Author: 工集君

The concept of high-power carbon brush slip rings pertains to a specialized rotating connection device designed for transmitting high-power currents and signals. Widely utilized in equipment requiring substantial electrical energy or signal transmission, such as large-scale machinery, industrial robots, rotating stages, and various types of cranes, high-power carbon brush slip rings play a crucial role. Their unique feature lies in the use of carbon brushes as friction materials, ensuring stable operation even under conditions of high load and high rotation speed.

In the product range of JINPAT, products with a single path exceeding 50A are categorized as part of the high-power series, and they adopt a design based on carbon brush friction pairs. JINPAT engineers also determine the structure of slip rings based on variations in product installation environments and purposes.

This type of slip ring boasts an array of remarkable characteristics. Firstly, it possesses exceptional power transmission capability, reliably accommodating the transmission of high currents and powers, thus meeting the demands of large-scale equipment and high-load applications. Secondly, high-power carbon brush slip rings can maintain stable signal transmission while power is being transferred, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data transmission and providing crucial support for the normal operation of equipment.

Typically, the most commonly used design for this type of high-power carbon brush slip ring is the open-frame design.The appearance of this type of carbon brush slip ring includes several types such as box-shaped, cylindrical, and other irregular shapes. Depending on requirements, it can also be designed with appropriately sized through holes.This type of product finds the most extensive application in equipment such as rotating stages, tower cranes, shore cranes, offshore cranes, heavy-duty winches, and all-electric thrusters. On the other hand, the use of traditional stacked designs for carbon brush slip rings is relatively less common. The main characteristic of these products is space efficiency, enabling them to be made very compact. Their appearance resembles that of a larger hollow shaft. At present, the most common application of this type of carbon brush slip ring is in the control centers of marine seismic exploration industry robots.

Moreover, as the core friction material of the slip ring, carbon brushes exhibit outstanding wear resistance. This implies that they can maintain stable performance over extended periods of use, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the slip ring. Addressing the demand for high-speed rotational motion, high-power carbon brush slip rings also display excellent adaptability. They can maintain stable power and signal transmission even during high-speed rotation, without affecting the overall performance of the equipment.

In terms of applications, high-power carbon brush slip rings find widespread use in various fields. Whether it is high-power power transmission for large-scale machinery or signal transmission during high-speed movement of industrial robots, this type of slip ring is up to the task. The smooth operation of rotating stages, precise control of cranes,and even multi-axis motion control in industrial automation all rely on the support of high-power carbon brush slip rings.

As a pioneer among international slip ring manufacturers, JINPAT has developed corresponding product cases for the various fields mentioned earlier. The characteristics of carbon brush slip rings used differ based on the application equipment or industry. For example, slip rings for cranes used on offshore oil drilling platforms possess not only powerful power transmission capabilities but also a high explosion-proof   design.This equips them to operate stably in the environment of oil and gas extraction. The high explosion-proof rating design also brings a higher level of protection to the slip rings, making it safe to say that high explosion-proof rating carbon brush slip rings coexist with high protection level carbon brush slip rings.

Radar slip rings play a crucial role in radar systems, serving as key components that guide the transmission and reception of radar signals, enabling target detection and localization. As a professional slip ring manufacturer, JINPAT’s  small aperture hollow shaft slip rings are widely used in military radar slip ring applications.

 

JINPAT’s small aperture radar slip rings are characterized by their compact size, small diameter, and volume, making them highly suitable for small rotating military equipment, where they are used for energy and signal transmission. In platforms like military vehicles and small to medium-sized aircraft, radar systems are typically limited in size,power, and transmission range, necessitating appropriately sized slip rings.For such radar systems, the required slip ring structures are relatively   simple, with small aperture through-hole slip rings being the primary choice.

 

Representing the excellence in small aperture radar slip ring products, JINPAT offers the LPT012/015/038/039 series slip rings. The LPT012A-0701-E2 and LPT015-0610-E3 are the smallest aperture products in this series, featuring simple integrated slip rings comprising multiple power rings and one Ethernet channel. These slip rings are commonly used in ship borne collision avoidance radar, airborne radar, vehicle navigation radar, short-range detection, and some small target indication radar scenarios.

 

The LPT038/039 series slip rings are similar to the LPT012/015 series in application platforms but offer slightly enhanced functionality. In addition to having more power rings than the previous series, they also support a greater variety of signal types, resulting in more signal rings. Representative models of these two aperture slip rings are the LPT038-1205-12S and LPT039-0605-16S-E2. The LPT038 adopts standard slip ring molds, providing a significant advantage in delivery speed.

 

Radar slip rings play a critical role in various application fields and continuously undergo improvement and optimization to meet diverse requirements in different scenarios. JINPAT is committed to developing various radar slip rings to cater to the needs of different industries while consistently enhancing product performance and reliability. JINPAT is dedicated to offering high-quality radar slip ring solutions and contributing to the advancement of radar technology.

In the previous section, we introduced several key technical performance indicators of slip rings, including static contact resistance and dynamic contact resistance. Now,let’s discuss friction torque, insulation strength between different loops of the slip rings, and their service life.

