Rotary Optical Joint Using Alternating Size Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic rotary joints face challenges in maintaining uninterrupted data transmission during rotor rotation due to the need for precise alignment of fibers or wires, which restricts data transmission rates and is prone to disturbances and calibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with optical receivers and transmitters positioned at radii around a rotor and stator, using optical elements of alternating sizes to ensure continuous data transmission without blackouts or latency, and incorporating collimating optics and a multiplexer decoder to manage data signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are used to transmit signals through the rotary joint interface, then data transmission capability is enabled, but the system becomes prone to disturbances and calibration issues due to the need for precise alignment during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fiber alignment systems with an optical reflection-based transmission system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical alignment of optical fibers during rotation, the system uses optical elements (mirrors, beam splitters) to reflect and direct light signals across the rotary interface. This substitution eliminates the mechanical alignment complexity and disturbance susceptibility while maintaining reliable data transmission capability.
2Ease of operation
If ellipsoidal reflectors are used to enable signal transmission across the rotary interface, then rotation capability is achieved, but data transmission rates are restricted due to alignment limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into multiple discrete optical elements (mirrors, beam splitters, optical channels) arranged in a segmented pattern around the rotary interface. This segmentation allows each element to handle specific angular positions independently, enabling higher data transmission rates by parallelizing the transmission across multiple channels rather than relying on a single ellipsoidal reflector system with limited bandwidth.
3Reliability
If precise fiber alignment is maintained during rotor rotation, then uninterrupted data transmission is achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to disturbances and calibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (stationary optical elements, beam splitters, and reflective surfaces) positioned at the rotary interface that mediate the signal transmission between the rotating and stationary components. These intermediaries act as stable reference points that do not require precise alignment during rotation, thereby eliminating disturbance sensitivity while maintaining continuous transmission through the rotational movement.
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
Enables high-speed, uninterrupted data transmission across rotary joints without the limitations of fiber alignment or ellipsoidal reflectors, improving data rates and reducing sensitivity to disturbances, thus enhancing communication reliability.
Implementation Method 1
In a further embodiment, the first plurality of optical elements includes a first plurality of collimating optics
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of optical transmitters circumferentially disposed at a second radius of the other of the stator and the rotor, each optical transmitter of the first plurality configured to transmit a data signal
Implementation Method 3
a first plurality of optical receivers circumferentially disposed at a first radius of one of the stator and the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for communication in a rotary joint. In one example, a communication system includes a stator, a rotor, a plurality of optical receivers circumferentially disposed at a first radius of one of the stator and the rotor, a plurality of optical transmitters circumferentially disposed at a second radius of the other of the stator and the rotor, each optical transmitter of the plurality configured to transmit a data signal to a corresponding optical receiver of the plurality of optical receivers, and a plurality of optical elements, individual optical elements having one of a first size and a second size, wherein individual optical elements are interposed between each optical transmitter of the plurality of optical transmitters and each optical receiver of the plurality of optical receivers and arranged so as to alternate between the first size and the second size along one of the first radius and the second radius.