Fiber Optic Rotary Joint for Long-Distance Optical Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fiber optic systems face significant power loss limitations when transmitting high-power optical energy over long distances due to mechanisms like Rayleigh scattering, OH absorption, and infrared absorption, which restrict their application in remote and non-line-of-sight conditions.

Innovation Solution

The development of an optical power transfer system utilizing a fiber spooler and electrical power extraction subsystem, combined with a fiber optic rotary joint, enables the efficient transmission and conversion of high-power optical energy over long distances to various platforms, including those undersea, underwater, and on other planets, by minimizing bending losses and using high-power optical couplers and thermoelectric converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If optical energy is transmitted through fiber over long distances, then power delivery capability is improved, but power loss increases due to Rayleigh scattering, OH absorption, and infrared absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the fiber optic system by using specialized fiber designs (hollow core, photonic crystal, mirror-coated) and optimizing wavelengths to minimize absorption and scattering losses, thereby enabling long-distance high-power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite fiber structures combining multiple materials and designs (e.g., hollow core with mirror coating, photonic crystal structures) to simultaneously achieve low loss and high power handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If high power optical energy is transmitted through fiber, then power delivery capability is improved, but thermal damage to fiber occurs at very high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidthermal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary cooling mechanisms and thermal management systems between the fiber and the environment to dissipate heat and prevent thermal damage while maintaining high power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transmission systems with optical fiber-based systems that can handle high power without the same thermal limitations, using non-contact energy transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If self-focusing effect occurs in fiber, then power concentration is improved, but actual power delivery is limited to four or five megawatts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower concentrationVSAvoidpower delivery limit

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically controls the optical properties of the fiber to manage self-focusing effects, using adjustable parameters to maintain optimal power distribution without excessive concentration that would limit delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If fiber is used for power transmission, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but bending losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure requirementsVSAvoidbending losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible fiber designs with specialized protective coatings and structural configurations that maintain optical performance while allowing bending without excessive losses, enabling deployment in various geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system allows for the reliable transmission of kilowatts to tens of megawatts of optical power over distances of up to one hundred kilometers or more, enabling applications such as powering robotic systems in extreme environments without the need for local power generation, and bypassing traditional infrastructure limitations.

Implementation Method 1

light, or optical energy, can be sent down a relatively small diameter (e.g., twenty-five micron) glass optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

subsequent conversion of the transferred optical energy to another form of energy such as heat, electricity, or mechanical work

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS9090315B1Optical energy transfer and conversion system

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 STONE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

An optical power transfer system comprising a fiber spooler, a fiber optic rotary joint mechanically connected to the fiber spooler, and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the fiber optic rotary joint with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, through the rotary joint, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy.