×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

rotational power and data transfer

rotational power and data transfer

rotational power and data transfer

(OP)
HELP!!!

I am in the process of designing a rotating piece of machinery. For practical purposes, I have to mount a PLC onto the moving portion.

Does anyone know of an "OFF THE SHELF" connector which will be able to handle power and data xfer? I figure they make a connector to keep phone wires from twisting why not this??

RE: rotational power and data transfer

For the power a brush assembly is the best bet if this item can do endless 360's, and I would suggest radio for the PLC communications.

If the item makes a fixed rotation a flexible cable setup with stress releif at the ends will suffice.

A brush assembly is a carbon brush which rides on a rotating copper ring, you'll want to try and minimize the number of connections.  Brushes require replacement and check-ups.

RE: rotational power and data transfer

(OP)
Do you know where I could find an off the shelf brush set up??

As far as radio for the PLC communications, there is lots of interference in the environment from other OLD equipment.

RE: rotational power and data transfer

I work in a steel mill where electrical noise is a big problem, and we use radios for cranes, cars, and a multitude of other uses without problem.  Just buy an industrial grade point to point radio made for PLC's and you'll be set.

As for brush assmblies, I don't think you'll get it "off the shelf", I would suggest contacting a large motor repair shop or manufacturer of motors would be good place to look.

RE: rotational power and data transfer

i've used one in a packaging machine before...the idea is like a slip ring but they are enclosed..

if my memory serves me correct, it has 6 pairs or 12 wires on it...12 wires in and 12 wires out ...it is supplying 3 banks of heater and 3 sets of thermocouple....its for heat sealing the top end of a package and rotating 360 degrees and works well..

try to check some site of packaging machine parts supplier or a search on "slip ring" on any search engine on the net..

i apologize i can't remember the manufacturer of the ring but i do remember the machine manufacturer "DOBOY PACKAGING MACHINES"

good luck
dydt
   

RE: rotational power and data transfer

(OP)
A "slip ring"!!! That was the answer I was looking for!!!

It's amazing how much calling something by the right name makes all the difference in the world!!!

Thanks to both of you for the help!!!!!!!!!

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources