Cylindrical Capacitive Interface for High-Speed Rotating Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transmission methods in LIDAR systems, such as inductive coupling, are limited by slower data transfer speeds and higher power consumption, and are not suitable for applications requiring efficient wireless communication between rotating and stationary components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of capacitive coupling using an air gap capacitor between a rotating rotor and a stationary shaft, enabling faster data transfer rates up to 1 Gbps with potential future improvements to 10 Gbps, and reducing power consumption by utilizing a dedicated path for data transfer that minimizes noise and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If inductive coupling is used for data transmission, then wireless communication between rotating and stationary components is achieved, but data transfer speed is slow and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental coupling parameter from inductive (magnetic field-based) to capacitive (electric field-based). This parameter change enables significantly higher data transfer speeds (up to 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps) while reducing power consumption, as capacitive coupling requires less energy to establish and maintain the coupling field compared to inductive coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the inductive coupling mechanism with a capacitive coupling mechanism. By replacing the magnetic field-based inductive system with an electric field-based capacitive system (using air gap capacitors between rotor and stator), the system achieves improved performance in both speed and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If inductive coupling is used for data transmission, then wireless communication is achieved, but signal integrity is degraded due to noise and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidnoise and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces air gap capacitors as intermediary elements between the rotating rotor and stationary stator. These capacitors serve as mediators that couple the two components electrically while maintaining physical separation, thereby reducing direct noise and interference pathways while preserving signal integrity through the capacitive coupling path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If contactless method is used for data transmission, then wireless communication between rotating and stationary components is achieved, but transmission efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coupling parameter from inductive to capacitive, which fundamentally improves transmission efficiency. Capacitive coupling allows for higher frequency operation and faster data rates, directly enhancing productivity while the efficient electric field coupling reduces energy losses, thereby lowering power consumption simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides efficient, high-speed data transfer with reduced power consumption and improved signal integrity, addressing the limitations of existing methods by leveraging capacitive coupling for LIDAR systems.

Implementation Method 1

The implementation of capacitive coupling using an air gap capacitor between a rotating rotor and a stationary shaft, enabling faster data transfer rates up to 1 Gbps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11774559B2Systems and methods for transmitting data via a contactless cylindrical interface

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 VELODYNE LIDAR USA INC

AI summary

Described herein are systems and methods that create a capacitive link based on a rotating cylinder capacitor. A cylindrical rotor rotates around a shaft and maintains an air gap between the cylindrical rotor and the shaft and to create one or more air gap capacitors. A first subsystem, comprising a light detection and ranging components, is coupled to the rotor. A second sub-subsystem, comprising data analysis functions, is coupled to the shaft. The first subsystem and the second subsystem are coupled via capacitive links created by the air gap capacitors. The communication signaling utilized on the capacitive links may be bi-directional and differential signaling. The first subsystem and the second subsystem may comprise a LIDAR light detection and ranging system. The second subsystem may power the first subsystem via inductive coupling.