 

Apart from contact resistance, friction torque is also an important technical performance indicator of slip rings. Friction torque refers to the resistance generated between the brush and slip ring during rotation due to sliding friction. It is directly proportional to the brush pressure, which is the force exerted by the brush on the slip ring when they make contact. Friction torque is divided into startup friction torque and dynamic friction torque. Startup friction torque consists of static friction torque between the brush and slip ring and static friction torque within the bearing system. The greater the brush pressure, the larger the startup friction torque. The size of the dynamic friction torque varies with the rotation time; the longer the sliding contact between the brush and slip ring, the smaller the dynamic friction torque, resulting in more stable operation of the slip ring.

 

Before delivering carbon brush slip rings, JINPAT conducts a running-in process on the carbon brushes on the workbench to achieve the most stable operating state. After running for a period, the brush wires and slip ring grooves begin to wear, increasing the contact area. This leads to an increase in friction coefficient, dynamic friction torque, and contact resistance. However, for carbon brush slip rings using an open-frame structure, there is no such trouble, as the carbon powder drops to the bottom through gaps between components. When the carbon brush wears to a certain extent, replacement is necessary.

 

In addition, the insulation strength between the loops of the slip rings should also be given attention. Good insulation performance between each loop of the slip ring is essential to avoid issues like current short circuits, ensuring system safety and stability. Insulation strength refers to the insulation resistance between adjacent slip rings and between each slip ring and the housing under a certain voltage. It is typically measured using a 500V or 250V megohmmeter. The main factor affecting insulation strength is the insulation performance of the sealing gel. Currently, most precision slip rings use epoxy resin sealing gel,primarily composed of bisphenol A epoxy resin as the main agent, various an hydrides as curing agents, and added silicon micro-powder or Al2O3 alumina powder as fillers, along with toughening agents and accelerators. After high-temperature curing, the required insulation layer is obtained.

 

Lastly, the service life is another critical performance indicator of slip rings. Various factors affect the service life of slip rings, including rotational speed,brush pressure, material compatibility between the brush and slip ring, as well as processing and assembly techniques. Brush pressure is one of the key factors directly influencing the service life of slip rings. The higher the brush pressure, the greater the friction, leading to more severe brush wear and a decline in various performance indicators. When the wear reaches a certain level, signal transmission functionality may be lost. As a pioneer in the slip ring manufacturing industry, JINPAT has extensive experience in developing high-life slip rings.

 

To increase the service life of slip rings, JINPAT ‘s engineering team has long verified various structures and retained the most reliable and stable configurations through full-life cycle testing. For the frictional mating materials in high-life slip rings, it depends on the material of the brush wire and the material and thickness of the copper ring coating. With years of accumulation, JINPAT’s engineering design team also possesses rich experience in the composition of frictional mating materials for slip rings. Over the years, based on the data and experience gained from these tests, JINPAT has comprehensively optimized and improved the critical design, manufacturing process, and testing technology of its slip rings, achieving the goal of enhancing product quality.

Slip rings are precision and vulnerable components in electromechanical systems. The slip rings produced by JINPAT have been widely used worldwide. The quality and performance of slip rings are crucial for the normal operation of machinery, and their effectiveness is mainly determined by five major technical indicators.

 

This article will introduce several key technical performance indicators of slip rings, including static contact resistance, dynamic contact resistance, friction torque, insulation strength between the rings of the slip ring, and service life. JINPAT employs a mature control process to ensure excellent product performance when dealing with these indicators.

 

First, let’s understand the static contact resistance. Static contact resistance refers to the resistance between the samering brush wire (stator) and the wire lead (rotor) of the slip ring when it is not in operation. The level of this value directly affects the heat generated when current passes through the slip ring and the reliability of signal transmission. The magnitude of contact resistance depends on the materials of the slip ring and brushes, the contact form, and the pressure during contact.Increasing pressure can reduce contact resistance, but there is also a limit.Exceeding the limit can increase friction torque, leading to increased wear atthe contact area. If the contact resistance is too high, it may lead to increased contact voltage drop and even welding between the brushes and slipring, affecting signal transmission.

 

Secondly, dynamic contact resistance refers to the fluctuation value of contact resistance when the slip ring rotates continuously. It can also be expressed as electrical noise, which mainly affects the stability of signal transmission. The fluctuation in contact resistance is mainly influenced by the contact materials, the smoothness of component processing, the stability of contact pressure, the coaxiality of copper rings, and assembly process technology. During use, reasons for an increase in dynamic contact resistance may include poor contact between the brush and ring groove, virtual contact, insufficient pressure, or foreign objects on the ring groove surface. If the dynamic contact resistance is too high, it can cause significant fluctuations and noise in the signal current passing through the slip ring, and in severe cases, it may lead to signal interruptions or loss.

As a significant component of modern manufacturing, the demand for High Current slip rings in the shipbuilding industry is steadily increasing. Almost all modern vessels are equipped with navigation radars, making High Current slip rings indispensable components for marine navigation radars. Furthermore, some specialized ships are equipped with mechanical inertial navigation systems, which also incorporate High Current slip rings.

