Wireless Power and Data Interface for Rotating Bodies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in transferring electric power and data between a non-rotating body and a rotating body without the use of hard-wired connections, which is hindered by the rotation of the rotating body, necessitating a solution that ensures reliable and interference-resistant power and data transfer for electronic devices and sensors.

Innovation Solution

An interface system utilizing wireless couplings, including inductive and optical couplings, to transfer electrical power and data between the non-rotating and rotating bodies, featuring power transfer devices, data transmitters, and receivers aligned or offset relative to the axis of rotation, ensuring bi-directional or uni-directional data transfer and resistance to interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hard-wired connections are used to transfer power and data between non-rotating and rotating bodies, then reliable transfer is achieved, but rotation prevents the use of such connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with rotating bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical hard-wired connections with wireless coupling systems including inductive power transfer and optical data communication. The inductive coupling system uses magnetic fields to transfer power without physical contact, while optical coupling uses light signals for data transmission, eliminating the mechanical connection constraint that prevents reliable power and data transfer to rotating bodies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless coupling fields as intermediaries between the non-rotating and rotating bodies. Inductive coupling uses magnetic field lines as an intermediary to transfer power, while optical coupling uses light signals as an intermediary for data transmission. These intermediary fields enable energy and information transfer without requiring direct mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between reliable transfer and rotation compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless coupling is used to transfer power and data to rotating bodies, then rotation compatibility is achieved, but interference resistance must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation compatibilityVSAvoidinterference susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless coupling system into separate functional segments: inductive coupling for power transfer and optical coupling for data transmission. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining rotation compatibility. The separation also helps isolate interference effects to specific frequency bands or transmission channels, making interference management more effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and interference-resistant transfer of power and data between non-rotating and rotating bodies, supporting the operation of sensors and electronic devices, particularly in applications like autonomous vehicles, where uninterrupted power and data are crucial for safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless coupling includes an inductive coupling between a coil of the power transfer device and a coil of the power receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The wireless coupling includes an optical coupling between an optical communication device of the data transmitter and an optical communication device of the data receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10122416B2Interface for transferring power and data between a non-rotating body and a rotating body

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 ZOOX INC

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.