Waveguide Rotary Joint With Reflective Microwave Data Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact rotary joints for CT scanners have limited bandwidth and efficiency due to narrow radial slots and small transmission antennas, restricting data rates to below 10 Gbit/s.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint design featuring a circular channel with inner and outer rings, sidewalls, and antennas that utilize microwave reflections between conductive rings and sidewalls to enhance data transmission, allowing for higher bandwidth and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a waveguide with a narrow radial slot is used to transmit signals, then the waveguide structure is maintained, but the bandwidth is limited and data rate is restricted to below 10 Gbit/s
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple independent radial slots instead of a single narrow slot. Each slot can accommodate its own transmission antenna, allowing parallel signal paths and increased overall bandwidth. This segmentation enables the system to achieve data rates exceeding 10 Gbit/s by multiplying the capacity through multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension narrow radial slot to a multi-dimensional structure with multiple radial slots distributed around the circular waveguide cross-section. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous transmission of multiple signals with different polarizations or frequencies, significantly increasing bandwidth and data rate capacity.
2Productivity
If a small pin antenna is used in the narrow radial slot, then the antenna fits the slot constraints, but the antenna bandwidth and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pin antennas are distributed across multiple radial slots instead of using a single constrained antenna. This allows each antenna to operate independently with optimized positioning, improving overall transmission efficiency and providing redundancy. The segmented antenna arrangement enables parallel transmission paths that increase effective bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements are combined in a phased array configuration within the waveguide system. By merging the output of multiple pin antennas, the system achieves beam forming capabilities and increased gain, improving transmission efficiency and effective bandwidth while maintaining compatibility with the radial slot structure.
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
The design achieves high-speed data transfer rates exceeding 10 Gbit/s by optimizing signal reflections and path separation, supporting wireless standards like IEEE 802.11 ad or ay, and accommodating multiple channels.
Implementation Method 1
The channel and specifically the inner ring and the outer ring may reflect microwave signals, such that the microwave signals propagate through the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler provides a high speed datalink between rotating parts and comprises a circular channel, enclosing a hollow-cylindric volume, and at least two antennas. The circular channel is made of electrically conductive material and includes an inner ring, an outer ring rotatable against the inner ring, and two sidewalls on the sides of the rings. An inner antenna is mechanically coupled to the inner ring and an outer antenna is mechanically coupled to the outer ring. The antennas are configured to establish a microwave signal connection between them based on multiple reflections of an electromagnetic wave at the rings.