Typical application terminals for High Current slip rings are found in large engineering ships’ crane and hoisting equipment, as well as in special-purpose ships employing full-rotating electric propulsion systems. As a leading player in the international slip ring industry, JINPAT has developed hundreds of products for these two types of equipment, with most of them being high-voltage and High Current models. Some propulsion systems even utilize High Current slip rings with power ratings reaching several tens of megawatts. Taking the example of crane and hoisting equipment on engineering ships, whether it be specialized floating crane vessels for offshore operations, ships with deck cranes, wind turbine installation vessels, or hoisting equipment on offshore oil drilling platforms,JINPAT high-voltage and High Current slip rings have extensive applications.

Typically, smaller lifting weight shipboard cranes adopt single-function High Current slip rings that do not integrate weak signal modules or pneumatic and hydraulic modules. Among the slip rings produced by JINPAT for marine crane applications, this type is the most common,featuring a box-type structure where the stator and rotor are independently housed in a single enclosure. On the other hand, regular shipboard slip rings usually employ ordinary steel materials for the casing with relatively lower protection ratings.

However, for certain special equipment like crane slip rings used on oil drilling platforms, 304 stainless steel orhigher-grade steel materials are utilized, and the thickness of the plate is several times that of the casing used in regular crane slip rings, enabling the product to meet specific explosion-proof ratings. Therefore, slip rings with explosion-proof capabilities have higher protection ratings. A few shipboard High Current slip rings for marine crane applications may adopt a cylindrical integral structure, which facilitates achieving higher protection ratings.

As for propulsion system applications, JINPAT offers a variety of products, including regular single high-power modules and multi-module slip rings integrating High Current modules, pneumatic and hydraulic slip rings, and electrical signal slip rings. In specialized slip rings for propulsion systems, there is a category of products characterized by ultra-high operating voltages, usually exceeding 3300VAC, with tremendous power transmission capabilities, often exceeding one megawatt. JINPAT has successfully delivered multiple specialized slip rings with power transmission capacities of up to 7.5 megawatts and has the capability for research,development, and mass production of specialized slip rings with a maximum power of 15 megawatts.

The High Current Ethernet Slip Ring is a specialized slip ring device designed for transmitting both high currents and Ethernet signals. Unlike traditional Ethernet slip rings, the high current Ethernet slip ring is capable of simultaneously transmitting high currents and high-speed Ethernet signals, making it suitable for scenarios where large currents and data need to be transmitted in rotating or moving equipment.

 

In various industrial and technological applications, the need to transmit both high currents and Ethernet signals is quite common. For example, large machinery, industrial robots, automation equipment, stage lighting, and camera equipment often require high-power power supplies and real-time data and control signal transmission. In such cases, the high current Ethernet slip ring plays a crucial role, enabling devices to continuously and stably transmit currents and data during rotational movements.

 

The design of the high current Ethernet slip ring takes into consideration the high load requirements for current transmission. It typically incorporates high-power conductive materials and special structures to ensure the stability and reliability of current transmission. Additionally, it integrates Ethernet signal transmission channelsto ensure high-speed data transfer unaffected by rotational movements.

 

Recently, JINPAT developed a new high current Ethernet signal integrated slip ring, with the model number LPA000-04100-0820-0408-07E3. The power loop of this slip ring integrates 4channels of 100A, 8 channels of 20A, and 4 channels of 8A current pathways.Among them, the 4 channels of 100A use a carbon brush structure as a separate module. The remaining 12 channels of current pathways and Ethernet signal pathsare integrated within the hollow shaft slip ring, forming another module. This high current integrated slip ring accommodates up to 7 Ethernet signal pathsand uses aviation plug connections. Its development marks a significant advancement for JINPAT in the field of multi-channel Ethernet signal integration technology.

 

 

Besides this integrated slip ring, as an experienced slip ring manufacturer, JINPAT offers various products that integrate large current and Ethernet signal pathways. For example, the LPA000-03100-01PE-0220-1002-02E3-03E2-04S-01A represents a multi-module integrated large current slip ring, including 2 channels of Gigabit Ethernet and 3 channels of Fast Ethernet. Additionally, it features an extra gas-liquid module, although it only includes 1 gas pathway.

 

In summary, the High Current Ethernet Slip Ring is a powerful slip ring device that meets the demands of transmitting high currents and high-speed Ethernet signals. It provides an efficient and stable power and data transmission solution for rotating and moving equipment and systems.

Slip rings are critical components that enable the transfer of power and signals in a 360° range, and they are widely used in electromechanical products across various industries. In the field of consumer electronics, slip rings are also employed in certain specialized products such as high-end toys, multi-rotor drones, and stabilizing gimbals.The slip rings used in these products typically have small dimensions and are lightweight. One notable example is the slip ring solution provided by JINPAT forconsumer electronics applications. The JINPAT LPMS ultra-miniature slip ring series, with a diameter usually below 10mm, includes a few customized pancake slip ring products.

As a pioneer among international slip ring manufacturers, JINPAT LPMS ultra-miniature slip ring series currently represents one of the smallest slip rings available in the global market. The smallest product in the series has a diameter of only 5.5mm. If there is a clear demand for even smaller diameter slip rings in the market, JINPAT can develop ultra-miniature slip rings with a diameter of 4.5mm. Presently, the standard LPMS ultra-miniature slip rings offer a maximum number of 15 signal channels and have a diameter not exceeding 7.1mm, with a total wire weight not exceeding 15 grams.

