Differential Signal Slip Rings for 4K Video Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slip rings are not compatible with low voltage differential signals of 4K resolution due to significant signal reflection and attenuation, making them unsuitable for high-resolution video transmission.

Innovation Solution

A slip ring design featuring a rotary shaft with four differential signal slip rings, each comprising a rotor with differential and shielding sliders, annular electrodes, and a base substrate with specific shielding electrodes, optimized for low voltage differential signal transmission, including a cable through-hole and cable cover to prevent signal contact with the base substrate, and a general signal slip ring for power and conventional signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional slip ring is used for signal transmission, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the signal reflection and attenuation are large, making it incompatible with low voltage differential signals of 4K resolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidslip ring structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slip ring is divided into multiple independent signal transmission paths, each consisting of a signal line and a dedicated shield electrode. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for differential signal transmission while maintaining overall system manageability. The base substrate is divided into multiple regions with different electrode configurations to handle multiple signals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the base substrate are designed with different electrode configurations and shielding arrangements tailored to specific signal requirements. The shield electrodes are positioned at specific locations (inner peripheral side and outer peripheral side) to provide localized shielding where needed most for differential signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the slip ring is designed with proper shielding and multiple electrodes for 4K signal transmission, then signal transmission quality improves, but the manufacturing complexity and device structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential signal transmission integrityVSAvoidslip ring manufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into a single base substrate structure. The signal lines, shield electrodes, and grounding paths are all integrated into one substrate, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps. This merging simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the complex shielding and signal transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical insulation, signal transmission paths, and grounding references. The shield electrodes serve both as shielding elements and as grounding paths, reducing the need for separate grounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If conventional signal transmission methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the signal loss is large and high-frequency signal transmission is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission frequencyVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Shield electrodes are introduced as intermediary elements between signal lines and the external environment. These shield electrodes act as mediators that intercept and redirect electromagnetic interference and signal reflections, preventing them from affecting the differential signal transmission. The shield electrodes provide a controlled impedance path that reduces signal attenuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 slip ring effectively transmits low voltage differential signals of 0.35V for 4K resolution video, reducing signal loss and maintaining transmission integrity during continuous rotation, enabling high-resolution video capture and reproduction.

Implementation Method 1

an electric wiring connected from the stationary portion is connected to an electric wiring connected from the rotary portion by using contact conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

shielding sliders 50b; a base substrate 30 having a pair of annular electrodes 32 formed concentrically with a rotation axis of the rotor 40, a first shield electrode 31a formed on an inner peripheral side than the annular electrodes 32 and a second shield electrode 31b formed on an outer peripheral side than the annular electrodes 32

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11688986B2Slip ring with multiple differential signal slip rings for full high definition signal transmission

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 TSUBAME MUSEN

AI summary

In a slip ring 100, differential signal slip rings 70 are formed using a base substrate 30 where an electrode pattern and a relative permittivity are optimized to transmit a signal by using one differential signal slip ring 70 to one differential signal cable 60a. Consequently, a low voltage differential signal of 0.35V adopted in video signals of 4K resolution can be transmitted while the camera is continuously rotated through 360 degrees.