Energy transfer via rolling elements of rolling-element bearings

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for x-y tables wherein rolling elements of rolling-element bearings are transferring electrical energy between a fixed part of the x-y table and a movable part of the x-y table. The electrical energy transferred could be power to electrical devices as well as signals to and from devices on the movable part of the x-y table. Electrically conducting rolling elements are moving on electrically conducting grooves on the fixed and movable part of the x-y table. Conductor tracks on the fixed and movable part are connected to the grooves and to devices on the movable platform. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the x-y table is part of a camera wherein linear motors, preferably with integrated position sensing, are moving the x-y table back to a home position in case of a dislocation due to a mechanical shock. The invention allows an exact and fast positioning of an x-y table without requiring a flexible cable. The rolling-element bearings could be ball bearings, roller bearings, needle bearings, or other kind of bearings having electrically conductive rolling elements.