One distinctive feature of JINPAT LPMS ultra-miniature slip rings is their ability to support the mixed transmission of both power and signals. However, they are limited to transmitting relatively simple signals. For more complex signals such as Ethernet or USB, customization is required. Leveraging the advantages of the LPMS series ultra-small diameter,JINPAT has developed numerous signal-integrated slip rings for specialized applications, including USB 2.0, SDI high-definition video signal, and gigabit Ethernet signal slip rings. Among these ultra-miniature customized slip rings application terminals, cruise missiles can be considered the most unique. The slip rings are installed inside the optical-electricturret of the cruise missile to support the transmission of power, SDI, or other signals.

As a weapon that has gained popularity on the battlefield in recent years, cruise missiles are characterized by their portability and precision in striking targets. However, they also impose strict limitations on the size and weight of their components. Therefore, for ultra-miniature slip rings like JINPAT LPMS series, which weigh only a few grams, the optical-electric turret of cruise missiles is an ideal application terminal. Taking the example of the JINPAT LPMS-15 standard slip ring, it can be customized to accommodate SDI, Ethernet, and other signal channels, meeting the transmission requirements of common signals in small optical-electricturrets. Through optimized design, it can also support the operation of small aircraft or cruise missiles at altitudes above 8000 meters. This data is not derived from thin air but is based on conclusions drawn from the summary of various ultra-miniature slip ring cases provided by JINPAT for the consumer electronics industry and other sectors over the years.

As a typical representative of the high-precision manufacturing industry, the chip manufacturing industry widely adopts various automation machines to improve production efficiency and quality. Among these automation machines, slip rings play an important role as essential electrical connection devices. JINPAT, as a leading international slip ring manufacturer, provides corresponding slip ring solutions for key processes and equipment in wafer fabrication, chip etching, and packaging.

Let’s first look at the slip ring cases provided by JINPAT for packaging equipment. These cases cover highly complex multi-module products as well as seemingly ordinary standard products. One representative example is the LPS separate standard slip ring. These slip ring products have no bearings or casings, and the stat or brush wires and rotors are exposed. The standard products of the LPS separate slip rings support a 2A current throughout the series and are designed with gold-to-gold contact points, enabling mixed transmission of signals and current. In precision chip packaging equipment, the most commonly used model of the LPS separate slip rings is the LPS-12, which is responsible for 360° power transmission within the machine and does not involve signal transmission issues.

Due to their small size, LPS series slip rings are primarily suitable for small-scale electromechanical devices, and the chip manufacturing industry is no exception. For large-scale packaging equipment, slip ring solutions with more functions and stronger signal and current transmission capabilities need to be chosen. In general, hollow shaft slip rings and customized multi-module products are commonly used in medium to large-scale electromechanical devices. The latest product developed by JINPAT,the LPT000-0802-02L-03A, is a multi-module slip ring integrated with gas,liquid, and electricity. It integrates 8 channels of 2A current, 2 channels of liquid transmission, and 3 channels of gas transmission, meeting the requirements for transmitting   special liquids and gases in packaging equipment.

JINPAT slip ring solutions are widely used in the chip packaging industry, providing manufacturers with reliable electrical connections. Whether it is a small packaging machine or a large packaging equipment, JINPAT slip ring products meet their respective needs,ensuring the reliability of signal transmission, data collection, and power supply. By collaborating with JINPAT, the chip manufacturing industry can obtain high-quality slip ring solutions, driving the industry’s development and progress.

Slip rings for medical robots are a crucial technology in the field of medical devices. As precision electromechanical products, medical robot slip rings come in various types. In the following text, we will provide a brief analysis of the types of slip rings used inmedical robots.

Before delving into medical robot slip rings, we can categorize medical robots into two main types based on their functionality and external appearance. The first type is the robotic arm-style medical robot, which resembles most industrial robots. These simpler productsare used for lifting or transporting heavy objects. On the other hand, high-endrobotic arm-style medical robots are equipped with integrated devices on the end effector, allowing them to perform lesion detection or treatment by utilizing the endless rotation of the limbs.

JINPAT has developed slip rings specifically for robotic arm-style medical robots. These slip rings employ JINPAT’s patented structure of high-lifetime welded robot hollow shaft slip rings,meeting the requirements for stable operation, reliability, and lifespan underhigh-intensity working conditions. This highly reliable hollow shaft slip ring structure is not limited to medical robot applications but is also utilized inmedium to large specialized treatment equipment and other industries.

The second type of medical robots,represented by da Vinci surgical robots, typically have fewer degrees of freedom in their mechanical arms. However, they require much stricter control sensitivity and precision. JINPAT LPC, LPM, and LPMS series of capsule sliprings meet the demands of these high-precision surgical robots in terms of starting torque, smooth operation, lifespan, stability, and reliability. These capsule slip rings also support customization of Ethernet, USB, SDI, and various analog and digital signal types to fulfill the signal transmission requirements of precision medical robots. The excellent structure and expandability of these capsule slip rings have led to their widespread use in the field of medical robots.

In addition to capsule slip rings, JINPAT also offers small bore hollow shaft series and pancake series slip rings for selection in medical robots. The small bore hollow shaft slip rings have the advantages of small space occupation, long lifespan, and the ability to customize a wide variety of signal types. The pancake slip rings, with their inherently low thickness advantage, are suitable for medical robots with lowaxial space requirements, making them highly attractive for specialized applications.

Overall, the diverse types of slip rings provided by JINPAT cater to the specific needs of medical robots, enabling reliable and efficient operation in various medical applications.

As a widely used component in various industries, slip rings find extensive applications. JINPAT, an experienced slip ring manufacturer, offers thousands of different types of slip rings for numerous industries. Among these industries, the field of film and television production is relatively niche,with a lesser demand for slip rings. In the film and television industry, slip rings are primarily used in film production and auxiliary equipment, such as photography booms, portable professional stabilizers, and other DIY accessories. Additionally, in high-definition television broadcasting setups, slip rings are utilized in systems like the “Fei Mao” system and television OB (Outside Broadcasting) vans.

 

Taking professional stabilizers as an example, their yaw axis can rotate 360 degrees, combined with the pitch and roll axes, allowing the attached camera equipment to capture various desired shots. Inside the yaw axis of professional stabilizers, a dedicated miniature slip ring is installed. The slip rings provided by JINPAT for such stabilizers belong to the LPMS series, with a range of 8 to 15 circuits. Models include LPMS-08D, LPMS-10C, LPMS-12U,LPMS-15, etc. These products have a maximum diameter of 7.4mm and are controlled within a minimum of 5.5mm. Compared to slip rings used in other auxiliary photography equipment, those used in portable professional stabilizers are simple in both functionality and structure.

 

Photography booms are used to support heavier professional-gradephotography equipment. Many booms come equipped with heavy-duty stabilizers,which also require the support of slip rings. Slip rings developed by JINPAT for photography booms are mainly based on partial LPM and LPC1C standard products. The LPM series standard products can transmit power while supporting the mixed transmission of simple signals and currents, but they do not support high-definition video signal transmission. On the other hand, the LPC1C series integrates LPCC series single-channel products capable of transmitting up to12G-SDI high-definition video signals. If there is a need in the market for transmitting more than one channel of high-definition video signals, the ideal choice would be the LPHF series high-frequency slip rings by JINPAT. By replacing the external coaxial line with a 75-ohm impedance cable, these slip rings can transmit 12G-SDI signals. Therefore, the LPHF series high-frequency slip rings are the perfect tool for transmitting multiple channels of 12G-SDIsignals in the film and television industry’s DIY equipment.

 

In photography studio shooting environments, proper lighting setup is crucial for capturing ideal shots. In addition to fixed lighting, occasional design of lighting equipment is necessary for assistance in photography. For example, on the set of the film “The Wandering Earth 2,” the crew designed a large searchlight turntable to simulate the required ambient light.A slip ring is installed in the center of the turntable. Since the turntable is manually operated, there is no need to add control signal pathways to the slip ring used, simplifying the structure and reducing costs. Due to the high power of the searchlights, standard-hole-type slip rings capable of transmitting a current of 15A are used to meet the requirements. The specific number of circuits and aperture sizes can be chosen based on practical considerations.

A slip ring is an important component inelectromechanical equipment that enables 360° rotation for the transmission of electrical energy, electrical signals, optical signals, compressed air,liquids, and other media. The naming of slip rings varies depending on the transmitted medium. For example, fiber optic slip rings are specifically designed for transmitting optical signals and require excellent optical performance. Gas-liquid slip rings are used for transmitting liquids and air,demanding high precision and sealing requirements for component manufacturing.Electrical slip rings are capable of transmitting electrical energy and signals, supporting the transmission of over 30 different signal types.Different sizes of electrical slip rings exhibit significant differences in lifespan and electrical performance due to variations in the friction pair and other structural elements.

Within JINPAT slip ring product line, the through-hole slip ring is a strategic product widely applied in various large-scale equipment. With the popularization of automation and electromechanical integration in industries, common computer signals such as USB and Ethernet have long been integrated into slip rings. However, due to the limitations of the through-hole structure, signals like USB 3.0, HDMI, and DP can not be transmitted through this type of slip ring. In contrast, Ethernet signals, with their unique signal characteristics, are more commonly found in through-hole slip rings. As a well-established slip ring manufacturer with over20 years of industry experience, JINPAT has customized nearly a thousand through-hole Ethernet signal slip rings for customers.

JINPAT demonstrates exceptional technical capabilities in the field of Ethernet signal slip rings, particularly in terms of the maximum supported aperture. In through-hole slip rings, the transmission of signals is closely related to the size of the through-hole. Currently,JINPAT 100 Mbps Ethernet slip rings can achieve transmission within a maximum300 mm aperture, while their 1 Gbps Ethernet slip rings can transmit within a maximum 180 mm aperture. As JINPAT continues to improve its products and technologies, these figures are expected to be further surpassed in the future,resulting in even larger apertures for through-hole Ethernet signal slip rings.

