Rotary Transformer Assembly for Slip-Ring-Free Plasma Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma generating apparatuses using conductive slip rings to transmit high voltage suffer from blocked gas flow, friction-induced limited rotation speed, increased weight and complexity, and uneven plasma distribution due to mechanical contact.
Innovation Solution
A transformer device design where the first induction coil is fixed on a magnetic element and the second induction coil is linked to a rotating element, allowing high-voltage energy transmission without physical contact, and a hollow magnetic element ensures unobstructed gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conductive slip ring is used to transmit high voltage to rotating electrodes, then electrical energy can be transmitted to the plasma generating device, but the structure blocks the middle region and occupies the gas flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conductive slip ring from the system entirely. Instead of using a mechanical contact-based slip ring to transmit electricity to rotating components, the invention uses electromagnetic induction through a transformer device where the primary coil is stationary and the secondary coil is on the rotating component, eliminating the need for physical electrical contact and thus clearing the gas flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system (conductive slip ring with physical contact points) with an electromagnetic field-based system (transformer device with primary and secondary coils). This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and physical obstruction, allowing gas to flow freely through the central region while still achieving electrical energy transmission to rotating electrodes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a conductive slip ring with physical contact points is used, then electrical energy can be transmitted, but friction is generated when rotating which limits rotation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based electrical transmission system with an electromagnetic induction system. The primary coil on the stationary side generates a magnetic field that induces voltage in the secondary coil on the rotating side, eliminating mechanical friction entirely and enabling high-speed rotation without the limitations imposed by physical contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the stationary power source and the rotating electrodes. The magnetic field serves as the medium for energy transfer, replacing direct mechanical contact and enabling frictionless power transmission to rotating components at high speeds.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a conductive slip ring is used to transmit high voltage, then electrical energy can be supplied to electrodes, but the weight and volume of the plasma generating apparatus are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy conductive slip ring assembly from the rotating components. By using electromagnetic induction, the heavy mechanical contact system is eliminated, reducing the weight of moving parts while maintaining the ability to transmit electrical energy to rotating electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical slip ring system with a lightweight electromagnetic field-based system. The stationary primary coil and rotating secondary coil configuration eliminates the need for heavy mechanical contacts and support structures, significantly reducing the overall weight of the plasma generating apparatus.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a conductive slip ring is used, then electrical energy can be transmitted to rotating electrodes, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex conductive slip ring mechanism including brushes, contacts, and supporting structures. The electromagnetic induction system simplifies the overall structure by eliminating these complex mechanical components, leaving only the essential transformer coils and magnetic core.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the electrical energy transmission function directly into the transformer device structure. The primary and secondary coils are positioned concentrically with the magnetic core, merging the power transmission function with the existing structural elements and eliminating the need for separate slip ring mechanisms.
5Reliability
If low-speed rotation is used due to friction from conductive slip ring, then mechanical wear is reduced, but the plasma in the plasma coverage area becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical contact system with an electromagnetic induction system that enables high-speed rotation. This eliminates the trade-off between mechanical durability and plasma uniformity, as the electromagnetic system imposes no frictional limits on rotation speed, allowing optimal plasma distribution while maintaining reliability through non-contact operation.
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 rotation, even plasma distribution, reduced weight, simplified assembly, and lower costs by eliminating friction and gas obstruction, while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The first induction coil and the second induction coil are both wound on a transformer core with high magnetic permeability. The energy is transferred through the coupled magnetic field. The electrical energy is converted into magnetic flux through the first induction coil.
Implementation Method 2
As the magnetic field lines of the transformer core cuts through the second induction coil, the magnetic energy is converted into electrical energy again, and then the energy is transferred to the second induction coil. Utilizing the characteristic that the voltage on the coil is proportional to the amount of turns, the amount of turns of the second induction coil is increased to increase the voltage
Implementation Method 3
The high voltage generated at both ends of the second induction coil of the transformer device is supplied to the two electrodes of the large-area plasma nozzle, forming a high-voltage electric field that dissociates the gas flowing through the nozzle into a plasma state.
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer device comprises: a magnetic element; a first induction coil assembled on the magnetic element; a second induction coil corresponding to the first induction coil, wherein the second induction coil and the first induction coil have the same axis but have no physical contact; a fixing element comprising a first winding base and a motor stator, wherein the magnetic element and the first induction coil are assembled on the first winding base and combined with the motor stator with a first locking element; and a rotating element comprising a second winding base and a motor rotor, wherein the second induction coil is assembled on the second winding base and combined with the motor rotor with a second locking element. Moreover, the above-mentioned transformer device is connected to a plasma generating device to obtain a plasma generating apparatus, and a circular large-area plasma coverage is achieved after rotating.