Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
(OP)
Hello,
Does anyone know of a device similar to a slip ring but instead of rotational translation allows for linear movement? I have a design that requires an assembly to move ~6 inches along a rail and the unit has 20 leads currently on a ribbon wire to allow for the translation. Does anyone know of a device that possibly has a sled or other method that I could solder to so I dont have to worry about the wire binding issues found with ribbon wires? The wire leads are all signal level leads so major current. Thank you in advance!
-David
Does anyone know of a device similar to a slip ring but instead of rotational translation allows for linear movement? I have a design that requires an assembly to move ~6 inches along a rail and the unit has 20 leads currently on a ribbon wire to allow for the translation. Does anyone know of a device that possibly has a sled or other method that I could solder to so I dont have to worry about the wire binding issues found with ribbon wires? The wire leads are all signal level leads so major current. Thank you in advance!
-David





RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
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RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
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RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
You might take a stab by contacting slip ring suppliers that might make custom assemblies:
http://www.sliprings.com/company.htm
http://www.moog.com/capabilities/building-blocks/
ht
http://www.schleifring.com/en/Products/index.php
TTFN
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RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
My careful reply there adds nothing that hasn't been suggested here.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
None of the slip ring manufactures make a device for the linear (non-rotational) translation. Any other ideas?
Considered it red flagged, thanks!
-David
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
For power, e.g. <5 conductors, and such a short stroke, you could just use braided wires and let 'em flop around.
But 20 conductors suggests some small signals, which you might have to amplify to pass through a slip bar, assuming you could get such a thing.
What do you mean by 'ribbon wire'?
If you mean multiconductor flat cable with very thin (and relatively wide) solid conductors, laminated in mylar, equipped with good strain reliefs at both ends and 'rolling' between planar surfaces like a 'Rolamite' (remember them?), then you're already doing all that's possible, and should get effectively infinite life.
If you're using generic stranded ribbon cable and/or not paying extreme attention to strain relief, then, well, you're not going to be happy.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
Does anyone know if there is a slip ring like device but that instead of rotary translation is laid out flat so you could move one assembly forward and aft and the other remains stationary? Much like an electric train on its tracks.
My goal is to replace the ribbon wire and not go to a wireless solution.
Thanks.
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
There could be such a thing.
HOW MANY WILL YOU BUY?
For a couple million a year, you can probably get what you're asking for. For lower volumes, you'll have to participate in the non-recurring costs somehow.
CAUTION; your questions suggest that what you ask for may not be what you want. You seem to be fuzzy on the differences among power, analog, digital, and signal/sensor lines. You need to get a sparky involved before getting all tooled up. Someone who can explain 'source impedance' to you in English can probably help.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
Much engineering effort has gone into eliminating sliding contact surfaces over the years. Even many overhead cranes use cable reels and other methods to eliminate the bus system.
Electrified trains use their pantographs and catenaries because they have to. But they require a lot of maintenance, even with several thousand volts to punch through oxidation, air gaps, corrosion, etc.
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?
Best,
David
RE: Electrical Connection Linear Slide? Does this exist?