JINPAT delivers a large number of Ethernet signal slip rings every month. Among these products, apart from capsule Ethernet slip rings specifically developed for monitoring devices, the majority consists of hollow shaft series Ethernet slip rings. For instance, the latest product introduced, LPT038-02E3, is a through-hole slip ring without a power ring, integrating only two channels of 1 Gbps Ethernet signals. JINPAT also offers other newly developed through-hole Ethernet signal integrated slip ring models, including LPT045-0410-04S-01E3, LPT030-0505-04S-01E3,LPT050-0405-01PE-01E3, LPT130-0812-08S-E2-02E3, and more.

Space electric slip rings are slip rings used in artificial spacecraft such as satellites, manned spacecraft, and space stations. They can be classified into two types based on environmental conditions: those used in unmanned spacecraft and those used in manned spacecraft. Besides the similarity of operating in a micro gravity environment,their main difference lies in the different operating temperature ranges.Electric slip rings inside manned spacecraft operate in a temperature environment that is constant, suitable for human survival, and maintained at as table level of humidity and pressure. On the other hand, electric slip rings in unmanned spacecraft, although installed inside equipment like attitude control systems and protected by a layer of polyimide, still experience significant temperature variations.

In the conducted testing of electric slip rings in the laboratory, two types were involved: pancake type and column type.The column type electric slip rings employ a brush and wire friction pair,while the pancake type electric slip rings use a carbon brush friction pair.Both of these products used in the experiment lack an outer shell, allowing astronauts to visually observe the wear process of the slip ring brushes in a vacuum micro gravity state, as well as the generation of metal debris.Additionally, the operation of carbon brushes produces carbon powder, enabling direct observation of the process of carbon powder generation in orbit,including the formation of clusters or floating phenomena in a vacuum.

According to the naming convention of JINPAT,the electric slip rings used in this experiment can be classified into two series: pancake-type LPKS and separate-type LPS. Both of these slip rings have a simple structure, and their design and manufacturing do not present significant challenges. The key breakthrough of this experiment lies in achieving long-term recording and observation by astronauts of the generation of metal debris and carbon powder clusters during the operation of electric slip rings in a micro gravity environment. This data, obtained using two commonly used friction pairs, provides important information on the wear process and the generation of debris clusters under vacuum conditions. This data serves as valuable references for the improvement and optimization of future models of space electric slip rings.

The aerospace industry is characterized by a high level of centralization. Although JINPAT is a leading international slip ring manufacturer, they have not yet ventured into this field due to a lack of vacuum high-low temperature impact test equipment. However, with the participation of some enterprises in the aerospace industry, JINPAT, as a supporting manufacturer of electric slip rings, will have increasing opportunities to get involved in this field.

Medical equipment has always been representative of high-value products in the field of medical devices,especially devices like CT scanners. Like other industrial sectors, the medical device industry also relies on the support of numerous downstream industries. JINPAT,as a specialized slip ring manufacturer, is part of the medical device industry chain and has the ability to provide corresponding slip rings for various medical equipment with different functions.

JINPAT has developed multiple types of slip rings for medical equipment. Apart from the large through-hole pancake slip rings with a diameter exceeding 1200mm developed for CT scanners, the rest of the slip rings are categorized as medium and small-sized products. Among the seproducts, the capsule series slip rings are the mainstay, with only a few models belonging to the hollow shaft series. Whether capsule slip rings or hollow shaft slip rings, these products developed for medical equipment are primarily customized models. To meet the stability requirements of medical equipment, these slip rings use gold-to-gold contacts and have been optimized in certain performance aspects.

In some specialized medical equipment with unique functions, centrifuges or other high-speed systems are integrated, and the slip rings associated with these components are mostly high-speed products.Since the rotational speed of these components generally exceeds 500rpm,standard slip rings have a design speed limit of 300rpm, which is insufficient to meet the requirements. In order to address the needs of the medical industry and similar fields, JINPAT has developed the LPC/LPM-YS series of capsule standard slip rings. This series of products has a design speed of up to2000rpm, meeting the requirements of the majority of medical or other high-end instrument equipment available on the market.

Compared to the capsule slip rings with an outer diameter of 22mm, hollow shaft slip rings have much larger copper ring diameters, which limits the transmission of certain special signals. However,this limitation is not significant in the field of medical equipment, as the most commonly used hollow shaft slip rings have a bore size of 12.7mm, and common signals in medical instruments such as USB 2.0, Ethernet, and pulse signals can be transmitted within this bore size. Hollow shaft slip rings also have an advantage in that the center through-hole can be utilized, and it can become an optoelectronic integrated slip ring after installing fiber optic slip rings. In many slip ring cases developed by JINPAT for medical equipment, there are also products with integrated single-channel fiber optic slip rings.

With the advancement of technology, various functional robots have also entered the field of medical care, such as surgical robots and rehabilitation robots. Many slip ring technologies in these medical robots come from the industrial robot field. As a leading technology provider in the industrial robot slip ring field, JINPAT naturally has the capability to provide slip rings for medical robots. In addition to these two types of robots, there is also a category of endoscope-equipped medical inspection robots with slip rings. Some of these robots have endoscope lenses designed as fully movable structures capable of 360° rotation for viewing and illumination.The slip rings used in these endoscopes must be the LPMS ultra-miniature slip rings with a diameter of 5.5-6.5mm provided by JINPAT.

