Slip Ring Contactless Signal Transmission via Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip rings suffer from mechanical wear and impedance variations due to brushes-rings contact, and require precise alignment for signal transmission, which limits their operational reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a contactless signal transmission method using magnetic induction coils with analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions, allowing for wireless signal transfer between concentric coils, while maintaining a sliding brush-ring contact for power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding contact between brushes and rings is used for signal transmission, then electrical connection is established, but mechanical wear occurs and impedance variations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with an electromagnetic induction system. A primary coil on the stationary part and a secondary coil on the rotating part establish electrical connection through magnetic field coupling, eliminating direct physical contact between brushes and rings. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable signal transmission while eliminating mechanical wear that limited the useful working life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the stationary and rotating parts. The primary coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the secondary coil through the rotating part, enabling signal transmission without direct contact. This intermediary magnetic field resolves the contradiction by providing stable electrical connection while avoiding the mechanical wear and impedance variations associated with sliding contacts.
2Reliability
If precise alignment of light emitters and receivers is implemented, then contactless signal transmission is achieved, but alignment maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical alignment system with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of requiring precise alignment of light emitters and receivers, the magnetic field coupling between primary and secondary coils provides tolerance to misalignment. The magnetic field naturally couples the two coils over a range of positions, eliminating the complex alignment maintenance requirements while maintaining contactless signal transmission.
3Device complexity
If traditional sliding contact system is used, then power and signal transmission is simplified, but temperature variations cause undesired signal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sliding contact system with electromagnetic induction for signal transmission. The primary coil on the stationary part and secondary coil on the rotating part transmit signals through magnetic field coupling, which is immune to temperature-induced mechanical expansion and contraction. This substitution maintains transmission system simplicity while eliminating temperature variations' harmful effects on signal stability.
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 reduces mechanical wear, eliminates alignment requirements, and provides stable signal transmission immune to mechanical deviations, temperature variations, and noise, enhancing the operational lifespan and reliability of the slip ring.
Implementation Method 1
signal transmission, which is realized contactlessly, in particular through magnetic induction, by means of inductive coupling elements such as magnetic induction coils
Implementation Method 2
at least one first magnetic induction coil arranged within said movable portion and at least one second magnetic induction coil arranged within said fixed portion, which are mutually concentric
Data Source
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AI summary
It is described a slip ring (10) comprising at least one movable portion (10A) and one fixed portion (10B), at least one interface surface (10C) being defined therebetween, the slip ring (10) further comprising contactless transmission elements (12A, 12B) for a signal transmission, which are associated with the movable portion and fixed portion (10A, 10B), respectively, as well as at least one contact transmission element (13, 14) arranged at the interface surface (10C) and used only for a power transmission. Conveniently, the contactless transmission elements (12A, 12B) comprise respective inductive coupling elements for a signal transmission by magnetic induction.