Rotary Slip Ring Coupling for Swiveling Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical connection between the upper swiveling body and the lower traveling body in construction machines is prone to interruption due to the movement of cables connected via a swiveling side, leading to potential disconnection during swiveling operations.
Innovation Solution
A rotary coupling member is introduced, comprising a swivel joint, rotary joint, coupling part, and detent part, which allows for a stable electrical connection by rotating with the upper swiveling body while being fixed to the lower traveling body, ensuring continuous communication through a slip ring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable is used to connect the controller and sensors via the swiveling side, then the electrical connection can be established between the upper and lower bodies, but the cable is strongly pulled during swiveling operations which may interrupt the electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
A rotary coupling member is introduced as an intermediary device between the upper swiveling body and lower traveling body. This rotary coupling member includes a slip ring mechanism that mediates the electrical connection, allowing signals and power to be transmitted without using flexible cables that would be subject to pulling and disconnection during swiveling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based electrical connection system with an electromagnetic field-based slip ring system. The slip ring uses continuous conductive rings and brushes to transfer electrical signals and power, eliminating the mechanical flexibility requirements and pulling issues inherent in cable systems during rotational movements.
2Ease of operation
If the upper swiveling body swivels with respect to the lower traveling body, then the swiveling operation is enabled, but the cable at the swiveling side moves significantly causing potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary coupling member acts as an intermediary that decouples the swiveling motion from the electrical connection. The slip ring mechanism within the rotary coupling member allows continuous electrical contact while accommodating the rotational movement, so the upper body can swivel freely without affecting cable integrity.
3Device complexity
If a simple cable connection is used between the upper and lower bodies, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electrical connection is prone to interruption during swiveling
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary coupling member with slip ring mechanism serves as an intermediary device that provides reliable electrical connection continuity during swiveling operations. While it adds some complexity compared to a simple cable, it eliminates the need for complex cable management systems and ensures continuous electrical contact throughout the range of motion.
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
This solution provides a more reliable and uninterrupted electrical connection between the upper and lower bodies, enabling smooth swiveling operations without cable disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary joint including a slip ring that has a terminal part disposed in the stator element
Data Source
AI summary
This construction machine includes a lower traveling body; an upper swiveling body; and a rotary coupling member that swivels, together with the upper swiveling body, with respect to the lower traveling body. The rotary coupling member has a swivel joint; a rotary joint that includes a slip ring; a cable; a coupling part; and a detent part that is fixed to the body of the swivel joint and that restricts the rotation of a terminal part of the slip ring.