Rotating Inductive Coupling for Coil Alignment Across Moving Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic devices require mechanical fastening elements to connect accessories to the frame or housing, which can be cumbersome and limit the versatility of the devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inductively coupling a first body and a second body using coils, where the first body is rotatable relative to the second body, allowing for alignment of the coils during rotation and enabling signal transmission between them without the need for mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fastening elements are used to connect accessories to the robotic device, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening elements with magnetic coupling between the first body and second body. The magnetic attraction force provides stable connection without mechanical fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability. The magnetic coupling allows accessories to be attached and detached easily through simple magnetic attraction rather than complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the first body and second body to establish the connection. This magnetic field acts as a mediator that provides the coupling force necessary for stable attachment, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and complex fastening structures while maintaining reliable connection.
2Reliability
If mechanical fastening elements are used to connect accessories, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation and versatility of the device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical fastening systems with magnetic coupling, allowing accessories to be attached and detached through simple magnetic attraction. This provides secure connection through magnetic force while dramatically improving ease of operation, as users can attach or remove accessories without dealing with complex mechanical fasteners, screws, or clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system allows the accessory and robotic device to self-align and self-connect through magnetic attraction. The magnetic field automatically guides the attachment process, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or complex fastening operations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining secure connection.
3Reliability
If coils are aligned during rotation for inductive coupling, then signal transmission is maintained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic alignment mechanisms where the coils are configured to maintain alignment during rotation through rotational symmetry or active positioning systems. The first coil and second coil are arranged such that their magnetic fields remain coupled throughout the rotation cycle, either through geometric design (e.g., circular coil patterns) or controlled adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining signal transmission without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the coil system to perform multiple functions: generating the magnetic field for coupling, maintaining alignment during rotation, and providing tolerance to manufacturing variations. The coil configuration is universally designed to work across different rotational positions and slight manufacturing deviations, reducing the stringency of precision requirements while ensuring continuous signal transmission.
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
This solution allows for stable and efficient magnetic coupling between the robotic device and its accessories, enabling continuous communication and power transfer during movement, while eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil disposed in the first body and a second coil disposed in the second body... sending a signal from the first coil to the second coil and receiving a signal from the second coil at the first coil
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the bearing and the retaining element includes a magnet... the retaining element is configured to magnetically couple with the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inductively coupling a first body and a second body is provided, wherein the first body rotates relative to the second body. During rotation, alignment is maintained between a first and second coil. Signals are sent and received between the coils.