Robotic Joint Slip Ring Assembly for Continuous Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for transferring electrical signals across robotic joints are expensive to engineer, limit the rotation range of robotic joints, and are prone to physical wear-and-tear.

Innovation Solution

A custom slip ring system is integrated into an electric actuated rotary joint, featuring a first member with a printed circuit board and a second member with a set of electrically conductive components, including annular surfaces and custom leaf spring contacts, allowing for continuous rotation and efficient signal transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom cable routing designs or clock spring devices are used to transfer electrical signals across robotic joints, then electrical signal transfer is enabled, but the rotation range of robotic joints is limited and susceptibility to physical wear-and-tear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical signal transfer reliabilityVSAvoidrotation range of robotic joints

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable routing and clock spring devices with a slip ring system that uses continuous rotary electrical contacts. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraints that limited rotation range while maintaining reliable electrical signal transfer across the robotic joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter of electrical contact from intermittent (as in clock springs) to continuous (as in slip rings). This parameter change enables unlimited rotation while maintaining stable electrical connection, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If custom cable routing designs or clock spring devices are used to transfer electrical signals across robotic joints, then electrical signal transfer is enabled, but engineering cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical signal transfer reliabilityVSAvoidengineering cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The slip ring system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers electrical signals, enables continuous rotation, and eliminates the need for complex cable routing. This multi-functionality reduces overall engineering complexity and cost while maintaining signal transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional slip ring systems use graphite-based brushes for power transmission, then electrical signal transfer is achieved, but wear resistance decreases and signal quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical signal transferVSAvoidlife span of slip ring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs metal-on-metal contacts in the slip ring system, replacing graphite-based brushes. This material substitution provides superior wear resistance, lower friction, and reduced debris generation, thereby extending the life span of the system while maintaining reliable electrical signal transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables continuous 360-degree rotation of robotic joints, increases the available workspace, and provides a longer lifespan, lower friction, and higher current carrying capacity compared to traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first member including a set of electrically conductive annular surfaces and a second member including a set of electrically conductive components configured to contact the set of electrically conductive annular surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12280494B2Electrical transfer assemblies for robotic devices

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 BOSTON DYNAMICS INC

AI summary

The invention includes systems and methods for fabrication and use of an assembly for a component of a robot. The assembly includes a first member including a set of electrically conductive annular surfaces, and a second member including a set of electrically conductive components configured to contact the set of electrically conductive annular surfaces. The first member and the second member are included within the component of the robot. Each component in the set of electrically conductive components includes a first convex curvilinear portion configured to contact a corresponding annular surface in the set of electrically conductive annular surfaces.