Contactless Transmission Device with Segmented Energy Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission devices for machine tools lack the ability to provide continuous data exchange and sensor power after the primary energy supply is shut off, leading to uncertainty about the tool's status during and after an emergency shutdown, which can result in damage to tools and workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device with separate energy supply paths, where the second path continues to provide energy for sensors and data exchange even when the first path is switched off, allowing for continuous monitoring and diagnosis of the tool's status after shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single energy supply path is used for the participant, then the device structure is simple, but the participant cannot be monitored after shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply system is segmented into two independent paths: a first energy supply path for powering the participant during operation, and a second energy supply path for powering sensors and data exchange after shutdown. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to operate independently from the main power supply, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and post-shutdown monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second energy supply path is prepared in advance to take over sensor powering and data exchange functions when the first energy supply path is switched off. This preliminary preparation ensures that monitoring capability is already in place before shutdown occurs, enabling immediate post-shutdown diagnostics without requiring complex reconfiguration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If energy supply is completely switched off for safety, then operator safety is improved, but diagnostic capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality levels of energy supply are applied to different functions: the first energy supply path provides full power for participant operation, while the second energy supply path provides minimal sufficient power for sensors and data exchange. This local differentiation allows safety shutdown of the participant while maintaining just enough power for monitoring, resolving the contradiction between safety and information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second energy supply path acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between complete shutdown (safety) and full operation (monitoring). It provides a intermediate state where the participant is powered down for safety, but sensors and data exchange remain active through the intermediary second supply path, enabling continued monitoring without compromising safety.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the machine is shut down in an emergency, then harmful effects are prevented, but the cause of the emergency cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system powered by the second energy supply path continuously provides feedback about participant status even after the first energy supply path is switched off during an emergency. This feedback mechanism captures diagnostic information about the emergency cause (such as abnormal temperatures, vibrations, or other sensor readings) that would otherwise be lost, allowing post-emergency analysis while maintaining the safety benefit of the shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The second energy supply path is prepared in advance to capture and transmit diagnostic information immediately when the first energy supply path is switched off. This preliminary action ensures that evidence about the emergency cause is recorded before any further changes occur, enabling accurate diagnosis of the emergency while the safety shutdown remains in effect.
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
Enables safe restart and diagnosis of the tool's status, preventing potential damage by maintaining data exchange and sensor functionality even after the primary energy supply is interrupted, ensuring safe resumption of machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy supply path for the contactless transmission of energy from the machine to the participant via inductive coupling through the air gap
Implementation Method 2
data can be exchanged without contact between the higher-level machine and the subscriber via the air gap
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a transmission device (1) configured for the contactless transmission of energy from a stationary superior machine (5) to a participant which can be coupled to the superior machine and can rotate in relation to same, via an air gap (3) between the stationary superior machine (5) and the rotatable participant (7), having at least one sensor, and for the preferably bi-directional contactless exchange of data between the superior machine (5) and the participant (7) via the air gap (3). The transmission device (1) is characterised in that: the transmission device (1) has a first energy supply path (9/1) that is configured to provide energy for the participant (7), as well as a separate second energy supply path (9/2) which is configured to provide energy for the exchange of data and to supply the at least one sensor of the participant with energy; and the first and second energy supply path (9/1, 9/2) can be switched separately, in such a way that the second energy supply path (9/2) continues to provide energy when the first energy supply path (9/1) is deactivated.