Line Termination Element for Contactless Power and Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless power and data transmission systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting high currents without destructive heating and ensuring low-reflection termination for data communication, while also minimizing power loss and interference between power and data signals.

Innovation Solution

A line termination element comprising a parallel connection of a series resonant circuit and a high-pass filter, where the series resonant circuit is designed for stronger currents and the high-pass filter sets a high effective resistance in broadband frequencies, allowing for nearly loss-free medium-frequency power transmission and low-reflection data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple star termination is used at the end of the primary conductor system, then the device complexity is reduced, but power loss increases and destructive heating occurs when transmitting large currents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetermination structureVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The termination element is segmented into two distinct frequency-dependent paths: a series resonant circuit for medium-frequency power signals and a high-pass filter for high-frequency data signals. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, enabling low power loss for power transmission while providing proper termination for data communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The termination element changes its effective impedance based on frequency parameters. At medium frequencies (power range), the series resonant circuit presents low impedance to minimize power loss. At high frequencies (data range), the high-pass filter presents high impedance to provide proper termination. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between low power loss and adequate termination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a termination element with high effective resistance is used for data communication, then reflection is reduced, but power loss increases due to heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication qualityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The termination element dynamically adapts its effective resistance based on the frequency of the incoming signal. Through frequency-selective circuit design, it presents high resistance to high-frequency data signals for low reflection, while presenting low resistance to medium-frequency power signals to minimize power loss and heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the primary conductor system is terminated for low-reflection data communication, then data transmission quality improves, but medium-frequency power transmission suffers from increased power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission qualityVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The termination element acts as an intermediary that mediates between power and data signals. It uses frequency-selective circuitry to direct power signals through a low-impedance path while directing data signals through a high-impedance path, thereby serving both functions simultaneously without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Power

If a series resonant circuit is designed for strong currents, then power transmission capacity increases, but the circuit becomes ineffective for high-frequency data signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent carrying capacityVSAvoidfrequency range coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The termination element achieves multi-functionality by combining two circuits with complementary frequency responses. The series resonant circuit handles medium-frequency power signals with high current capacity, while the high-pass filter handles high-frequency data signals. Together, they create a universal termination solution that adapts to different signal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the transmission of large currents without destructive heating and provides a low-reflection termination for data communication, reducing power loss and interference, thus supporting efficient contactless power and data transmission in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a parallel connection of a series resonant circuit and a high-pass filter, with the series resonant circuit having a choke whose winding is made of twisted stranded cable and the series resonant circuit being designed for a stronger current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a parallel connection of a series resonant circuit and a high-pass filter, with the series resonant circuit having a choke whose winding is made of twisted stranded cable and the series resonant circuit being designed for a stronger current, in particular a current 10 times or 100 times stronger than the high pass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a series resonant circuit having a choke whose winding is made of twisted stranded cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2168220B1Line termination element and apparatus for the contactless transmission of power and data
Publication Date: 2011.05.11 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2168220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2168220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2168220B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

For an installation for the contactless supply of power to moving loads, a line termination element is proposed which represents a low effective resistance in the frequency range in which power is supplied and represents a high effective resistance in the frequency range in which data are communicated. A series resonant circuit comprises an inductor for passing through the power signal.