Wireless Coupling Layout for Wear-Free Power and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial plug-in connectors experience high wear due to frequent disengagement and reconnection, necessitating a more durable and efficient solution for both power and data transfer in robotic applications.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device utilizing an air coil and ferrite body for inductive energy transfer, combined with a communication device for directional electromagnetic signal transmission, enabling efficient wireless power and data transfer through a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plug-in connectors are used for frequent disengagement and reconnection, then electrical connection can be established, but wear on the terminals increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in connector system with a wireless coupling device that uses electromagnetic fields for both power transfer and data communication. The coupling device employs an air coil for inductive power transfer and a communication device for data transmission, eliminating mechanical contact and terminal wear entirely while enabling frequent connection changes without degradation
2Reliability
If wireless power transfer is implemented using an air coil, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transfer function and data communication function into a single integrated coupling device. The air coil serves for inductive power transfer while a communication device handles data transmission, allowing both functions to be implemented in one device rather than requiring separate systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving wear-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same device structure supports both wireless power transfer through the air coil and wireless data communication through the communication device. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the need for additional specialized components
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented for wireless power and data transfer, then space is saved, but component arrangement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the air coil and communication device in a spatial configuration where the communication device is positioned to transmit signals through the opening of the air coil. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both components to be compactly integrated while maintaining their functional independence, achieving a space-saving design that is manufacturable with standard assembly techniques
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 solution provides a durable and efficient means for wireless power and data transfer, reducing wear and enhancing connectivity in industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
inductively transfer supply energy, by using an air coil, also known as air core coil, which acts as a primary coil
Implementation Method 2
ferrite body having a through-opening, to a secondary coil... transmit, by using a communication device, data in the form of electromagnetic signals in a main emission direction through the through-opening of the ferrite body
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for wireless data and energy transfer, includes a housing, a communication device located in the housing for wireless data transfer and designed to emit electromagnetic signals in a main emission direction, and a wireless energy transfer device located in the housing. The wireless energy transfer device includes a ferrite body with a through-opening and at least one air coil which defines an opening and is located on the ferrite body. The air coil, the ferrite body and the communication device are arranged to each other in such a way that electromagnetic signals emitted by the communication device in the main emission direction propagate through the through-opening in the ferrite body and through the opening in the at least one air coil.