Inductive Rotary Joint Using Synthetic Resin Composite

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive rotary joints face limitations in mechanical load-bearing capacity and fabrication complexity, particularly when used in large-scale applications with high rotation numbers, such as in computer tomographs, due to the brittleness of metal powder or sintered iron cores.

Innovation Solution

A rotary joint design incorporating synthetic resin with soft magnetic particles as a filler, which acts as both a coil former and mechanical component, allowing for precise shaping and integration of coils, enhanced mechanical strength, and optimized magnetic flux distribution, enabling efficient energy and signal transmission while serving mechanical purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal powder or sintered iron cores are used in inductive rotary joints, then magnetic transmission function is achieved, but mechanical load-bearing capacity is low due to brittleness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical load-bearing capacityVSAvoidsusceptibility to mechanical forces

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining synthetic resin with soft magnetic particles (such as iron powder, ferrite, or iron alloy particles) to create a material that exhibits both mechanical strength and magnetic properties. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by providing the structural integrity of resin while incorporating the magnetic functionality of metal particles, enabling the rotary joint to withstand high mechanical forces while maintaining transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If separate coil formers and mounting structures are used, then coil positioning is achieved, but fabrication complexity and outlay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil position and shape precisionVSAvoidfabrication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coil former, mounting structure, and support elements into a single integrated synthetic resin component. The soft magnetic particles embedded in the resin provide both the magnetic flux path and the structural support for the coils, eliminating the need for separate metal cores and mounting brackets. This integration simplifies the fabrication process while maintaining precise coil positioning through the resin's moldability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synthetic resin component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the coil former, provides mechanical support, establishes magnetic flux paths, and offers structural protection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single universal element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional metal cores are used, then magnetic flux transmission is achieved, but fabrication outlay and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic transmission efficiencyVSAvoidfabrication simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal to a composite of synthetic resin with soft magnetic particles. This parameter change allows the material to be formed through casting or molding processes rather than requiring complex metalworking operations such as machining, sintering, or assembly. The resin-based composite maintains adequate magnetic transmission efficiency while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing fabrication outlay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a rotary joint with improved mechanical load-bearing ability, simplified fabrication, and optimized efficiency for energy and signal transmission, suitable for applications like solar paddles, robot arms, and high-power transmission in computer tomographs, while protecting electronic components from mechanical stress and environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

at least two component parts which are movable relative to each other and which each have at least one coil for introducing power and/or taking-up power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the rotatable component parts comprises a synthetic resin to which soft magnetic particles have been added as a filler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSoft magnetic properties: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7724119B2Inductive rotary joint comprising polymer material

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 SCHLEIFRING & APPBAU

AI summary

The invention relates to an inductive rotary joint having at least two component parts which each comprise a coil for introducing power and/or taking-up power. In order that the rotary joint may be able to withstand even high mechanical load, at least one of the component parts is made of a synthetic resin containing soft magnetic particles, and the coil of the one part is at least partially located in the synthetic resin.