I’ve search a lot on the net, and theres probably info on this if I knew what it’s called. I’m wondering about the feasibility of making my own continuous rotation connector, for lack of better words.
I have a 1 1/8” hollow non conductive shaft that rotates, with 2 wires supplying power to something on the other end, the wires going down thru it. but it can only rotate about 1 revolution max, or the wire becomes twisted. If I machine 2 brass rings that mount on the shaft, and mount some carbon fiber brushes to run against these rings, I could transfer power so that the shaft now becomes continuous rotation.
is there a name for this connector? They probably already exist if I knew what theyre called.
thanks

 

"Slip rings" is the terminology you want to look up. I have often wondered about making my own, but never really had a project that required it.

 

Thanks, I’ll see what I find.

 

Google "mercotac"

 

I've made them for this spinning leds

 

SLIP RINGS are indeed what you need! I would suggest copper instead of brass, because it is a better conductor. You did not mention the current or the voltage, and those certainly will affect how the rings are built. For the rings, you could utilize rings cur from copper pipe or tubing, and the insulating portion could be turned out of hardwood that the rings would just slip on to.

Slip rings are an old technology and so there should be a lot of information and pictures available to provide ideas.

 

Here's an idea, from a few years ago:

 

That article appears to be a fraud, from where I stand. Clever artwork can create illusions, as we all know. And clever words are certainly able to obscure the truth. That is a fact.
Actual slip rings with more than a single pickup, are a proven technology, although they do require routine service because they do wear.