Optical Data Interface for Rotating Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication interfaces face challenges in enabling reliable, electrically isolated signal communication between multiple data transmitting sources and a common receiving destination when the modules are subject to rotation relative to each other, as conventional methods like wire or fiber optics are prone to mechanical issues, and wireless solutions are complex, expensive, and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication interface that uses a common optical detector aligned with a shared rotation axis and multiple optical sources offset from it, with a source-distinguishing mechanism to differentiate signals based on timing, baud rates, frequencies, or polarizations, ensuring data transmission regardless of module orientation, and includes features like diffusers and timeout mechanisms to maintain communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire or fiber optics are preconfigured to withstand mechanical motion, then communication between rotating modules is enabled, but wires or fiber optics are kinked, tangled, and stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wire connections with an optical communication system using LEDs and photodetectors. The mechanical coupling means (ball joint, gimbal, or threading) enable relative rotation while the optical system transmits data without physical wire constraints, eliminating kinking and tangling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of LEDs, diffusers, and photodetectors that mediate data transmission between rotating modules. This intermediary system allows communication without direct wire connections, accommodating mechanical motion while maintaining signal integrity
2Reliability
If mechanically slidable connections such as slip rings are used, then communication between rotating modules is enabled, but wear occurs and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical slip ring connections with an optical transmission system using LEDs and photodetectors separated by an air gap. This eliminates mechanical contact and wear, allowing the connection to last indefinitely while maintaining communication reliability during rotation
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct electrical connection is used between data transmitting sources without common ground, then communication is established, but ground-loops and electrical noise interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission using LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates ground-loops and electrical noise interference while allowing each data transmitting source to operate with independent power supplies, as optical signals are immune to electrical interference
4Ease of operation
If wireless radio link is used for data transmission, then communication flexibility is improved, but complexity, cost, and reliability increase and electronic interference from outside sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical transmission through a diffuser medium instead of wireless radio transmission. This provides the flexibility of wireless communication (no physical wire constraints) while avoiding the complexity, cost, and interference issues of radio frequency systems, as optical signals are confined to the transmission medium
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple off-axis LED's are arranged to transmit to a single off-axis detector, then rotation tolerance is improved, but extension to multiple sources communicating with single receiver is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple LEDs and multiple photodetectors at the same off-axis location, allowing any LED to transmit to any photodetector regardless of rotation orientation. This universal configuration enables multiple sources to communicate with multiple destinations without increasing complexity, as the off-axis geometry naturally accommodates all combinations
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 reliable, electrically isolated optical data transmission from multiple sources to a common receiver, even under rotation, without the need for a shared power or ground, ensuring continuous data communication and preventing interference or signal overlap.
Implementation Method 1
use an optical data link, whereby optical signals, for example from one or more light-emitting diodes, are transmitted by data transmitting sources
Implementation Method 2
optical signals... are transmitted by data transmitting sources and are detected by an optical detector
Implementation Method 3
light from the optical sources is diffused, so that some light from each of the sources reaches the detector no matter where the sources and the detector are located
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of optical transmission sources provide data communication from a transmitting module to a common detector cooperative with a receiving module, the modules being subject to relative rotation about a shared axis. The detector can be located on the shared axis, each of the sources directing a beam onto the detector regardless of relative module orientation, and/or the light can be diffused, so that it is detected regardless of source and detector placement and relative module orientations. Transmissions can be distinguished according to synchronized timing, differing optical frequencies, differing baud rates, and/or differing circular polarizations. The detector can split the light into a plurality of beams which pass through different optical filters and are thereby distinguished. Cut-off circuits can prevent failed sources from transmitting. A diffused second light source and a second plurality of detectors can provide reverse communication from the receiving module to the transmitting module.