Rotary Joint Magnetic Power and Fiber Optic Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary joints for aircraft weather radar systems face reliability issues due to the limitations of slip rings and ribbon cables, which are not suitable for continuous rotation and are affected by strong magnetic fields, necessitating a more durable and reliable solution for data and power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint design that uses magnetic cores for power transfer via a transformer interface and fiber optic cables for data transfer, eliminating the need for contact or rigid connections, with a housing made from non-magnetic materials to withstand magnetic fields and ensure high reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rings and brushes are used for power transfer in a rotary joint, then power can be transmitted across the rotating interface, but the durability and reliability are reduced due to contact wear and magnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip ring and brush system with a magnetic coupling system that uses magnetic fields for power transfer. This substitution eliminates physical contact between rotating and stationary components, removing the harmful effects of contact wear and magnetic field interference on reliability. The magnetic coupling system uses a rotor with magnetic poles and a stator with corresponding magnetic poles to transfer power wirelessly across the rotary interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power across the rotary interface without direct mechanical contact. The magnetic coupling system uses magnetic flux as the mediator between the rotating rotor and stationary stator, allowing power transmission while isolating the two components from direct contact and magnetic field interference.
2Reliability
If ribbon cable is used for data and power transfer, then a data and power path can be provided, but the reliability is lower than desired and 360 degree continuous rotation is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ribbon cable system with a magnetic coupling system that enables continuous rotation. The magnetic field-based power transfer and fiber optic data transfer do not have the physical constraints of ribbon cables, allowing the rotor to rotate 360 degrees continuously without limitation from cable winding or mechanical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data and power transfer functions from the mechanical ribbon cable system and separates them into independent transmission media: magnetic coupling for power and fiber optics for data. This extraction removes the rotational constraints inherent in ribbon cable designs, enabling continuous rotation while maintaining reliable power and data transfer.
3Reliability
If fiber optic cables and carbon fiber housings are used, then the system is not affected by strong magnetic fields, but the complexity of combining multiple interfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transfer and data transfer interfaces into a single integrated rotary joint housing. The magnetic coupling system for power and fiber optic system for data are combined within one structure, with the rotor and stator assemblies housing both types of interfaces. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems while maintaining magnetic field immunity through the use of non-magnetic materials like carbon fiber and fiber optics.
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 a reliable and adaptable rotary joint for continuous rotation, enhancing system reliability and availability by using magnetic induction for power transfer and fiber optics for data, while minimizing electromagnetic interference and maintaining performance across a wide range of applications.
Implementation Method 1
a power transfer interface for transferring power between a first portion having a first magnetic core and a second portion having a second magnetic core
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary joint is disclosed. The rotary joint comprise a power transfer interface for transferring power between a first portion having a first magnetic core and a second portion having a second magnetic core and rotatable relative to the first portion. The rotary joint may also comprise a data interface for transferring data between a cable and a second cable that is rotatable relative to the first cable.