Slip Ring Impedance Matching via Axial Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency signal transmission across slip rings in turbomachines is limited by impedance discontinuities, leading to signal distortion and degradation, which is exacerbated by the limited axial space in slip ring assemblies, restricting the number of sensors that can be used.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a slip ring assembly with conductive rings electronically coupled via twisted wire pairs of constant target impedance, axially spaced to maintain impedance matching across the rings, ensuring clear transmission of high-frequency signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact surface area of conductive rings is increased to mitigate impedance mismatches, then signal transmission quality improves, but the number of conductive rings that can be accommodated along the axial length decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the axial spacing between conductive rings to maintain constant target impedance for high-frequency signals. By optimizing the distance parameter between rings rather than changing contact surface area, the invention achieves impedance matching while preserving axial space for multiple sensor connections.
2Productivity
If multiple sensors are connected to the slip ring assembly, then data transmission capability improves, but impedance discontinuities increase causing signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the axial spacing parameter between conductive rings to maintain constant impedance. This allows multiple sensors to be connected without creating impedance discontinuities, as each ring is positioned at a specific distance from others to preserve signal integrity across all connections.
3Ease of operation
If the axial length of the slip ring assembly is reduced, then installation space improves, but the number of conductive rings that can be accommodated decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the axial spacing parameter between conductive rings to achieve constant impedance matching. This precise parameter control allows maximum utilization of available axial space, enabling more conductive rings to be accommodated in shorter assemblies while maintaining signal quality for high-frequency transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
A slip ring assembly includes a pair of conductive rings consecutively positioned along a center shaft of the slip ring assembly. The pair of conductive rings are electronically coupled to a high frequency signal source via a first twisted wire pair. The pair of conductive rings are electronically coupled to a data processor via a second twisted wire pair. The first and second twisted wire pairs have constant target impedances that are substantially similar. The first and second conductive rings are axially spaced at an axial distance that is sized so as to maintain the constant target impedance across the first and second conductive rings during transmission of a high frequency signal from the high frequency signal source to the data processor. The slip ring assembly provides a method for impedance matching across the conductive rings of the slip ring assembly.