Machine vision methods are widely applied in detection tasks during the machining process, such as indexing fixture angle measurement, gear profile inspection, crankshaft processing, headphone jack manufacturing, intelligent grinding, and CNC machine tool automatic tool alignment.In earlier years, traditional manual lathe machining of conductive slip ring copper rings had many drawbacks. Therefore, the introduction of machine vision methods in the manufacturing and inspection of conductive slip ring copper rings not only ensures higher accuracy and efficiency but also avoids the subjectivity and individual differences associated with manual inspection.

To address the challenges faced during the machining process of precise conductive slip ring grooves, a positioning solution based on image measurement and analysis principles has been proposed.This solution utilizes machine vision methods to obtain the cutting position for each pass and ultimately generates the G-code required for machine tool processing, achieving the automation of precise conductive slip ring groove machining. As a method for automation in the process of conductive slip ring manufacturing, machine vision measurement technology demonstrates rationality and scientific basis but also complexity. The following analysis delves into this issue.

The process of measuring and machining conductive slip ring grooves within the machine involves several cumbersomesteps. The specific process is as follows: 1) Mount the precise conductive slip ring onto the lathe. 2) Install the measuring head on the machine tool and position it at the initial location. 3) Capture four sets of images at the initial position of the slip ring, 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively. 4)Process each set of images and calculate the average values of the four sets of data. 5) Based on the measurement results and the machine tool’s movement mode,calculate the machining position of the groove and generate the corresponding G-code. 6) Remove the measuring head, install the machining tool, and run themeasurement G-code for machining.

To ensure precise measurement and control of conductive slip ring groove machining using machine vision measurement systems, a complex hardware setup is required. This setup includes industrial cameras, dual-telecentric lenses, lighting sources, mechanical structures, and measurement fixtures, among others. Undoubtedly, this increases costs, and the complexity of the system also introduces risks of reduced stability. Therefore,when applying machine vision measurement technology, it is necessary to enhance its reliability and ensure long-term stable operation before deployment, which inevitably adds to the costs. However, in the current context, intelligent high-end machine tools have been widely adopted in the field of mechanical machining. For the processing of conductive slip ring copper rings, complex machine vision measurement technology is generally no longer required.

As a leading international manufacturer of slip rings, JINPAT has the capability to develop slip rings for all types of precision medical equipment, making it a promising supplier of slip ring solutions for precision medical devices. Compared to other fields ofelectromechanical equipment, slip rings for precision medical instruments have their own unique characteristics. Based on years of experience providing product solutions to upstream manufacturers, JINPAT can classify these slip rings according to their product features and application terminals.

Slip rings for medical equipment are highly customized in the technical field. Based on the characteristics of slip ring products, common slip rings for medical equipment can be classified into three major categories: high-speed slip rings, super miniature slip rings, and fiber optic slip rings.

Firstly, high-speed slip rings for medical equipment include the most representative product, the pulse signal slip ring. JINPAT offers pulse signal slip rings with a limited number of channels, but the rotational speed is typically above 1000rpm, with a maximum speed of up to5000rpm. JINPAT has successfully mass-produced high-speed slip rings with speeds of up to 20,000rpm, making it almost effortless to handle medical equipment slip rings below 5000rpm.

Next, super miniature slip rings are acategory that JINPAT specializes in. The LPMS series slip rings have a minimum diameter of only 5.5mm and even possess the technology for 4.5mm diameter slip rings. This ultra-small diameter allows them to be installed in extremely compact capsule endoscopes and other small-scale medical instruments. A typical application is in self-built small rodent electroencephalogram recording devices in biological laboratories. The standard models of LPMS series products support the mixed transmission of power and signals, and for products with multiple channels, they also support the integration of signals such as SDI,USB 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet, meeting the demands of the market for miniaturization and micro-sizing of certain special medical devices.

Lastly, there are fiber optic slip rings and optoelectronic integrated slip rings. JINPAT has developed various types of fiber optic slip rings. The demand for fiber optic slip rings in medical equipment mainly focuses on single-channel slip rings. JINPAT has developed multiple types of single-channel fiber optic slip rings in different shapes,fully meeting the needs of the current market for independent installation or integrated use of medical equipment. In addition to standalone usage, fiber optic slip rings are often integrated with JINPAT various small to medium-sized high-speed conductive slip rings. For example, larger diameter products likeLPFO-01G can be integrated into the LPT series, while models such as LPFO-01A/C can be fully integrated into the LPC-T series capsule slip rings with through-holes.Compared to optoelectronic integrated slip rings from other manufacturers, JINPAT similar products have advantages in terms of electrical and mechanical performance, cost control, and delivery lead time.

In the field of medical devices, Disease detection and biological analysis instruments are important equipment in hospital departments. These devices extensively utilize slip rings as key components.Particularly in instruments that require high-speed rotation, slip rings play a critical role in achieving the desired state of the tested substance for accurate detection results. Therefore, high-speed slip rings have become an indispensable part of medical devices. JINPAT offers a variety of high-speed slip rings to meet the requirements of these medical devices.

One noteworthy example is the LPT012B-01S,a compact through-hole high-speed slip ring that has evolved from the JINPAT high-speed standard slip ring, LPT012B-0602. This model is designed to achieve a maximum speed of 2000rpm and utilizes RG178 coaxial cable for transmitting video signals. By replacing the cable with RF coaxial cable, it can also be used for pulse signal transmission. Due to the significant market demand for pulse signals, JINPAT has not only provided the LPT012B as a small hollow shaft high-speed slip ring but also developed the LPM-YS and LPC-YS series of high-speed standard slip rings.

