Optical Slip Ring for Multi-Fiber Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip rings for optical fibers in underwater surveillance systems face limitations in multi-fiber data transmission, with previous solutions either experiencing significant insertion loss, being expensive, or generating electromagnetic interference incompatible with military applications.
Innovation Solution
A contactless slip ring design featuring optical/electrical converters, emitters, and detectors that allow for multiple data transmission channels with separate emission wavelengths, enabling efficient and interference-free data transfer between rotating and fixed parts, supporting high bit rates and bidirectional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contactless slip ring with a single pair of rotor and stator fibers is used, then data transmission without mechanical wear is achieved, but multi-fiber data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring is divided into multiple independent data transmission channels, each capable of handling a rotor-stator fiber pair. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the reliability of contactless transmission while providing versatility for multi-fiber applications through modular channel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each data transmission channel in the slip ring is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple rotor-stator fiber pairs simultaneously. The channels can operate independently or in combination, enabling the system to adapt to various multi-fiber configuration requirements while maintaining contactless transmission reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Dove prism is used for multi-fiber data transmission, then transmission capability is improved, but significant insertion loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical optical coupling systems (such as Dove prisms) with contactless optical transmission channels. This substitution eliminates the mechanical alignment and coupling losses associated with traditional methods, achieving multi-fiber transmission capability with significantly reduced insertion loss.
3Loss of energy
If optical/electrical transducers and capacitive slip rings are used for multi-fiber transmission, then data transmission loss is reduced, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive optical/electrical transducer and capacitive slip ring components from the system. Instead, it uses purely optical transmission channels that achieve low insertion loss without requiring these complex and costly intermediate conversion stages, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining transmission efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If Wi-Fi type radiofrequency signal transmission is used, then cost is reduced, but bit rate is limited and electromagnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiofrequency electrical signal transmission with direct optical signal transmission through dedicated optical channels. This substitution enables high bit rates comparable to fiber optic systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness, and eliminates electromagnetic interference by using optical rather than electrical transmission media.
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 efficient, high-bit-rate, multi-fiber data transmission without significant insertion loss or electromagnetic interference, suitable for military applications, and is cost-effective and compact.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical emitter, receiving the first electrical signal so as to emit a light beam
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical detector for detecting the light beam and for transforming it into a second electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A slip ring for optical fibers includes a first part and a second part that is able to rotate with respect to the first part, the slip ring comprising at least one data transmission channel comprising an optical/electrical converter for transforming an optical signal conveyed by an optical fiber into a first electrical signal, at least one optical emitter, receiving the first electrical signal so as to emit a light beam, at least one optical detector for detecting the light beam and for transforming it into a second electrical signal, the emitter being contained in the first part and the detector being contained in the second part, or vice versa, and an electrical/optical converter to which the second electrical signal is transmitted such that the electrical/optical converter generates another optical signal intended to be conveyed on another optical fiber.