Waveguide Shaft RF Link for Rotating Sensor Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transferring high-rate data between a rotating component and a stationary component in lidar systems is challenging, as fixed wires are unreliable and bulky slip-ring interfaces raise environmental concerns, while optical communication may not provide sufficient bandwidth and requires temperature compensation.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency (RF) data link using a waveguide core shaft with optimized antennas for millimeter-wave band communication, enabling high-speed data transfer between a rotating component and a stationary base, with the option for bidirectional data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed wires are used to transfer data between rotating and stationary components, then high data rates can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to wire wear and connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with an electromagnetic field-based RF communication system. The rotating component transmits data via RF signals through the air or vacuum to the stationary receiver, eliminating physical contact and mechanical wear while maintaining high data transfer rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer data between the rotating and stationary components. Instead of direct physical connection, data is modulated onto RF carriers that propagate through space, serving as a non-contact intermediary for information transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If slip-ring interfaces are used to transfer data between rotating and stationary components, then continuous rotation is enabled, but device complexity and environmental harm increase due to bulky construction and mercury use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical slip-ring interface with a lightweight RF communication system. The rotating component carries an RF transmitter that wirelessly communicates with a stationary receiver, enabling continuous rotation without bulky contact rings or mercury switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy, complex slip-ring mechanism entirely from the system. By taking out the mechanical contact system and replacing it with wireless RF communication, the rotating component becomes much lighter and simpler while maintaining continuous rotation capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical communication is used to transfer data between rotating and stationary components, then environmental impact is reduced, but data bandwidth is insufficient for high-rate applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic radiation frequency from optical wavelengths to radio frequency wavelengths. This parameter change enables much higher data transfer rates through wider available bandwidth in the RF spectrum while maintaining the environmental benefits of wireless communication.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If optical communication is used for data transfer, then temperature compensation is required, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical communication with RF communication, which is inherently less sensitive to temperature variations. RF signals propagate through air with minimal temperature-dependent effects, eliminating the need for complex temperature compensation systems required by optical devices like LEDs and photodetectors.
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 RF data link provides reliable and high-bandwidth communication, supporting real-time data transfer with reduced environmental impact and improved signal uniformity, suitable for applications requiring gigabit-per-second data rates.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide core of the shaft can provide a waveguide for RF data transmissions (e.g., in the millimeter-wave band) between the first antenna and the second antenna
Implementation Method 2
In various embodiments, the first antenna can be optimized to transmit circularly polarized waves
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency (RF) data link can be provided between a stationary base component and a rotating component that rotates about an axis defined by a shaft that has a waveguide core (e.g., a hollow core). The rotating component can include a data source such as one or more sensors. An RF transmitter unit can be disposed in the rotating component and can have a first antenna oriented to transmit into one end of the waveguide core of the shaft. The base component can include an RF receiver unit that can have a second antenna located at the other end of the shaft and oriented to receive RE signals through the waveguide core of the shaft. The waveguide core of the shaft can provide a waveguide for RF data transmissions (e.g., in the millimeter-wave band) between the first antenna and the second antenna.