Light-Up Rotating Assembly With Slip Clutch and Slip Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for entertainment devices that incorporate electronic rotation, lighting, and communication systems while ensuring user safety through a slip-clutch mechanism that limits torque and protects the motor from overheating, and allows the device to maintain electrical connections for illumination features even when the rotating portion stops.
Innovation Solution
A slip-clutch system comprising a motorized assembly with a slip ring and flexible conductive plates that maintain electrical connections and limit torque, allowing the motor to continue running while the rotating portion stops, ensuring user safety and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a motorized assembly is used to rotate the device, then the device achieves desired acceleration and top speed, but the motor may overheat when the rotating portion stalls or stops
Solution Approach 1:
A slip clutch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the motor shaft and the rotating portion. This slip clutch includes a clutch disc with friction surfaces that engage with drive and driven members. When the rotating portion stalls or stops, the friction surfaces slip relative to each other, limiting the torque transmitted to the rotating portion and preventing the motor from overheating while allowing the motor to continue running at its desired speed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the rotating portion stops when touched, then user safety is improved, but electrical connections for illumination features may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into two independent pathways: (1) a rotating conductive plate connected to the motor shaft that rotates with the motor, and (2) a stationary conductive plate connected to the housing. The slip clutch mechanism maintains continuous electrical contact between these two plates through friction-based torque limitation, allowing the rotating portion to stop for safety while the motor continues rotating and maintaining electrical connections for illumination features
3Reliability
If a slip clutch mechanism is added to limit torque, then device complexity increases, but this is necessary to prevent motor overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The slip clutch utilizes flexible friction surfaces in the form of a clutch disc with friction material surfaces. This flexible disc design allows for torque limitation through friction-based slippage while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure. The flexible nature of the friction surfaces enables continuous adaptation to varying torque conditions without requiring complex control systems or multiple rigid components
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
The slip-clutch system effectively stops the rotating portion of the device when touched, maintaining electrical connections for illumination and protecting the motor from overheating, while allowing the device to continue functioning with the same acceleration and speed as before.
Implementation Method 1
A slip ring secured around a motor shaft of the motor, a first conductive plate electrically connected to the slip ring and the LEDs, a second conductive plate electrically connected to the motor shaft and the LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a slip-clutch system comprising a motorized assembly with a slip ring and flexible conductive plates that maintain electrical connections and limit torque
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a housing containing a motor that is electrically connected to a power source. An enclosed motorized assembly is connected to the housing and contains secure points located in an outer surface thereof and LEDs therein. An object is affixed to the motorized assembly and contains insertion points. A slip ring is secured around a motor shaft of the motor and electrically connects to a first conductive plate that is secured within the housing. The first conductive plate is further electrically connected to the LEDs. A second conductive plate is electrically connected to the motor shaft and the LEDs. A plurality of extension elements include a first and second end, wherein the first end is secured to the secure points and the plurality of extension elements radiate or transmit light from the LEDs.