Inductive Power Coupling Structure for Slip-Ring-Free Rotor Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip-ring assemblies for power transfer in rotating units are unreliable, noisy, and costly, posing issues in sensitive applications like CT imaging due to metallic dust and electrical noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A power coupling device using a support structure, core element made of ferrite material, and inductive elements, which are removably attached to the support structure, allowing for cost-effective and noise-free power transfer between a stator and a rotor without slip-rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip-ring assemblies are used for power transfer, then power can be supplied to rotating units, but the system generates metallic dust and electrical noise that interfere with sensitive electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip-ring assembly with a magnetic coupling system that uses magnetic fields for power transfer. This eliminates the physical contact between rotating and stationary components, thereby preventing metallic dust generation and reducing electrical noise interference while maintaining reliable power transfer to the rotating unit
2Reliability
If conventional slip-ring assemblies are used, then power transfer is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to special materials and mechanical precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system replaces complex mechanical slip-ring assemblies with simpler magnetic field-based power transfer. This eliminates the need for special high-precision mechanical components and materials, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining effective power transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transfer between the stationary and rotating units. This magnetic coupling mechanism simplifies the overall system structure by eliminating direct mechanical contact components, thereby reducing manufacturing requirements
3Object-generated harmful factors
If contactless power coupling devices are used, then metallic dust and noise are eliminated, but manufacturing cost increases due to size requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system is divided into separate stationary and rotating components, each with its own magnets and coils. This segmentation allows for compact design and optimized space utilization, reducing the overall size and making the contactless power transfer more cost-effective to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the magnetic coupling parameters including magnet strength, coil configuration, and air gap distance to achieve efficient power transfer in a compact form factor. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains contactless operation benefits while reducing size-related manufacturing costs
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 solution provides reliable, low-noise, and cost-effective power transfer, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing interference in sensitive imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive element configured to be received within the core channel
Implementation Method 2
a core element comprising a ferrite material
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide a power coupling device, such as may be used to transfer power between a stator and a rotor. The power coupling device includes a support structure defining an opening. The power coupling device includes a core element including a ferrite material. The core element is received within the opening of the support structure. The core element defines a core channel. The power coupling device includes an inductive element that is received within the core channel. The power coupling device includes an attachment structure removably attached to the support structure. The attachment structure attaches the core element to the support structure. The core element is disposed between the support structure and the attachment structure.