Modular Slip Ring Transmitter for Rotary-Table Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip ring transmitters in rotary-table machines face reliability issues due to material limitations, particularly in signal transmission, with gold or silver alloy contacts experiencing high wear and maintenance challenges, and are not economical for long-term operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular slip ring transmitter design where the signal unit is detachable from the power unit, utilizing non-contact transmission methods like optical, capacitive, or inductive signaling, and graphite brushes for power transmission, with a housing configuration that separates and shields the signal unit from the power unit to prevent contamination and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gold or silver alloy contacts are used for signal transmission, then electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance are improved, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the slip ring transmitter into separate signal unit and power unit modules. The signal unit with gold or silver alloy contacts can be independently replaced without replacing the entire transmitter, thus resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliable signal transmission while extending overall system service life through selective replacement of only the wear-prone signal contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables the signal unit to be discarded and replaced independently when worn, while the power unit and other components are recovered and reused. This approach maintains signal transmission reliability through fresh contact materials while maximizing the utilization period of the overall transmitter system.
2Ease of manufacture
If identical contact materials are used in signal unit and power unit, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but service life is limited to approximately 40 million revolutions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transmitter into separate signal and power units with different contact materials optimized for their specific functions, the invention allows each unit to be manufactured with appropriate materials while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular design. The signal unit uses gold or silver alloys for low-wear signal contact, while the power unit uses graphite brushes for cost-effective power transmission, extending overall service life beyond 40 million revolutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different contact materials to different units based on their specific functional requirements. The signal unit employs gold or silver alloy contacts where low wear and high conductivity are critical, while the power unit uses graphite brushes where cost and power handling are prioritized. This localized optimization of material properties extends service life without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Power
If graphite brushes are used for power transmission, then cost and power transmission capability are improved, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design separates the power unit with graphite brushes from the signal unit. The power unit can be independently maintained and replaced, allowing the use of cost-effective graphite brushes for high-power transmission while accepting their shorter service life without impacting the overall system longevity, as only the power unit needs replacement rather than the entire transmitter.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional contact materials are used in signal unit, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but signal transmission reliability under vibration and contamination is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies gold or silver alloy contact materials specifically to the signal unit where their low-wear properties and oxidation resistance are critical for maintaining reliable signal transmission under vibration and contamination. The power unit uses different materials optimized for its requirements. This localized application of premium materials to the signal unit maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving signal transmission reliability in challenging operating conditions.
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 modular design enhances reliability and longevity by allowing separate inspection and replacement of the signal unit, reduces wear, and improves maintenance efficiency, while non-contact signaling minimizes interference and wear, ensuring stable high-data-rate transmission and power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The signal unit is designed for non-contact signal transmission, in particular, for optical signal transmission
Implementation Method 2
The signal unit is designed for non-contact signal transmission, in particular, for capacitive signal transmission
Implementation Method 3
The signal unit is designed for non-contact signal transmission, in particular, for inductive signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A slip ring transmitter for electrically connecting assemblies of rotary-table machines is described and comprises a slip ring with a signal unit for transmitting signals and/or data and with a power unit for transmitting electrical power. As the signal unit is formed such that it is modularly detachable can in particular be axially drawn off from the power unit, the signal unit can be inspected and/or replaced separately from the power unit. This improves the reliability of the transmission of signals and/or data and enables individual optimization of the power unit.