Slipring With Integrated Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliprings fail to operate effectively under extreme environmental conditions such as low temperatures and high humidity, leading to contact issues, noise, and leakage currents due to ice films and inadequate lubrication.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a heating element within the slipring module, which can be energized by electric current, embedded in or attached to the slipring module, preferably close to the tracks, to maintain an operational temperature range and remove surface humidity, with optional temperature and humidity sensors for controlled heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional slipring is used without heating elements, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the slipring cannot operate reliably under low temperature and high humidity conditions due to ice film formation and inadequate lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the slipring module by embedding it in the insulating body or attaching it to the slipring structure, combining the heating function with the existing slipring components to eliminate the need for separate heating devices while ensuring reliable operation under extreme conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is activated before operation to preheat the slipring module, removing surface humidity and preventing ice film formation on the sliding tracks, thereby preparing the system for reliable operation in low temperature and high humidity environments
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is embedded into the insulating body bearing the slipring tracks, then the heating is localized and power consumption is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is strategically positioned and embedded only in the insulating body regions adjacent to the slipring tracks, providing localized heating where it is most needed to prevent ice film formation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process
3Loss of time
If the slipring module is heated quickly to operational temperature, then the time to become operational is reduced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated in advance before the slipring module is put into operation, allowing the module to reach optimal operational temperature and remove surface humidity beforehand, thereby ensuring immediate reliable operation without requiring prolonged heating during actual use
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element can be activated periodically or intermittently based on environmental conditions, providing heat only when needed to maintain operational temperature and remove humidity, thereby balancing quick operational readiness with reduced energy consumption
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 allows sliprings to function reliably in a broad range of conditions by maintaining optimal operational temperatures, reducing contact noise and friction, and ensuring consistent lubrication, while minimizing power consumption by heating only the necessary parts.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element is integrated into a slipring module... This heating element is preferably energized by electric current... a heating element may be integrated into a slipring track... by driving a high current through the slipring track
Data Source
AI summary
A slipring assembly comprises a slipring module having at least one slipring track which is in electrical contact with at least one slipring brush. The slipring module includes an isolating body holding the at least one slipring track. Furthermore a heating element is embedded in the slipring module to generate heat within the slipring module and to increase the temperature of the at least one slipring track. This allows increasing the temperature of the slipring module to an optimum operation temperature and further to remove humidity from the surface of the slipring track.