Optimization of Electromechanical Slip Ring

Sammanfattning: Today's network cameras are constantly evolving, giving us higher resolution and higher quality video streams which demands higher capacity data links. In Pan, Tilt, Zoom (rotating) cameras the Slip Ring acts as the single communication link between the stationary and rotating parts of the camera and at the same time enables unrestricted rotation. It is therefore a key component within the camera. The company that initiated this project is currently buying the Slip Rings from external suppliers and it is in their interest that the Slip Rings are of the highest quality. Our mission is to help the company evaluate the Slip Rings to assure that they are of the highest quality and cost effective. In this report we describe the development of a Slip Ring which aims to improve on some of the limitations of the conventional Slip Ring. Initially, an evaluation of the current Slip Rings is carried out by performing electrical and mechanical tests. The results of the evaluation will be the foundation for the concept development process. The concept development leads to a final concept that improves the signal integrity impact by replacing cables with rigid printed circuit boards, providing a more controlled signal path. Further, the concept reduces the dimensional footprint of the Slip Ring significantly by merging the power transfer and signal leads. The outer dimensions of the Slip Ring are important because they have an impact on the total size of the camera.