RF Strip Conductor Data Transfer with Frequency Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transfer systems in computed tomography apparatuses face signal distortions and limited data rates due to frequency-dependent losses, particularly dielectric losses, when transferring data between the rotating and stationary parts, especially at higher data rates, making it challenging to maintain efficient data transfer.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of compensation devices that counteract signal distortions by adjusting frequency amplitudes to compensate for frequency-dependent attenuation, allowing for higher data transfer rates using capacitive or inductive coupling, and enabling the use of cost-effective materials for radio-frequency conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard radio-frequency conductors are used for data transfer, then cost-effective implementation is achieved, but signal distortions occur due to frequency-dependent losses limiting data rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for frequency-dependent losses before signal transmission. Compensation devices are configured with predetermined frequency characteristics that counteract the expected attenuation, allowing standard cost-effective conductors to maintain signal quality at high data rates without requiring expensive low-loss materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the length of radio-frequency conductor is increased to accommodate rotating frame movement, then adaptability to position changes is improved, but frequency-dependent losses increase causing stronger signal distortions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the compensation characteristics based on the actual length and position of the radio-frequency conductor. The compensation devices are configured with variable parameters that adapt to different conductor lengths, ensuring optimal frequency-dependent compensation regardless of the rotating frame's position or movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If higher data rates are achieved by using special low-loss dielectric materials, then data transfer rate is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and material availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/material solution (expensive low-loss dielectric materials) with an electronic compensation approach. By using compensation devices with appropriate frequency characteristics, the system achieves high data rates with standard materials, replacing the need for specialized expensive materials while maintaining signal quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively increases data transfer rates above 1 Gbps by reducing signal distortions and maintaining signal quality, even with changing transfer distances, while allowing the use of cost-effective materials, and further enhances data transfer rates with the use of low-loss dielectric materials.

Implementation Method 1

signals emitted by the transmission antenna during at least one segment of the relative movement are received by the reception antenna by capacitive or inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

signals emitted by the transmission antenna during at least one segment of the relative movement are received by the reception antenna by capacitive or inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

frequency-dependent losses, in particular due to dielectric losses and the skin effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency-dependent attenuation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 4

frequency-dependent losses, in particular due to dielectric losses and the skin effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSkin effect: Skin Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7889836B2Device and method for data transfer with high data rate between two parts moving relative to one another at a slight distance

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a device and a method for data transfer between two parts moving relative to one another while maintaining a slight distance between the parts, a transmission device with at least one transmission antenna (connected with a transmitter) and a reception device with a reception antenna (connected with a receiver are used). The transmission antenna and/or the reception antenna is/are fashioned as radio-frequency conductors and are arranged such that signals fed into the transmission antenna during at least one segment of the relative movement are received by the reception antenna by capacitive or inductive coupling. One or more compensation devices is/are arranged between the transmitter and the receiver. The compensation devices counteract signal distortion caused on the radio-frequency conductor by propagation of the signals. Higher data transfer rates can be realized in a cost-effective manner given the use of radio-frequency strip conductors as transmission and/or reception antennas.