Off-axis Fiber Optic Rotary Joint De-rotating Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional off-axis fiber optic rotary joints are limited by the requirement for photodiodes to receive signals, unidirectional signal transmission, lack of an optic de-rotating mechanism, and the ability to only transmit digital signals, which restricts their functionality and efficiency, especially at higher data rates.
Innovation Solution
A passive, bidirectional off-axis fiber optic rotary joint is developed using a de-rotating mechanism comprising a plurality of fiber optic collimator patch cords that rotate at half the speed of the rotor, allowing for the alignment and transmission of optical signals between the rotor and stator without the need for photodiodes, enabling bidirectional analog signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional off-axis fiber optic rotary joints use photodiodes to receive signals, then signal reception is enabled, but device complexity increases and bidirectional transmission is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using fiber optic collimators instead of photodiodes for signal reception. The fiber optic collimators on the stator side receive and transmit optical signals directly, eliminating the need for photodiodes and enabling bidirectional transmission through the same optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic collimators serve multiple functions: they act as both transmitters and receivers, enabling bidirectional signal transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate photodiode components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional off-axis fiber optic rotary joints transmit signals unidirectionally, then device structure is simplified, but functionality and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is designed to support bidirectional transmission, allowing the same fiber optic collimators to both transmit and receive signals. This multi-functional design enables versatile signal transmission without requiring separate mechanisms for different transmission directions.
3Productivity
If conventional off-axis fiber optic rotary joints do not use an optic de-rotating mechanism, then device structure is simpler, but signal alignment at higher data rates becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex de-rotating mechanisms like Dove prisms, the patent inverts the approach by using fiber optic collimators that maintain signal alignment through their inherent optical properties. The collimators are positioned to automatically maintain alignment during rotation, eliminating the need for additional de-rotating components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional off-axis fiber optic rotary joints only transmit digital signals, then signal processing is simplified, but functionality is limited compared to analog signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic collimator-based system is designed to handle both digital and analog signals through the same optical path. This universal design allows the device to support multiple signal types without requiring separate processing mechanisms, thereby increasing functionality without adding complexity.
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 photodiodes, allows for bidirectional signal transmission, and supports higher data rates by maintaining signal alignment through the use of fiber optic collimator patch cords, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of off-axis fiber optic rotary joints.
Implementation Method 1
a de-rotating mechanism comprising a plurality of fiber optic collimator patch cords that rotate at half the speed of the rotor, allowing for the alignment and transmission of optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention is to disclose a de-rotating mechanism for off-axis fiber optic rotary joints. Dove prism is a de-rotating mechanism and is widely used for on-axis fiber optic rotary joints. But optic de-rotating mechanism is not available when there is a through bore along the rotational axis and optical light paths would not be allowed to path through the central area along the rotational axis. The hollow de-rotating mechanism in the current invention mainly includes a plural of fiber optic collimator patch cords, which are elaborately arranged on the circumference of said de-rotating mechanism following a special rule. The current invention eliminates the photodiodes in most prior published patents and make it possible to build a true passive, bi-directional fiber optic rotary joint without the limitation to the through bore diameters.