Slip Ring Contact for Wireless Energy Transmission to Pivoting Locking Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for closing pedestrian passages face disruptions due to the use of cables for energy and information transmission, especially with moving parts, which can be prone to interference and damage.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a slip ring contact with multiple copper rings on a pivoting carrier for contactless or contact-based energy and information transmission to a pivoting locking device, allowing for permanent and dirt/moisture-resistant communication, along with optional LED lighting and display capabilities, and integration of sensors or RFID for access control and safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cables are used for energy and information transmission to the locking device, then the locking device can be supplied with power and data, but the cables cause disruptions and are prone to interference and damage, especially with moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based transmission system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. The locking device incorporates a receiver that can wirelessly receive energy and information signals from the external system, eliminating the need for physical cable connections to the moving locking device. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining transmission reliability through electromagnetic coupling while eliminating cable-related disruptions, interference, and damage risks associated with moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If slip ring contacts are used for energy and information transmission, then permanent transmission is enabled without cables, but the slip ring contacts are exposed to dirt and moisture ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable-free operationVSAvoiddirt and moisture ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for energy and information transmission between the external system and the locking device. Instead of direct physical contact through slip rings, the system uses wireless electromagnetic coupling where the locking device contains a receiver that communicates with external transmitters. This intermediary approach enables cable-free permanent operation while protecting the locking device from dirt and moisture ingress, as no physical openings or contacts are exposed to the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the locking device is equipped with display and lighting features, then information presentation and visibility are improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay and lighting functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by enabling the locking device to enter low-power or sleep modes when display and lighting features are not actively needed. The wireless energy transmission system allows the device to receive power on-demand, and the control system can periodically activate displays or lighting only when information presentation or visibility is required. This periodic operation pattern maintains the adaptability and versatility of having display and lighting features while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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, energy-efficient, and maintenance-friendly transmission of power and data to the locking device, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by eliminating cable-related issues and providing adaptable lighting and access management.

Implementation Method 1

A slip ring contact 4 is used for this. The slip ring contact 4 has, as in figure 1 shown a count of five rings. The rings can be made of copper and are arranged on the carrier 2. Furthermore, sliding contacts 6 are attached to the locking device 3, which are permanently spring-loaded.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2492436B1Installation for blocking the passage of persons
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 WANZL METALLWARENFAB GMBH
  • EP2492436B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The system (1) has a carrier (2), and a closing device (3) arranged at the carrier in a pivotable and/or rotatable manner, where energy and/or information e.g. data and/or signals, is sent to the closing device in a contactless and/or contact manner. A slip ring contacting unit (4) is arranged at the carrier, where a swiveling handle made of glass is designed as the closing device. A frame is arranged at a lower or upper edge of the closing device for arranging LEDs of the closing device. A radio frequency identification-reader is arranged in the closing device.