Electrode Carrier Angle Measurement via Capacitive Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for contactless data transmission between objects rotating relative to each other require additional components for angle determination, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing electrode carriers with varying electrical coupling strengths along their circumferential extent, where signal strength fluctuations are used to determine angle changes, allowing for contactless data transmission and angle measurement without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional encoder components are added to determine rotational position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data transmission function and angle measurement function into a single electrode carrier system. The electrode carrier with its varying coupling strengths serves dual purposes: transmitting data contactlessly and simultaneously encoding angular position information through the coupling strength variations, thereby eliminating the need for separate encoder components
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode carrier is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It serves as both a data transmission medium through capacitive coupling and an angle encoding element through its circumferential variation in coupling strength. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If additional encoder components are added to determine rotational position, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transmission electrode carrier with the angle measurement encoder into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate encoder parts, reducing the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and associated costs while maintaining the ability to precisely determine rotational position
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode carrier performs dual functions of data transmission and angle encoding, meaning one component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts. This reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly costs while providing both data transmission and precise angle measurement capabilities
3Measurement precision
If electrode carriers are designed with varying coupling strengths for angle measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but data transmission reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode carrier is designed with locally varying coupling strengths at different circumferential positions. These variations are specifically engineered to encode angle information while the overall structure maintains sufficient coupling for reliable data transmission. Each local region contributes differently to the signal, enabling angle measurement without compromising overall transmission reliability
4Device complexity
If a single electrode carrier is used for both data transmission and angle measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and angle measurement into a single electrode carrier system, simplifying the device structure. The control unit and evaluation unit are configured to process signals from this integrated system, separating the complexity of signal processing from mechanical complexity, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the integrated design
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 simple and economical production by using existing electrode carriers for both data transmission and angle determination, providing precise angle measurement without interfering with data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the first and the second electrode being arranged in such a way that data can be transmitted by electrical coupling between the first and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the electrode carriers are designed in such a way that the strength of the electrical coupling changes along the circumferential extent of the first and second electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the contactless transmission of data and for determining the angular change between two objects moving relative to each other about a common axis of rotation, wherein the first object has a preferably disc- or ring-shaped electrode carrier comprising a first electrode, and the second object has a preferably disc- or ring-shaped electrode carrier comprising a second electrode. The first and second electrode carriers are axially spaced apart from each other with respect to the axis of rotation, and the first and second electrodes are arranged such that data transmission is possible by electrical coupling between the first and second electrodes, wherein the electrode carriers are designed such that the strength of the electrical coupling varies along the circumference of the first and second electrodes.Furthermore, a control unit is provided, which is configured to transmit a signal containing user data from the first electrode to the second electrode. An evaluation unit is also provided, which is configured to receive the user data and evaluate the signal strength of the received signal in order to determine any change in angle between the first and second objects.