Electrical slip ring transmit the power signal and data signal when it rotate in 360°, but if we know how it working and it’s principle?

There are two main structure components (electric brush wire and the metal conductive ring) in electric slip ring. There are two methods in working, method one is the metal conductive ring keep stationary and the electric brush wire is rotating, the other way is on the contrary the electric brush wire keep still and the metal conductive ring is rotation. Both of the two ways can transmit stably and have no impact on the electric power or the data signal transmission.

The number of the electric brush wires and metal conductive ring is always changed for that’s to meet the needs of different equipment designs. Most of the carbon brush slip ring have outer shell with metal alloy materials or industry plastic materials to protect the inner components from humidity or dust or other factor effect. Which housing material we choose based on the operation environment.

The electrical slip ring working principle as bellow

For example, the electrical brush wire is stationary and the electric copper circle is rotating in this slip ring, meanwhile the number of wires at both ends of the device is corresponding. such as eight lines in and eight lines out, and when the brush wire contacts the copper ring, it’s divided into two sides two groups.

The number of electric brush wires always come in pair, and divided into two groups, to avoid one side damaging in case, the other side brush wires can be working well. The brush contact materials mainly composition is metal copper graphite or silver graphite. With the development of science and technology , a new material ternary alloy wire has emerged, it’s more hard and wearproof. The brush wires rub against the outside of the metal ring, when one part of the brush wire rotates, the brush components and copper ring maintain a continuous electrical connection. Although there is only one bush pair per circuit, but if the current increasing there should be four bush pairs or more brush pairs per circuit. The diameter of the ternary alloy wire is usually settled, dozens of brush wires may be combined in one group to ensure that it will not be burned when high current is applied.

The electrical slip ring are made of conducting metal, it’s usually brass, silver plated brass or industry gold plated brass. It’s always mounted on the central shaft, but insulated from the central shaft. The insulation in front of the circle and between the shaft is made of nylon, phenolics or other non-conductive materials. As the copper ring rotates, electric current is carried through the brush wires that’s form a connection. That is how electrical slip rings working.