Optical Data Transmission in Conductor Rail Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductor rail systems face challenges with sensitive non-contact radio data transmission due to electrical incidents on power-transmitting conductor rails, interference from other radio connections, and susceptibility to corrosive environments, leading to unreliable and low-interference data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A conductor rail system featuring an elongate hollow profile with a longitudinal cavity and slot, incorporating a first optical transmission unit with optical transmitters and receivers aligned in the longitudinal direction, allowing for contactless data transmission using high-frequency optical signals, which are distinguishable and resistant to external influences, and can be retrofitted onto existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If slotted waveguides are used for data transmission in conductor rail systems, then data transfer capability is provided, but electrical incidents on power-transmitting conductor rails adversely affect HF transmission and data reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave-based slotted waveguide system with an optical transmission system using optical waveguides (fibers). Optical signals are immune to electrical interference from the conductor rails, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of electrical incidents on data transmission while maintaining full data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as an intermediary medium for data transmission, separating the data transmission path from the electrical power transmission path. This intermediary optical channel is not affected by electrical incidents on the conductor rails, providing reliable data transmission even during electrical disturbances.
2Loss of information
If slotted waveguides with lateral slots are used for data transmission, then data transfer is enabled, but dirt and rainwater can penetrate into the slot and deposit on surfaces, causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the open slotted waveguide structure with enclosed optical waveguides (fibers). The optical fibers are typically housed in protective conduits or cables that seal out environmental contaminants, preventing dirt and rainwater from penetrating and causing corrosion while maintaining data transmission capability through the protected optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs protective coverings or jackets around the optical waveguides that act as flexible barriers against environmental contaminants. These protective layers prevent dirt and rainwater from reaching the optical surfaces while allowing the optical transmission function to continue uninterrupted.
3Device complexity
If optical transmitters and receivers are integrated in a single component, then device complexity is reduced, but optical crosstalk between transmitter and receiver may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transceiver into separate transmitter and receiver components housed in different chambers within the same device. This segmentation physically isolates the transmitter and receiver, preventing optical crosstalk while maintaining integration benefits through shared mounting structures and coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the transmitter and receiver within a common housing structure with separate chambers. The receiver chamber is positioned to receive optical signals from external sources while the transmitter chamber is oriented to emit signals outward, with the nested arrangement providing mechanical support and electrical connections while maintaining optical isolation through strategic positioning and shielding.
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 enables reliable, secure, and high-volume data transfer that is insensitive to electrical interference and corrosive environments, ensuring continuous and efficient data communication.
Implementation Method 1
data signals can be transmitted optically through the hollow profile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a conductor line (6; 35) for supplying electric energy to at least one electric load which can be moved on the conductor line (6; 35) in the longitudinal direction of the conductor line, comprising at least one conductor strand (15) which runs in the longitudinal direction and which comprises an electrically conductive profiled conductor section (10, 16) for contacting a conductor contact (21, 22) of the load, and a current collector (3) for supplying electric energy to the at least one load, wherein the current collector (3) has at least one conductor contact (21, 22) for contacting an electrically conductive profiled conductor section (10, 16) of a conductor strand (15) of the conductor line (6; 35). The aim of the invention is to allow a simple, secure, and extremely reliable data transmission which has as little interference as possible or is as interference-free as possible, is insensitive to external influences, and has a high transmission volume. This is achieved in that a first optical transmission unit (27) which runs in the longitudinal direction is arranged on the conductor line (6; 35) for contactlessly transmitting data to a second optical transmission unit (30) which can be moved relative to the conductor line (6; 35), and a second optical transmission unit (30) which can be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the conductor line (6; 35) is arranged on the current collector (3) for contactlessly transmitting data to a first optical transmission unit (27) arranged on the conductor line (6; 35).