Integrated Electro-Optical Fluid Rotary Joint Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not offer a compound rotary joint that can simultaneously transfer optical signals, electrical power, and fluids across a common rotary-stationary interface between two rotatable members, which is necessary for applications like tethered aerostats and ROVs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated design of a compound rotary joint that includes a fiber optical rotary joint, an electrical slip ring, and a fluid rotary joint, where the fiber optical rotary joint transmits optical signals, the electrical slip ring transfers electrical power, and the fluid rotary joint handles fluid transfer, all integrated within a common rotary-stationary interface using a cylindrical main stator and rotor configuration with specific portions for each medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate rotary joints for optical signals, electrical power, and fluids are used, then each medium can be transmitted reliably, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate rotary joint functions (optical fiber rotary joint, electrical slip ring, and fluid rotary joint) into a single integrated compound rotary joint assembly. The optical fibers, electrical conductors, and fluid passages are all arranged within the same rotary joint structure, allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple media through one unified device rather than requiring three separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The compound rotary joint is designed as a multi-functional device that can handle three different types of media (optical signals, electrical power, and fluids) simultaneously. The rotary joint structure incorporates universal features that support all three transmission types, including a common rotary interface that accommodates optical fibers, electrical contacts, and fluid passages together.
2Device complexity
If an integrated compound rotary joint is designed, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated compound rotary joint is divided into distinct functional sections: an optical section for fiber optic cables, an electrical section for slip ring contacts, and a fluid section for sealed passages. Each section is designed and manufactured with specific precision requirements tailored to its function, allowing specialized manufacturing processes for each medium type while maintaining overall integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rotary joint are designed with locally optimized properties: the optical fiber region has precise alignment features for light transmission, the electrical region has conductive contacts with specific surface finishes, and the fluid region has enhanced sealing surfaces. This local quality approach allows each section to meet its specific manufacturing precision requirements without requiring the entire device to be manufactured at the highest precision level.
3Device complexity
If an integrated compound rotary joint is designed, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing requirements increase to prevent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passages in the compound rotary joint are sealed using flexible sealing elements and thin film membranes that can accommodate rotational movement while maintaining fluid tightness. These flexible sealing components are integrated into the rotary joint structure, allowing the fluid passages to remain sealed during rotation without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing design incorporates preliminary protective measures against fluid leakage by positioning sealing elements in advance at critical interfaces where leakage could occur. The sealing system is designed to preemptively counteract potential leakage paths through pre-compressed seals and pressure-balanced configurations that prevent fluid escape before it can occur during operation.
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 uninterrupted and reliable transmission of optical signals, electrical power, and fluids across a common interface, addressing the need for a multi-media transfer solution in applications like tethered aerostats and ROVs, with enhanced sealing to minimize leakage, particularly for gases like hydrogen and helium.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optical rotary joint (40) which includes a rotor assembly (41) and a stator assembly (42), the rotor assembly (41) being secured with the main stator (01) and the stator assembly (42) being mounted in the main rotor (02)... transferring optical signals between the first fiber bundle (18) and second fiber bundle (20)
Implementation Method 2
an electrical rotary joint, or slip ring (80) located at the front portion (111)... consisting of commuters (83) with first exit cable (84) and conductive rings (81) with second exit cable (82)... transferring electrical power or signals between the first exit cable (84) and second exit cable (82)
Implementation Method 3
a fluid rotary joint located at the middle portion (222)... The sealing assembly (30) isolates the middle portion (222) of the main configuration hermetically and includes a sealed annular space (29)... transferring fluids from the first exit cable (84)
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electro-optical fluid rotary joint has been invented in which optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids can be simultaneously transmitted across a common rotary-stationary interface between two relatively rotatable members for such applications, as a tethered aerostats, and tethered ROV. It consists of a main stator, a main rotor rotatable relative to said main stator. An electrical rotary joint, or slip ring, a fiber optical rotary joint, and a fluid rotary joint are integrated together on the main stator and main rotor. As a result, when the main rotor rotates relative to the main stator, optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids from the main rotor can be transmitted to the main stator, and vise versa.