90-Degree Inductive Power Coupling for Multi-Axis Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for rotating electronics face challenges with electrical contact brushes, which suffer from mechanical wear, electromagnetic interference, and limited power transfer efficiency, while inductive power coupling coils result in energy loss and insufficient power coupling.
Innovation Solution
A single inductive power coupling coil pair oriented at 90 degrees, utilizing an elbow core with a 90-degree bend, allows for stationary power supply and enables rotation of electronics around multiple axes without the need for rotating electrical contact brushes or additional inductive power coupling coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical contact brushes are used to provide electrical power to rotating electronics, then electrical power can be transmitted to moving components, but mechanical wear occurs and electromagnetic interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact brush system with an inductive power coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil generates a magnetic flux that inductively couples to the secondary coil, eliminating mechanical contact and associated wear while maintaining power transmission capability to rotating electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic flux as an intermediary between the power source and the rotating electronics. The magnetic flux, generated by the primary coil and guided by the magnetic core, serves as the medium for energy transfer, replacing direct electrical contact and eliminating the need for sliding contacts.
2Reliability
If inductive power coupling coil pairs are used to eliminate mechanical contact, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but energy loss increases and power coupling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core acts as an intermediary that guides and concentrates the magnetic flux between the primary and secondary coils. This magnetic core with defined magnetic paths significantly improves the coupling efficiency and reduces energy loss compared to air-core inductive coupling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic cores with specific local magnetic properties at strategic locations to concentrate and guide magnetic flux where it is most needed. This localized optimization of magnetic properties enhances power transfer efficiency and reduces energy loss in specific regions of the inductive coupling system.
3Power
If traditional concentric inductive power coupling coils are used, then power can be transferred inductively, but the system requires additional coils for multiple axis rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the inductive power coupling system with universal applicability to multi-axis rotation scenarios. The primary and secondary coils, combined with the magnetic core configuration, can accommodate rotation about multiple axes without requiring additional coil pairs, making the system versatile for complex motion applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where the magnetic core provides preferential magnetic coupling in specific directions. This asymmetric magnetic path design enables the system to handle multi-axis rotation effectively with a single coil pair, as the magnetic core guides flux appropriately regardless of the rotation axis.
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 eliminates the need for mechanical contact brushes and reduces energy loss, enabling efficient power transfer and maintaining a stable power supply to rotating electronics while allowing for complex motion in multiple degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical current is passed through the primary transformer coil which causes a magnetic flux due to the windings of the primary transformer coil. The magnetic flux inductively imparts an electrical current in the secondary transformer coil.
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic core coupled to one of the first arm or the second arm, wherein the magnetic core transfers power, via an induced magnetic flux, from the first coil to the second coil
Data Source
AI summary
An electronics support apparatus for rotating electronics is provided that eliminates the need for electrical contact brushes and/or reduces the number of inductive power coupling coil pairs required to provide power to the rotating electronics. With the apparatus, a single inductive power coupling coil pair is utilized in which the coils are oriented at approximately 90 degrees, i.e. at a right angle, to each other, e.g., the “outer” coil (secondary transformer coil) is oriented approximately 90 degrees to the “inner” coil (primary transformer coil). A transformer core, or “elbow core,” having an approximately 90 degree bend is provided for coupling the magnetic energy of the primary transformer coil with the secondary transformer coil, thus imparting or coupling energy simultaneously through 2 axes of motion.