Rotating Element Sensor Unit With Inductive Power, Capacitive Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in reliably transmitting data and energy to rotating components due to interference between inductive and capacitive methods, limited energy amounts, and maintenance requirements of sliding elements.

Innovation Solution

A sensor unit with separate inductive energy transfer and capacitive data transmission elements, optimized for different frequency ranges, allowing simultaneous and interference-free data and energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If inductive energy transfer element is used, then sufficient energy transfer is achieved, but data transmission is disrupted by energy transfer interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transferVSAvoiddata transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the transmission function into two separate elements: an inductive energy transfer element and a capacitive data transmission element. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without interference from the other, resolving the contradiction between energy transfer and data transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful interference from inductive energy transfer is extracted and isolated by using a separate capacitive element for data transmission. The capacitive element operates independently from the inductive energy transfer, removing the source of interference and ensuring reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If capacitive data transmission element is used, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but energy transfer is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidenergy transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the transmission functions by assigning capacitive coupling specifically for data transmission and inductive coupling for energy transfer. This allows the capacitive element to provide reliable data transmission without being burdened by energy transfer requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive data transmission element acts as an intermediary that enables reliable data transmission while the inductive energy transfer element handles the energy supply. The two elements work together as a coordinated system, with each compensating for the other's limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If sliding elements are used for energy transfer, then energy supply is achieved, but maintenance intervals are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supplyVSAvoidmaintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sliding elements with a contactless inductive energy transfer system. The inductive coupling enables wireless energy transfer through magnetic field coupling, eliminating mechanical wear and the need for maintenance while providing sufficient energy supply to the rotating element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If battery storage is used, then energy supply is achieved, but maintenance problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supplyVSAvoidmaintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces battery storage with contactless inductive energy transfer, eliminating the need for replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The inductive coupling system provides continuous energy supply through the rotating element without requiring any maintenance or intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission and sufficient energy supply to rotating elements with reduced maintenance needs, optimizing both functions independently.

Implementation Method 1

The inductive energy transfer element is configured to supply the at least one sensor element and/or the data transmission element with electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The capacitive data transmission element is configured to transmit the at least one sensor value externally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4369617B1Mechanical processing machine with rotating element

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

Figure 1a
Figure 1b

AI summary

Rotating element (14, 14') with a sensor unit (20), wherein the sensor unit (20) comprises the following features: a sensor element configured to determine a physical parameter and derive a corresponding sensor value; a capacitive data transmission element (18a, 18b, 18a', 18b`) configured to transmit the at least one sensor value externally; and a separate inductive energy transmission element (16a, 16b, 16a', 16b`) configured to supply the at least one sensor element and/or the data transmission element with electrical energy.