Rotatable Electrical Coupling for High-Speed Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotatable electrical coupling devices for swivel or pivot joints in mounting arms fail to provide reliable high-frequency and high-speed data transmission due to limitations in rotational range and interference sensitivity, which is inadequate for modern healthcare, commercial, and industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable electrical coupling device with coaxial connectors featuring electrically shielded contact members and minimal frictional resistance, allowing for uninterrupted electrical contact through 360° rotation, utilizing dielectric materials and biasing members to maintain engagement and minimize interference, and incorporating adapters for secure cable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art coupling designs are used in swivel joints, then basic electrical connection is provided, but reliable high-frequency and high-speed data transmission cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidhigh-frequency signal compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the contact members by implementing precision-machined cylindrical surfaces with specific tolerances (IT7-IT8), optimized radius values (R0.5 to R2), and controlled surface roughness (Ra 0.4 to Ra 1.6). These parameter changes enable the contact members to maintain stable electrical connection during rotation, achieving reliable high-frequency and high-speed data transmission that prior art designs could not provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If rotational movement is allowed in the coupling device, then flexibility is improved, but electrical connection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by designing the contact members with cylindrical surfaces that rotate about a central axis. The cylindrical geometry (a circular cross-section extending along the axis) allows for smooth rotational movement while maintaining constant surface contact. This curved geometric form enables the coupling device to achieve both rotational flexibility and electrical connection stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding is added to reduce interference, then signal quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and the shielding function into a unified structure. The contact members serve dual purposes: they provide the electrical connection path for signal transmission and simultaneously act as the shielding structure through their cylindrical geometry and conductive material composition. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining signal quality and interference protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures reliable transmission of high-frequency and high-speed data signals, such as UHF and digital HDTV, with minimal signal interference and frictional resistance, supporting continuous operation in equipment mounting systems with full rotational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

at least one biasing member which is arranged to bias either the first contact member or the second contact member into engagement with the other when the first and second connectors are in the coupled state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing dielectric materials and biasing members to maintain engagement and minimize interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2577815B1Rotatable electrical coupling device
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 ONDAL MEDICAL SYST
  • EP2577815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2577815B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a rotatable electrical coupling device (1) comprising: a first connector (10) having a first electrical contact member (11) adapted to conduct or transmit a high-frequency and/or high-speed data signal; and a second connector (30) having a second electrical contact member (31 ) adapted to conduct or transmit a high-frequency and/or high-speed data signal. The second connector (30) is configured to be coupled with the first connector (10) for substantially free or unimpeded rotation about an axis (X) relative to the first connector (10), the first and second electrical contact members (11, 31 ) being configured to engage one another and to maintain uninterrupted electrical contact throughout a relative rotational movement between the first and second connectors (10, 30) in a coupled state.