Rotatable Connector Spring Ring Circuit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for transmitting power and electrical signals between a stationary and a rotating structure, such as slip rings and roll rings, suffer from wear, friction, and the need for additional mechanical assemblies that increase weight and cost, limiting scalability.
Innovation Solution
A spring ring circuit assembly that uses a conductive spring ring and concentrically positioned conductive rollers to transmit electricity between structures, eliminating the need for mechanical assemblies and reducing wear by utilizing a spring mechanism and rollers that maintain engagement without additional mechanical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brush contacts are used to transmit electricity between stationary and rotating structures, then electrical current can be conducted through the rotating structure, but wear on the brush and contact surface occurs, requiring readjustment and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical brush contact system with a spring ring mechanism that uses elastic deformation instead of sliding friction. The spring ring expands and contracts elastically to maintain electrical contact, eliminating the wear associated with traditional brush contacts while maintaining reliable electrical conduction through the rotating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact mechanism from sliding friction to elastic deformation. The spring ring's elastic properties allow it to expand outward to maintain contact with the rotating structure and contract inward during reverse rotation, fundamentally changing how electrical contact is maintained and eliminating wear on both the contact surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional brush contacts are used, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but reverse rotation can bend and destroy the brush contacts, requiring replacement or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The spring ring mechanism dynamically adapts to rotation direction changes through elastic deformation. During forward rotation, the spring ring expands outward to maintain contact. During reverse rotation, it contracts inward, naturally accommodating the direction change without bending or destruction. This dynamic elastic response eliminates the fragility of traditional brush contacts under reverse rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a rigid contact system that resists reverse rotation forces, the patent inverts the approach by using a flexible spring ring that intentionally yields to reverse rotation through contraction. This inverted design philosophy transforms the weakness of flexibility into a strength, allowing the contact system to survive reverse rotation events that would destroy traditional brush contacts.
3Duration of action of moving object
If roll rings with wheels or roller bearings are used to reduce wear and friction, then electrical signals can be transmitted with reduced wear, but additional mechanical assemblies are required to maintain proper position and alignment, introducing unwanted weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical positioning and alignment assemblies required by traditional roll ring designs. By using a spring ring that naturally maintains contact through elastic force, the design removes the need for additional mechanical components that would otherwise be required to maintain wheel or roller bearing position and alignment, thereby reducing weight and cost while maintaining reduced wear benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring ring mechanism is self-positioning and self-aligning through its elastic properties. The spring ring naturally expands and contracts to maintain contact with the rotating structure without requiring external mechanical assemblies for positioning or alignment. This self-service capability eliminates the complex mechanical support structures needed by traditional roll rings, reducing overall system complexity, weight, and cost.
4Device complexity
If spring ring circuit assembly is used, then wear and friction are reduced and mechanical assemblies are eliminated, but the spring ring must maintain proper contact force without additional mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The spring ring mechanism is self-regulating through its elastic properties. The spring ring naturally adjusts its expansion and contraction to maintain optimal contact force with the rotating structure without requiring external mechanical constraints or control systems. This self-service force maintenance eliminates the need for additional mechanical assemblies while ensuring reliable electrical contact throughout operation.
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 spring ring circuit assembly effectively transmits electricity with reduced wear and friction, eliminating the need for additional mechanical apparatus, thereby enhancing scalability and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The spring ring includes an opening so as to not form a complete circle so as to allow the spring ring to contract inward or expand outward. The spring ring is manufactured of an electrically conductive material so that its exterior circumferential surface is capable of transmitting electricity through the spring ring to an electrical contact.
Implementation Method 2
The spring ring includes an opening so as to not form a complete circle so as to allow the spring ring to contract inward or expand outward.
Implementation Method 3
The spring ring circuit assembly includes at least two sets of rollers positioned within the annular space between the spring ring and the circular band
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A spring ring circuit assembly is provided for transmitting electricity between a first structure and a second structure which rotates relative to the first structure. The spring ring circuit assembly includes a spring ring which is affixed to and concentrically positioned around a spindle. The spring ring circuit assembly further includes a circular band concentrically positioned around the spring ring so as to create an annular space between the spring ring and circular band. The spring ring circuit assembly further includes an inner set of rollers positioned around and engaging the spring ring, and an outer set of rollers positioned within and engaging the circular band. The spring ring, rollers and circular band are made of electrically conductive materials so as to allow electricity to transmit between the spring ring and the circular band which is capable of rotating around the spring ring.