Modular Slip Ring Interconnect for Twist-Free Rotary Signal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary electrical connectors used in medical devices and catheters face challenges such as high complexity, high manufacturing costs, low reliability, and limited customization options, which lead to issues like twisting, kinking, and jamming of cables during rotational movements, disrupting electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A modularly assembled rotary electrical interconnect device with a rotor assembly and stator assembly that includes slip ring elements and slide contacts, allowing for independent rotation while maintaining uninterrupted electrical signals, featuring customizable configurations for various electrical connection requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rotary electrical connectors are used, then electrical connection is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary electrical connector is divided into discrete modular elements including individual slip rings, insulator discs, and electrical leads that can be independently selected and assembled. Each slip ring element functions as an independent electrical channel, allowing the connector to be customized by selecting specific numbers and types of elements rather than using a fixed complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular slip ring elements are designed with standardized interfaces and configurations that can be universally assembled in different arrangements to meet various electrical connection requirements. The same basic slip ring element design can serve multiple functions by varying the number of elements, their positioning, and associated insulation configurations.
2Reliability
If traditional rotary electrical connectors are used, then electrical connection is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is manufactured as separate modular components (slip rings, insulators, leads) that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process and enables parallel production, reducing overall manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular slip ring elements are designed to be simple, standardized components that can be manufactured cost-effectively and replaced individually if needed. The use of standard materials and simplified geometries in each modular element reduces manufacturing cost compared to monolithic complex connector designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration connectors are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but customization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system uses standardized modular elements with defined interfaces and electrical characteristics. These segmented components can be selected and combined in different configurations to customize the electrical connection requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization of the individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector configuration is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed, allowing the system to be customized for different applications by selecting appropriate combinations of modular elements. The standardized interfaces enable flexible reconfiguration without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each application.
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 solution provides a reliable, customizable, and cost-effective rotary electrical interconnect device that enables independent rotation of medical devices while maintaining continuous electrical signals, reducing the risk of cable damage and improving system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive ring is in sliding contact with a conductive brush mounted to a second component of the connector
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A rotary device for providing continuous electrical connections between dynamic, rotationally engaged connector components. The rotary device includes a rotor assembly comprising a plurality of slip ring elements electrically connected to a connector or cable at the rotor end of the device. The rotary device also includes a stator assembly configured to receive the rotor assembly, with slide contacts electrically connected to a connector or cable at the stator end of the device. The rotor assembly is rotationally coupled to the stator assembly, and the slip rings and slide contacts maintain electrical contact during rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. A first electronic device and a second electronic device connected using the rotary device can be freely rotated without twisting of the cable between the two devices. A method for assembling a rotary device configured based on the devices to be connected.