Decentralized control of machines with the use of inductive transmission of power and signal

Industrial manufacturing systems, such as machine tools and robots, require frequent reconfiguration. Conventional cable based systems introduce degradation of connector contacts at each reconfiguration adding noise and reducing reliability. Furthermore, cable based systems are inadequate for some common tasks, such as endless rotational motion. This paper describes a new approach to industrial manufacturing systems using inductive transmission of power and high speed data. The proposed technology for motion controls makes possible, flexible systems built on contactless modular units. High efficiency power transfer and high speed data transfer capabilities have been successfully incorporated in three modular units-rotatable, separable, and linear units-called the Integrated Power and Data Transmitting Units (IPDTU). This unique system structure allows: reliable operation in adverse environments polluted with oil and dirt; frequent reconfiguration without degradation of contacts; more freedom in configuring the machine; and decentralized controls.< >