Contactless Signal Transfer via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip-ring assemblies used in computed tomography imaging modalities and other applications for transferring power and information between rotating and stationary units are prone to dust generation, unreliability, noise, and high costs due to mechanical precision requirements, which can interfere with imaging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electrically conductive members with channels and elements that generate and induce electric fields through current flow, allowing for information transfer across an airgap without physical contact, emulating a wired connection with low latency and reduced noise sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip-ring assemblies are used to transfer power and information between stationary and rotating units, then power and information transfer is achieved, but dust generation, noise, and reliability issues occur due to mechanical contact and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip-ring assembly with an electromagnetic induction system. A primary coil in the stationary unit generates a time-varying magnetic field that induces current in a secondary coil in the rotating unit, enabling power and signal transfer without physical contact. This eliminates dust generation from brush wear and noise from mechanical rubbing, while maintaining reliable energy and information transfer across the air gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time-varying magnetic field as an intermediary between the stationary and rotating units. The primary coil converts electrical energy to a magnetic field, which then induces electrical energy in the secondary coil across the air gap. This magnetic field mediator enables energy and information transfer without direct mechanical or electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between transfer reliability and harmful factors.
2Reliability
If slip-ring assemblies with metal brushes are used, then electrical contact is maintained, but contact surfaces wear down causing unreliability and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical brush-contact system entirely and replaces it with electromagnetic induction. The primary and secondary coils are positioned facing each other across an air gap, with no physical contact required. This substitution removes the wear mechanism that limits service life, allowing the system to operate indefinitely without contact degradation, thereby improving both reliability and duration of action.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional slip-ring assemblies are used, then power and information transfer is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical slip-ring assembly with a simpler electromagnetic system consisting of two coils positioned facing each other across an air gap. This eliminates the need for precision-machined contact surfaces, brush holders, and alignment mechanisms. The coils can be wound and positioned more simply, reducing both manufacturing complexity and device complexity while maintaining transfer functionality.
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 solution effectively transfers information across an airgap with low latency and minimal interference, reducing the need for mechanical contact and associated drawbacks, while maintaining high reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first element is configured to generate a first electric field in response to a first current flow in the first element
Implementation Method 2
The second element is configured to have a second current induced in the second element based upon the first electric field
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described herein for transferring communication information between a stationary unit and a movable (e.g., rotating) unit, or between two movable units without contact between the units. A transmitter is configured to translate digital information into an analog signal which may be fed to an input coupler positioned within a channel of an electrically conductive member (e.g., on a first unit, such as a stationary unit). The current of the signal induces a signal in an output coupler (e.g., on a second unit, such as a movable unit). Voltage characteristics of the induced signal (e.g., which substantially correspond to voltage characteristics of the signal fed into the input coupler) may subsequently be used to reconstruct the digital data at a receiver. In this manner, information can be communicated between two non-contacting units.