Slip rings are devices that link the stationary and rotating systems together. It’s used when the application requires a rotation while transmitting electricity or an electrical signal.
Slip Ring
A slip ring is utilised in a variety of machinery to boost performance and simplify operation. Electrical swivels, revolving electrical connectors, and electrical rotary joints are all terms used to describe slip rings. The slip ring is made up of two parts a metal ring and a brush contact. The number of metal rings and brushes is determined by the machine’s intended use. In most cases, the brush is fixed while the ring rotates. Graphite or phosphor bronze are commonly used to make brushes. Although graphite is the most cost-effective alternative, phosphor has excellent conductivity and longer life.
Electrical slip rings are divided into several varieties based on their size and construction.
- Ethernet slip ring
- Wireless slip ring
- Fibre optic slip ring
- Pancake slip rings
- Mercury wetted slip ring
Difference between Slip Rings and Split Rings
Slip rings and split rings are both made of conductors and are used to connect the rotating and electrical systems. Although there are some similarities between a slip ring and a split ring, they are not the same. In a slip ring, the rotating and stationary systems are connected without changing polarity, whereas in split rings, the polarity changes. The revolving motor in a slip ring is an AC motor, while the split ring uses a DC motor. A continuous ring of conducting material makes up a slip ring. The split ring, also known as a commutator, is separated into sections.
Advantages of Slip Rings
- The slip ring device is small enough to be carried around effortlessly by the user.
- A slip ring is simple to handle and install in any electronic gadget. A slip ring, for instance, is utilised in an induction motor.
- Through the revolving assembly, this gadget provides an electrical connection while enhancing mechanical performance.
- The slip ring’s primary benefit is its capacity for continuous 360-degree rotation, which enables high-speed signal or data transfer.
Application of Slip Rings
In all electromechanical devices that use unregulated, intermittent, or continuous spinning for power and signalling, slip rings are used. Wind power generators, cranes, rotating production machines and precision instruments, such as those used for data transmission, medical equipment, radar equipment, stage equipment, and robotics, are just a few examples of industrial applications for slip rings.
Shielding
The electric field inside a conductor cavity is always zero. Even if the conductor is charged or if an external field induces charges on a neutral conductor, all charges are distributed only on the conductor’s outer surface. As a result, any cavity, regardless of shape or size, is always protected from external electric influences. This is called electrostatic shielding. The concept of electrostatic shielding has many applications.
Examples of electrostatic shielding
- Cars have electrostatic shielding; thus, it’s safe to sit inside during a thunderstorm since the car’s metallic body acts as an electrical shield.
- Linemen wear Faraday cage garments to prevent themselves from being killed by electrocution.
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