Robust 2 pole Slip ring - Horizontal mount

prusaprinters

<p>2 Pole Slip ring that can withstand vibration.</p><p>I initially made a slip ring system that used 18mmx12mmx4mm bearings with the electrical contacts just wires that the bearings press fit on and screws making contact with the outer race. &nbsp;This works fine for light duty applications but it there is any sort of vibration the screws and wires loose contact and the system becomes unreliable. &nbsp;This print aimed to make a reliable slip ring system that was immune to vibration. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>I used ¾" copper pipe cut at 4mm lengths (a pipe cutter makes this easy). &nbsp; For the outer race contacts just snip these rings with cutters then solder a wire. &nbsp; For the inner race contacts, use the same copper pipe cut at around 15mm lengths. &nbsp; Solder a wire on each strip of copper BEFORE press fitting the bearings over &nbsp;the bush (otherwise the heat will distort the plastic and you won't get good electrical contact). &nbsp;Note the press fit is very tight and you have to use various spacers, hammer etc to press the bearings on. &nbsp; &nbsp;After press fit the bearings should still spin freely but be solid on the bush. &nbsp;If not, repeat.</p><p>You need to cut one groove in 8mm threaded bar from one side (the rotating side you want power to get to) at sufficient size to fit the wire you plan to use. &nbsp;I used an angle grinder but you could use a Dremel. &nbsp; Slide the bush with the press fit bearings with the one wire travelling on the inside of the bush along the groove. &nbsp;Hopefully the pictures make this gibberish understandable. &nbsp; &nbsp; Then slip the outer race contact rings over the bearings, mount the base bearing holder, then feed the outer race wires through the holes in the bearing holder cover. (you probably have to drill these holes out depending on the orientation of the print). &nbsp; Bolt it all together with M3 x 65mm bolts and nuts (if using a 6mm mounting plate). &nbsp; The other bearing holders fit standard skateboard bearings and allow a more robust mounting for the 8mm shaft.</p><p>This is part of a larger build of my Christmas lights Heli which can be found at <a href="https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/104250-christmas-lights-heli">https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/104250-christmas-lights-heli</a></p><p>Some pictures of slip ring detail to follow soon</p><p>Brief video showing how it works and looks&nbsp;</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/Erspeju-8B8"></oembed></figure>