding contacts, brushes, rotating connectors) by replacing them with a purely electromagnetic solution consisting of only two coils and a magnetic coupling mechanism.
3Reliability
If wired connections are used for data communication between rotary and fixed parts, then communication is reliable, but the system becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections for data communication with optical communication using LEDs and photodetectors. Light signals transmit data between the rotating and fixed parts without physical wire connections, maintaining reliability while simplifying the system and reducing maintenance requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If through holes are provided for optical signal transmission in conventional slip rings, then optical communication is achieved, but manufacturing becomes difficult and durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the through-hole structure from the rotary component. Instead of drilling holes through the rotating part to pass optical fibers or cables, the system uses external optical communication where LEDs and photodetectors are mounted on the surface, eliminating manufacturing complexity and durability issues associated with through-holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical through-hole optical transmission system with a surface-mounted optical communication system. Optical signals are transmitted through air or transparent materials between externally mounted transmitters and receivers, eliminating the need for precision drilling and internal cable routing.
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
The apparatus provides a simple, stable, and efficient power supply and data communication solution for rotary devices, enhancing durability and reliability by eliminating vibration issues and allowing communication independent of transmission and reception element positions, suitable for various applications including LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power part consisting of a transmission part core united with and fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the main shaft, and a reception part core spaced apart from the transmission part core, and rotating from an upper end, thereby supplying and receiving power through electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
an optical communication part configured to transmit and receive an optical signal by being configured in such a manner that a rotary communication element disposed on a lower surface of a rotary substrate rotating with the main shaft as its center, and a fixed communication element disposed on an upper surface of a fixed substrate which is fixed are spaced apart from each other at a fixed distance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is intended to provide a contactless power supply and data communication apparatus comprising: a main shaft configured to connect and fix an upper combination body from the center while being supported by a lower combination body; a motor configured to provide rotation power for rotating a rotary part centering around the main shaft; a wireless power part consisting of a transmission part core united with and fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the main shaft, and a reception part core spaced apart from the transmission part core, and rotating from an upper end, thereby supplying and receiving power through electromagnetic induction; and an optical communication part configured to transmit and receive an optical signal by being configured in such a manner that a rotary communication element disposed on a lower surface of a rotary substrate rotating with the main shaft as its center, and a fixed communication element disposed on an upper surface of a fixed substrate which is fixed are spaced apart from each other at a fixed distance, and is also intended to provide a rotary drive light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system to which the contactless power supply and data communication apparatus is applied.