Concentric Electrode Connection Structure for High-Density Threaded Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in increasing wiring density and electrical connection between members that are not relatively rotated but are secured to each other, as conventional slip ring devices require a conductor brush with a specific width, making it difficult to apply to non-rotating components.
Innovation Solution
An electrode connection structure featuring a first electrode unit with concentrically arranged first electrodes and a second electrode unit with axially movable needle-shaped second electrodes, allowing for electrical connection between threadedly engaged members, including a thermoelectric module, sensor, and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the width of the conductor brush is reduced to increase wiring density, then the wiring density improves, but the pressing force of the leaf spring decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor brush is divided into multiple independent conductor brush elements arranged in the circumferential direction. Each element can be independently pressed by the leaf spring, allowing the total width to be reduced while maintaining adequate pressing force through multiple contact points rather than a single wide brush
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor brush elements are arranged in the circumferential direction (tangential to the rotation axis) rather than only in the radial direction. This circumferential arrangement allows multiple narrow elements to provide collective contact pressure equivalent to or greater than a single wide brush, enabling reduced radial width while maintaining pressing force
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional slip ring devices are used for electrical connection, then electrical connection between rotating and stationary systems is achieved, but the technology cannot be applied to members that are not relatively rotated but are secured to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode connection structure is designed to function in multiple scenarios: it can connect rotating and stationary members (original slip ring function) and also connect two stationary members that are secured to each other (new application). The structure achieves this by allowing the second electrode to be axially movable and make contact with the first electrode through pressing force, without requiring relative rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrode is designed with axial movability rather than being fixed. This dynamic characteristic allows the electrode to adapt to different operational conditions: when connected to rotating members, it can accommodate rotational movement; when connected to stationary members, it maintains stable contact through pressing force. The axial movement capability ensures reliable electrical connection regardless of whether relative rotation occurs
3Force
If the conductor brush width is made larger than the radial width of the conductor ring, then adequate pressing force is maintained, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single wide conductor brush that increases radial width and structural complexity, the brush is segmented into multiple narrow elements arranged circumferentially. This segmentation maintains adequate total contact area and pressing force while reducing the radial width requirement and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor brush elements are arranged in the circumferential direction rather than extending radially. This reconfiguration allows the pressing force to be distributed across multiple elements in the tangential direction, achieving adequate contact pressure without increasing the radial width and thereby reducing structural complexity
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
Facilitates easy assembly and high wiring density by enabling electrical connection between threadedly engaged members, regardless of circumferential positioning, enhancing the connectivity and functionality of detection devices.
Implementation Method 1
a second electrode unit that includes a plurality of second electrodes 81, 82 which are axially movable and make contact with the first electrode unit 7
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode connection structure includes a first electrode unit that includes first electrodes formed concentrically, and a second electrode unit that includes a second electrode formed into a needle shape axially movable forward and rearward and is electrically connectable to the first electrode unit, and in the electrode connection structure, the second electrode unit includes a plurality of the second electrodes that is arranged in a circumferential direction and arranged at different radial positions, and the plurality of the second electrodes is electrically connected to the first electrodes arranged at different radial positions, respectively.