All models in this capsule slip rings family feature a metal housing with a design speed of 1000rpm and a maximum designed service life of 50 million rpm. Additionally, this series of products can be customized to meet the specific needs of the medical equipment industry,including various signal types and higher rotational speeds. Furthermore, the electrical performance, including the dynamic resistance fluctuation value throughout the entire service life, has been optimized to cater to the requirements of the medical device industry.

High-speed slip rings suitable for medical devices possess several key characteristics. Firstly, they exhibit excellent high-speed capabilities, enabling stable operation within medical equipment to meet the demands of high-speed rotation. Secondly, these slip rings are designed to be low-noise and low-vibration, ensuring smooth operation of the equipment and precise and accurate detection. Moreover, they offer reliability,durability, and prolonged stability, resulting in an extended service life.Additionally, high-speed slip rings enable reliable transmission of various signals, such as video signals and pulse signals, to fulfill the functional requirements of medical devices.

Slip ring technology in medical devices exhibits distinct characteristics based on their respective functionalities. Let’s start by examining diagnostic and analytical medical devices. As a vital component within medical equipment, CT scanners represent a pinnacle of advanced technology. Even within the CT system, slip rings are utilized. To validate slip ring technology in CT scanners, JINPAT has developed large-scaleseparate-structure pancake slip rings. These slip rings, such as the LPKS820-0315model, feature a through-hole diameter of 820mm, an outer diameter of 1269mm,and integrate three 15A current paths utilizing carbon brush friction pairs.These slip rings require no regular maintenance and possess excellent resistance to shock and vibration.

 

Alternatively, if needed, pancake slip rings used in CT scanners can be designed as integral structures. However, due to the CT scanner’s maximum rotational speed of 300rpm, the linear velocity requirement for the corresponding pancake slip ring is 20m/s. This presents a challenging task in designing pancake slip rings for CT scanners, demanding high levels of engineering precision and manufacturing capabilities from slip ring manufacturers. Consequently, the distinguishing characteristics of CT slip rings can be summarized as structurally simple yet demanding high levels of precision in processing and design.

 

In the medical device market, numerous cosmetic and physiotherapy devices serve different functions. Compared to high-tech and high-value CT scanners, these devices exhibit relatively simple structures and functionalities. Despite their relatively lower product value, they still require the utilization of slip rings. JINPAT provides several product examples for these medical devices with lower technological barriers, mainly focusing on the LPC, LPM, and LPMS series products featuring fewer current paths. The capsule slip rings from JINPAT adopt gold-to-gold friction pairs, offering compact size, excellent electromechanical performance, and customization options to support various signals or other additional requirements.

 

In addition to medical devices with diverse functionalities, important equipment in the operating room is the surgical shadowless lamp. To assist surgeons in performing better operations, many shadowless lamps are designed with a 360° rotation mechanism, requiring the installation of slip rings. As a pioneering slip ring manufacturer, JINPAT has specifically developed two types of slip ring structures for shadowless lamps. One type is the plug-and-play slip ring, while the other is the separate-structure slip ring. The separate-structure products utilize a combination of carbon brushes and spring contacts, with carbon brushes employed for current paths of ≥10A and spring contacts utilized for small currents or signal paths of 2A. The plug-and-playslip rings feature compact size, small installation space requirements, a lifespan of up to 200,000 insertions and withdrawals, and support for customized high-speed data signals, HD/3G-SDI signals, control signals, and more.

With the development of virtual reality, VR devices are everywhere to be seen. And VR gaming devices are winning the hearts of gamers around the world. These devices require rotary components to transmit sensor signals to the processor. JINPAT Electronics, a slip ring manufacturer in China, has developed slip rings specially to serve VR gaming devices.

 

For VR headsets, JINPAT recommends two slip ring models, LPC-0104-0402-HD01-U2 and LPM-30B-HD01-U2-0201. The former slip ring is a capsule slip ring with 2 1.5A power channels, 1 DC channel, 2 4A power channel, 1 HDMI channel and 1 USB2.0 channel. Its data capacity is impeccable. The other one is a miniature slip ring with 2 1A power channel, 1 HDMI channel and 1 USB2.0 channel. Both of the slip rings are super reliable in terms of data transmission. They are able to remain a smooth low torque 360-degree rotation while transmitting power and signals. JINPAT slip rings are super low noise and therefore able to improve user experience with the whole VR headset without the concern of interruptions.

 

Aside from VR headset slip rings, JINPAT also has slip rings for accessary devices like VR chairs. In this case, LPT000-0204-0202-02S-HD01-U2 is an ideal choice. This through bore slip ring has 2 4A power channels, 2 2A power channels, 2 sensor signal channels, 1 HDMI channel and 1 USB2.0 channel. Given the through bore design, it is easy to install in the VR chair. This through bore slip ring is very popular among the clients.

 

For more slip ring solutions, you can visit our website page or send JINPAT an enquiry directly. JINPAT will spare no effort in bringing you the best solutions and slip ring products!