Slip-Ring Unit With Radially Offset Brush Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip-ring units are not suitable for reliably transmitting high-frequency digital signals in addition to analog currents from a stationary electrical unit to a rotating unit, particularly in medical technology applications where electromagnetic interference is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A compact slip-ring unit design featuring a first brush element for analog current transmission, a second brush element for high-frequency digital signal transmission, and a third brush element for shielded potential transmission, with radially offset and overlapping brush elements ensuring effective contact and shielding, and a molding compound to absorb torque, allowing for reliable and interference-free signal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single brush element is used for both analog current and digital signal transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of high-frequency digital signal transmission deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection function into separate brush elements: a first brush element for analog current transmission and a second brush element for digital signal transmission. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic interference between analog and digital signals while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different brush element configurations tailored to specific signal types: the first brush element is optimized for analog current transmission while the second brush element is specifically designed for high-frequency digital signal transmission. Each brush element has localized properties suited to its specific function, ensuring optimal performance for each signal type.
2Reliability
If shielded lines are used for digital signal transmission, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the slip ring body serve multiple functions: it acts as both the rotating electrical connection element and the shielding structure for digital signal transmission. By integrating the shielding function into the slip ring body itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate shielded cables or additional shielding components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If multiple brush elements are used for different signal types, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brush elements and slip ring bodies into a single integrated rotating assembly that rotates together as one unit. This merging approach maintains the reliability benefits of separate brush elements for different signal types while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent rotation mechanisms and simplifying the overall structural arrangement.
4Volume of moving object
If the brush elements are positioned close together to reduce size, then the compactness is improved, but the shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the second brush element relative to the first brush element and slip ring body. This asymmetric arrangement creates optimal spacing and geometric relationships that maintain effective electromagnetic shielding while minimizing the overall size of the slip-ring unit. The asymmetric configuration allows compact packaging without compromising shielding performance.
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 enables reliable transmission of both analog currents and high-frequency digital signals between rotatable components while minimizing electromagnetic interference, ensuring effective shielding and torque absorption, thus enhancing the reliability and stability of the slip-ring unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first brush element, which is in electrical contact with a first slip body
Implementation Method 2
a second brush element, which is in electrical contact with a second slip body, for transmitting a voltage applied on the core
Implementation Method 3
a third brush element, which is in electrical contact with a third slip body for transmitting a voltage or electrical potential applied on the shield
Implementation Method 4
a molding compound to absorb torque
Data Source
AI summary
In a slip-ring unit for electrically connecting two components that are rotatable relative to each other, one component is arranged as a first cable, which has a core and a shield. The slip-ring unit includes first, second and third brush elements as well as first, second and third slip bodies. The first slip body has an opening extending through it axially, through which a first cable extends for transmitting the voltage applied on the core. The second brush element is additionally disposed at a radial offset with respect to the third brush element.