Integrated Slip-Ring With Thermal Element for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency slip-ring technologies face challenges in transmitting signals over wider temperature ranges due to thermal limitations, particularly at low temperatures, which impair the functioning of electrical contacts and pose bandwidth and impedance-matching constraints.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a thermal element within a support member, such as a pancake-type rotor with a thermal element and control electronics, allows for active heating and cooling, extending the temperature operating range through intelligent microprocessor control and thermoelectric devices, and utilizing carbon fiber composite materials for structural and shielding benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-frequency signals are transmitted through rotary joints, then bandwidth and signal transmission capability are improved, but thermal limitations particularly at low temperatures impair the functioning of electrical contacts and pose impedance-matching constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a thermal element to actively modify the temperature parameter of the rotor, enabling the slip-ring to operate reliably across an extended temperature range from -55°C to +85°C, thereby resolving the thermal limitations that impaired electrical contact functioning at low temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal element as an intermediary component within the rotor to mediate temperature control. This thermal element, controlled by control electronics, acts as a mediator to maintain optimal temperature conditions for electrical contacts and impedance matching, enabling high-frequency signal transmission across wider temperature ranges
2Adaptability or versatility
If active electronics are physically integrated into rotary joints, then functionality and control capability are improved, but thermal limitations and physical integration challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal element and control electronics directly into the rotor structure, combining multiple functions (thermal control, signal processing, and rotation) into a single integrated component. This merging approach improves adaptability while managing physical integration challenges by consolidating control capability within the rotor assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as the rotating mechanical component, the housing for thermal element, and the mounting structure for control electronics. This universal design enables the single component to perform multiple functions including temperature control, signal processing, and mechanical rotation, thereby improving versatility while managing integration complexity
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 enhances the operational range of slip-rings to higher frequencies and wider temperature ranges, achieving improved impedance matching, reduced emissions, and efficient thermal management, while maintaining reliable signal and power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal element (3 or 4) arranged within the support member for selectively affecting the temperature of the rotor; whereby the temperature operating range of the slip-ring may be increased
Implementation Method 2
The thermal element may be a heater or a cooler
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An improved slip-ring has a stator and a rotor, and includes a brush having a proximal end mounted on one of the stator and rotor and having a distal end engaging the other of the stator and rotor. The brush is adapted to convey electrical signals across the interface between the stator and rotor. The improvement includes: the rotor including a support member (1); and a track provided on the other of the stator and rotor, the track being arranged for sliding contact with the brush distal end; and a thermal element (3 or 6) arranged within the support member for selectively affecting the temperature of the rotor; whereby the temperature operating range of the slip-ring may be increased.