Rotatable Electrical Coupling for High-Speed Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotatable electrical couplings for swivel or pivot joints in mounting arms fail to meet the demands of modern healthcare, commercial, and industrial applications by not providing reliable high-frequency and high-speed data signal transmission while allowing for rotary movement.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable electrical coupling design featuring a male and female connector with complementary contact members that maintain uninterrupted electrical contact for both low-frequency control signals and high-frequency/high-speed data signals, enabling rotation through at least 60°, preferably 90°, 180°, and up to 360°, using coaxial contact members fully shielded with dielectric material for optimal signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rotatable electrical coupling designs are used, then mechanical rotation is enabled, but reliable high-frequency and high-speed data signal transmission is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact members are designed with spring-loaded or resilient mechanisms that dynamically adapt to rotational movement, maintaining continuous electrical contact while the coupling rotates through various angles, thus enabling both reliable signal transmission and rotational adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized intermediate structure is introduced between the electrical contacts and the rotating mechanism, allowing the electrical contacts to remain stationary or minimally moving while the outer coupling rotates, thereby decoupling the rotational movement from the electrical contact points and ensuring stable high-frequency signal transmission
2Reliability
If electrical contact members are designed for uninterrupted contact during rotation, then signal transmission is maintained, but contact wear and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional sliding or rotating electrical contacts with a design that minimizes mechanical wear, such as using magnetic coupling or optical transmission for signal transfer, thereby maintaining uninterrupted electrical contact during rotation while significantly reducing friction and contact wear, extending the lifespan of the contact members
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable electrical coupling comprising a male connector having at least one electrical contact member for conducting or transmitting a supply current or a low-frequency control signal, and a further electrical contact member for conducting or transmitting a high-frequency and/or a high-speed data signal. The coupling further comprises a female connector for receiving the male connector such that the male connector is adapted for rotation relative to the female connector. The female connector includes complementary electrical contact members configured to maintain uninterrupted electrical contact with each of the respective contact members of the male connector throughout a relative rotational movement between the male and female connectors preferably at least about 180°. An electrical connector for such a rotatable electrical coupling, as well as a swivel or pivot joint of a mounting arm for supporting or suspending technical equipment, wherein the joint incorporates such an electrical coupling.