Rotating Body Support Assembly With Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating bodies pose a challenge for transferring electrical power and data between a non-rotating and a rotating body due to the inability to use hard-wired connections, necessitating innovative solutions for power supply and signal transmission while preventing interference.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a motor, spine, and interface components that allow for wireless transfer of electrical power and data signals using inductive or optical couplings, enabling rotation while maintaining signal integrity and preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used between rotating and non-rotating bodies, then reliable power and data transfer is achieved, but rotation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hard-wired connections with wireless communication technology. The rotating body and non-rotating body communicate power and data wirelessly, eliminating the mechanical connection constraint that prevented rotation while maintaining reliable transfer. This substitution of mechanical system with electromagnetic field-based wireless system resolves the contradiction between rotation capability and connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless transfer is used between rotating and non-rotating bodies, then rotation is enabled, but interference and signal integrity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary medium to transfer power and data between the rotating and non-rotating bodies. This intermediary wireless transmission method enables rotation while avoiding direct mechanical contact that would cause interference. The wireless signals act as a mediator that can penetrate through the rotational interface without being disrupted by mechanical friction or contact interference.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support structures are used to prevent rotation, then stability is improved, but rotation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into multiple independent support elements (first support, second support, third support) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stability when needed while maintaining the capability to rotate by selectively releasing the support segments. The divided support structure provides stability during operation but does not permanently constrain rotation.
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 and interference-resistant transfer of power and data between rotating and non-rotating bodies, suitable for applications like autonomous vehicles where signal integrity is critical.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to supply torque to rotate the rotating body
Implementation Method 2
transfer electrical power and data signals between a non-rotating body and the rotating body
Implementation Method 3
transfer electrical power and data signals between a non-rotating body and the rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for supporting a rotating body may include first and second supports defining first and second longitudinal support axes and configured to support the rotating body, such that the rotating body is rotatable relative to the first and second supports. A rotation axis about which the rotating body rotates may be transverse to the first and second longitudinal support axes. The support assembly may also include a spine coupled to the first and second supports. The support assembly may also include a motor associated with at least one of the first or second supports and configured to supply torque to rotate the rotating body. At least one of the spine, the first support, or the second support may define a recess configured to receive at least one of an electrical conductor or a data signals link associated with operation of the rotating body.