Wireless Power Transfer for Inertial Sensor Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional inertial navigation systems face issues with wear and electrical noise interference due to moving physical structures like slip rings and twist caps, and they struggle with power supply limitations, especially when physical contact is prohibited.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transfer system that uses a switching power supply with inductively coupled wound magnetic materials to transmit power across an air gap, eliminating the need for physical contact and supporting inertial sensor assemblies with gas bearings, allowing for contactless charging of batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slip rings and twist caps are used to transfer power to the inertial sensor assembly, then power can be supplied continuously, but wear and electrical noise interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical noise interference and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transfer system (slip rings and twist caps) with a wireless electromagnetic induction-based power transfer system. The external power port uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power wirelessly to the internal power port of the inertial sensor assembly, eliminating mechanical contact and its associated wear and electrical noise interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If physical contact devices are used to supply power, then power transfer is possible, but the system is restricted when gimbals are absent and physical contact is prohibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to contactless configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based power transfer with wireless electromagnetic induction-based power transfer. The external power port can wirelessly transfer power to the internal power port without requiring physical contact or gimbals, enabling the system to operate in contactless configurations while maintaining power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple slip rings and twist caps are used for power and data communication, then both functions can be achieved, but multiple failure points are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual function capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based power and data transfer with wireless electromagnetic induction-based transfer. The external power port wirelessly transfers both power and data to the internal power port without requiring multiple slip rings and twist caps, eliminating multiple failure points while maintaining dual function capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If wireless power transfer across air gap is implemented, then contactless power supply is achieved, but alignment between external and internal power ports must be precise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of physical contactVSAvoidpower port alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based power transfer with wireless electromagnetic induction-based power transfer. The external power port aligns with the internal power port through electromagnetic coupling across an air gap, eliminating physical contact while requiring precise alignment that is achieved through the electromagnetic field coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of inertial navigation systems by reducing wear and noise interference, enabling continuous operation without physical contact and ensuring reliable power supply to inertial sensor assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless power transfer system that uses a switching power supply with inductively coupled wound magnetic materials to transmit power across an air gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7647176B2Method and system for wireless power transfers through multiple ports

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system and method for wireless power transfer to an electronic device in motion, such as an inertial sensor assembly, is disclosed. In the method, a power level of a battery in the electronic device is monitored to determine whether the power level is at or below a prescribed threshold. One or more internal power ports of the electronic device are aligned with one or more external power ports when the power level is at or below the prescribed threshold. A wireless power signal is transmitted from the one or more external power ports to the one or more internal power ports. The power signal received by the one or more internal power ports is processed to charge the battery in the electronic device.