Rotary Connector Spacer Layout for Low-Friction Current Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing rotary connectors, conductive rings and retainer spacers have the same diameter and orbital path, leading to excessive friction and wear during relative rotation of the inner and outer peripheral electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A rotary connector design featuring an outer peripheral electrode, inner peripheral electrode, roller current collectors, rotary spacers, and guide plates that support the spacers, with distinct orbital paths and abutment configurations to minimize friction and stabilize the relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the conductive rings and retainer spacers have the same diameter and are arranged on the same orbital path, then the structure is simple and compact, but the friction between the retainer spacers and the outer peripheral electrode or inner peripheral electrode becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by separating the orbital paths of the conductive rings and retainer spacers in the radial direction. The conductive rings orbit on an inner orbital path while the retainer spacers orbit on an outer orbital path with a larger radius. This spatial separation in the radial dimension prevents the retainer spacers from contacting the electrodes, thereby reducing friction while maintaining structural compactness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the retainer spacers are pushed out to the outer peripheral electrode side or inner peripheral electrode side by spinning motion of the conductive rings, then the planetary motion is maintained, but the friction and wear between the retainer spacers and electrodes increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by providing guide plates that constrain the retainer spacers on a separate outer orbital path. This intermediary structure prevents the retainer spacers from being pushed out to contact the electrodes during planetary motion, thereby reducing friction and wear while maintaining the stability of the planetary motion mechanism.
3Reliability
If the orbital path of the rotary spacers and orbital path of the roller current collectors are different, then friction and wear are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different orbital paths by utilizing the radial dimension. The roller current collectors orbit on an inner path while the rotary spacers orbit on an outer path with a larger radius. This radial dimensionality change creates the necessary path separation to reduce friction and wear, while the overall structure remains compact and manageable.
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 design reduces friction and wear between the rotary spacers and electrodes, ensuring smooth and stable power distribution while minimizing abrasion and damage.
Implementation Method 1
cylindrical conductive rings that are capable of being elastically deformed in the radial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary connector in which relative movement between a rotary spacer and an outer peripheral electrode or an inner peripheral electrode is favorable is provided. A rotary connector 1 includes an annular outer peripheral electrode 30, an inner peripheral electrode 2 inserted into the outer peripheral electrode 30 and arranged so as to be turnable relatively to the outer peripheral electrode 30, a plurality of roller current collectors 4 arranged in the circumferential direction between the outer peripheral electrode 30 and the inner peripheral electrode 2, the roller current collectors being in contact with the outer peripheral electrode 30 and the inner peripheral electrode 2, rotary spacers 5 each of which is arranged between the roller current collectors 4, and a pair of guide plates 31, 32 that support the rotary spacers 5 on both sides in the axial direction, and an orbital path of the rotary spacers 5 and an orbital path of the roller current collectors 4 are different from each other.