Rotary Data Coupler Capacitive Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary data couplers face challenges in efficiently transmitting digital signals across rotating interfaces without mechanical contact, particularly in handling high-frequency alternating current signals and maintaining mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
The use of capacitive coupling with a receiver resistance and differential amplifier to transmit digital signals across a rotating interface, allowing for non-contact transmission and reducing mechanical wear, while also optimizing frequency response to handle high-frequency signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contactless transmission is used, then mechanical wear is reduced, but transmission efficiency for high-frequency signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based signal transmission with capacitive coupling, a non-contact electromagnetic field-based system. The transmitter and receiver are positioned close together with no physical contact, using electric field coupling to transmit signals. This eliminates mechanical wear and contact friction while maintaining signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive coupling mechanism between the transmitter and receiver. The capacitor formed by the closely spaced transmitter and receiver plates serves as an intermediary that couples electrical signals without requiring direct mechanical contact. This intermediary enables non-contact energy and signal transfer.
2Reliability
If capacitive coupling is used for non-contact transmission, then mechanical wear is reduced, but frequency response capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the capacitive coupling parameters by positioning the transmitter and receiver plates extremely close together, minimizing the gap distance. This parameter change increases the capacitive coupling strength and extends the usable frequency range. The receiver resistance and differential amplifier configuration are also optimized to handle high-frequency signals effectively.
3Measurement precision
If receiver resistance and differential amplifier are added, then signal transmission quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the receiver resistance and differential amplifier into an integrated receiver circuit that works together as a unified system. The receiver resistance is positioned to work in conjunction with the capacitive coupling, and the differential amplifier processes the signal from the capacitor, merging multiple functions into a cohesive receiver assembly that improves signal quality without proportionally increasing 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 enables efficient, non-contact transmission of digital signals across rotating interfaces, reduces mechanical wear, and effectively handles high-frequency signals, improving the reliability and longevity of rotary data couplers.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter and receiver are arranged to align the respective transmitter and receiver bands. For example, the first transmitter band may be aligned with the first receiver band to form a first capacitor. The second transmitter band is aligned with the second receiver band to form a second capacitor. When aligned, the respective transmitter and receiver bands are rotatable relative to one another. The first and second capacitors couple a signal and a reference value for the transmitted signal
Implementation Method 2
A differential amplifier may be electrically coupled between the first and second receiver bands. The differential amplifier amplifies a difference between current and/or voltage at the first and second receiver bands, providing the received signal at one or more outputs of the differential amplifier
Data Source
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AI summary
Various examples are directed to a rotary coupler and methods of use thereof. The rotary data coupler may comprise a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter may comprise a first band and a second transmitter band. The receiver may comprise a receiver housing positioned to rotate relative to the first transmitter band and the second transmitter band. A first receiver band may be positioned opposite the first transmitter band to form a first capacitor and a second receiver band may be positioned opposite the second transmitter band to form a second capacitor. The receiver may also comprise a resistance electrically coupled between the first receiver band and the second receiver band and a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier may comprise an inverting input and a non-inverting input, with the non-inverting input electrically coupled to the first receiver band and the inverting input electrically coupled to the second receiver band.