Electrical contact assembly and method and apparatus for assembling the same
US4068909A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1977 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1275
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A full rotational freedom, substantially zero friction electrical contact assembly for conducting electrical currents between relatively rotatable members of sensitive instruments such as gyroscopic devices and the like and a method of and apparatus for the assembly thereof is disclosed. Each electrical transfer unit of the assembly comprises a pair of coaxial, concentric, coplanar, continuous, concave conductor rings, one mounted on a relatively fixed member and the other mounted on the rotatable member, the relative diameters of the rings providing a substantial annular radial gap therebetween. A resilient, electrically conducting, continuous, filamentary loop is disposed in the radial gap such that its generally flat outside surface contacts and rolls on the concave surfaces of the concentric conductor rings. The loop/conductor interface provides self-capturing and retaining forces to accommodate any misalignment between the rings and movements of the loop within the radial gap in a vibratory and/or shock environment all without producing frictional torques on the rotatable member. The critical dimensional parameters of the concave conductor ring surface and the loop, particular…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.