Wireless Power and Data Interface for Rotating Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to transfer electrical power and data between a non-rotating body and a rotating body without using hard-wired connections, as rotation prevents the use of traditional hard-wired connections, and interference must be minimized to ensure reliable operation, especially in applications like autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An interface system that includes a power transfer device coupled to the non-rotating body, a power receiver on the rotating body, and data transmitters and receivers using inductive and optical couplings to transfer power and data wirelessly, ensuring alignment and configuration to maintain communication and power integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used to transfer power and data, then reliable power and data transfer is achieved, but rotation of the rotating body prevents the use of hard-wired connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wired connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. The power transfer device uses electromagnetic coupling to transfer power across the air gap between the non-rotating and rotating bodies, eliminating the need for physical wire connections that would be disrupted by rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power and data between the non-rotating body and the rotating body. This intermediary allows energy and information to pass through the air gap without direct physical contact, enabling reliable transfer despite rotational movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless transfer is used to accommodate rotation, then compatibility with rotating body is achieved, but interference may disrupt power and data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer device is designed to perform multiple functions: wireless power transfer, data communication, and interference rejection. By integrating these functions into a single system, the device can simultaneously maintain reliable power transfer and data communication while resisting environmental interference through coordinated control of electromagnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the electromagnetic coupling conditions and adjust transmission parameters in real-time. This feedback control allows the system to maintain optimal power and data transfer while compensating for interference and variations in the air gap caused by rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inductive and optical couplings are used for wireless transfer, then power and data transfer is enabled without hard-wired connections, but alignment and configuration must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inductive coupling for power transfer and optical coupling for data transfer into a single integrated wireless interface system. By merging these two coupling mechanisms in close proximity, the system achieves both power and data communication through a single alignment interface, reducing the overall complexity compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the air gap space between the non-rotating and rotating bodies as a third dimension for wireless energy and information transfer. By operating in this spatial dimension rather than requiring planar wire connections, the system enables rotation while maintaining transfer capability through electromagnetic fields that penetrate the air gap.
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
Enables reliable and interference-resistant transfer of electrical power and data between the non-rotating and rotating bodies, supporting the operation of sensors and electronic devices, particularly in applications where interruptions could lead to accidents, such as autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a power transfer device coupled to the non-rotating body and configured to transfer electrical power, and a power receiver coupled to the rotating body and configured to receive electrical power from the power transfer device via a wireless coupling
Implementation Method 2
data transmitters and receivers using inductive and optical couplings to transfer power and data wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for transferring power and data between a non-rotating body and a rotating body may include a power transfer device coupled to the non-rotating body, and a power receiver coupled to the rotating body and configured to receive electrical power from the power transfer device. The interface may further include a first data transmitter coupled to the rotating body, and a first data receiver coupled to the non- rotating body and configured to receive data signals from the first data transmitter. The interface may also include a second data transmitter coupled to the non-rotating body, and a second data receiver coupled to the rotating body and configured to receive data signals from the second data transmitter. The wireless coupling between the power transfer device and the power receiver may include an inductive coupling, and the first data transmitter and the first data receiver may each include an optical communication device.