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

An interface for transferring power and data between a non-rotating body and a rotating body having an axis of rotation, the interface comprising:

• a power transfer device coupled to the non-rotating body and configured to transfer electrical power;
• a power receiver coupled to the rotating body and configured to receive electrical power from the power transfer device via a wireless coupling;
• a first data transmitter coupled to the rotating body and configured to transmit data signals;
• a first data receiver coupled to the non-rotating body and configured to receive data signals from the first data transmitter via a wireless coupling;
• a second data transmitter coupled to one of the non-rotating body or the rotating body;
• and a second data receiver coupled to one of the non-rotating body or the rotating body,
• wherein the wireless coupling between the power transfer device and the power receiver comprises an inductive coupling,
• wherein the first data transmitter is configured to send data signals relating to sensor data from the rotating body to the first data receiver via an optical coupling, and
• wherein the first data transmitter and the first data receiver are axially aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotating body.

A sensor assembly comprising:

• a rotating body comprising at least one sensor configured to generate sensor data signals obtained during rotation of the rotating body;
• a non-rotating body associated with the rotating body such that the rotating body rotates about an axis of rotation that passes through the non-rotating body;
• and
• an interface for transferring power and data between the non-rotating body and the rotating body, the interface comprising:
• a power transfer device coupled to the non-rotating body and configured to transfer electrical power;
• a power receiver coupled to the rotating body and configured to receive electrical power from the power transfer device via a wireless coupling;
• a first data transmitter coupled to the rotating body and configured to transmit data signals;
• a first data receiver coupled to the non-rotating body and configured to receive data signals from the first data transmitter via a wireless optical coupling;
• a second data transmitter coupled to one of the non-rotating body or the rotating body;
• and
• a second data receiver coupled to one of the non-rotating body or the rotating body,
• wherein the wireless coupling between the power transfer device and the power receiver comprises an inductive coupling,
• wherein the first data transmitter is configured to send data signals relating to sensor data from the rotating body to the first data receiver, and
• wherein the first data transmitter and the first data receiver are axially aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotating body.