ingiant technology | industry new | May 9.2025
In modern industry and scientific research, precise signal transmission is like nerve conduction in the human body, which determines the stability of equipment operation and the accuracy of data acquisition. As a key device for reliable transmission of strain signals between rotating parts and stationary parts, strain gauge signal slip rings are becoming an important support for the development of many industries with their unique functions and importance. Whether it is stress monitoring of large mechanical equipment or data acquisition in scientific research experiments, strain gauge signal slip rings play an irreplaceable role.
What is a strain gauge slip ring?
A strain gauge slip ring is a slip ring device specially used to transmit weak electrical signals generated by strain gauges. A strain gauge is a sensitive element that can convert mechanical strain into resistance changes. When an object is deformed by external force, the resistance value of the strain gauge attached to the surface of the object will change accordingly. By measuring the resistance change, the strain of the object can be known.
The function of the strain gauge signal slip ring is to stably and accurately transmit the extremely weak and easily interfered electrical signals generated by the strain gauge to the measurement and control system during the rotation of the equipment. Its internal structure usually consists of a rotating rotor and a stationary stator. The rotor is connected to the rotating part, and the stator is connected to the measuring device. Conductive rings and brushes are distributed on the rotor and stator. Through the close contact between the brush and the conductive ring, the continuous transmission of the signal is realized.
In essence, the strain gauge signal slip ring is a bridge connecting the rotating part and the stationary measurement system, ensuring that the strain signal can be transmitted completely and without distortion under complex rotating conditions, providing a reliable basis for subsequent data analysis and equipment control.
Core technical advantages and specific technical parameters of strain gauge signal slip rings
Technical advantages
a. High-sensitivity signal transmission: The signal generated by the strain gauge is extremely weak, generally at the millivolt or even microvolt level. Ordinary signal transmission methods can easily cause signal attenuation and distortion. The strain gauge signal slip ring adopts a special circuit design and high-precision conductive materials to minimize the loss in the signal transmission process, ensuring that the weak strain signal is transmitted to the measurement end with extremely high fidelity, thereby achieving accurate measurement of tiny strains.
b. Strong anti-interference ability: In actual industrial environments, there are various electromagnetic interferences, vibration interferences, etc., which will seriously affect the accuracy of strain signals. The strain gauge signal slip ring effectively suppresses the intrusion of external interference signals through shielding structure design, isolation technology and special filtering circuits. For example, the double-layer shielding structure can block electromagnetic radiation interference; the signal isolation technology can avoid mutual interference between different circuits and ensure the purity and stability of the strain signal.
c. High precision and stability: For strain measurement, measurement accuracy and stability are crucial. The strain gauge signal slip ring has extremely high mechanical and electrical precision after precise manufacturing processes and strict quality inspections. The surface of the conductive ring is smooth and flat, and the contact pressure between the brush and the conductive ring is uniform and stable, which can maintain the consistency and accuracy of signal transmission during long-term continuous operation, reduce measurement errors, and provide guarantee for reliable strain analysis.
d. Long life and high reliability: In order to adapt to the long-term and high-load working requirements of the industrial environment, the durability of the strain gauge signal slip ring is fully considered in the material selection and structural design. The use of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant precious metal brushes and high-hardness conductive ring materials reduces the wear between components; the optimized mechanical structure design reduces the damage to the slip ring caused by vibration, impact and other factors, greatly prolongs the service life of the slip ring, and improves the reliability of equipment operation.
Specific technical parameters
Electrical performance parameters
a. Signal transmission accuracy: The signal transmission error is usually required to be less than 0.1%, and even higher precision products can reach 0.01% to ensure the accuracy of strain measurement results.
b. Insulation resistance: Generally not less than 1000MΩ (under 500VDC test conditions). Higher insulation resistance can effectively prevent leakage and signal crosstalk.
c. Working voltage: The common working voltage range is 5-24VDC, and different working voltages can be customized according to actual application requirements.
d. Signal frequency response: It can meet the signal transmission of DC-10MHz or even higher frequencies to meet the requirements of different types of strain gauges and measurement systems.
Mechanical performance parameters
a. Number of channels: According to actual application requirements, 1-32 channels or even more channels can be provided to meet the needs of transmitting multiple strain gauge signals or other auxiliary signals at the same time.
b. Maximum speed: Generally up to 5000rpm, some high-performance products can achieve higher speeds to ensure stable operation in high-speed rotating equipment.
c. Operating temperature range: usually - 40℃ - +80℃. Products used in some special environments can be extended to a wider temperature range.
d. Protection level: Common protection levels include IP54, IP65, etc. The higher the protection level, the stronger the slip ring's ability to protect against external factors such as dust and water.
Application scenarios and equipment types of strain gauge signal slip rings
Aerospace field
a. Aircraft structure testing: During the design and manufacturing process of an aircraft, stress tests need to be performed on key parts of the aircraft, such as the wings and fuselage. Strain gauge signal slip rings are installed on rotating or moving parts of the aircraft, and transmit the stress signals collected by the strain gauges to ground test equipment to help engineers analyze the stress conditions of the aircraft structure under different flight conditions and ensure the structural strength and safety of the aircraft.
b. Engine performance monitoring: Blades, shafts and other components inside aircraft engines will produce complex stress changes when rotating at high speeds. Strain gauge signal slip rings are used to transmit the strain gauge signals installed inside the engine, monitor the working status of engine components in real time, detect potential fault hazards in a timely manner, and ensure the reliable operation of the engine.
Automotive industry
a. Automotive parts testing: During the research and development and testing stages of automotive parts, such as suspension systems, drive shafts, engine crankshafts and other components, fatigue testing and stress analysis are required. Strain gauge signal slip rings transmit the strain gauge signals installed on these components to the test instrument, evaluate the performance and life of the components by analyzing the strain data, and provide a basis for optimizing design and improving product quality.
b. Automobile dynamic test: In the road test and performance test of the automobile, the strain gauge signal slip ring is used to transmit the strain gauge signal installed on the wheel, body and other parts to the vehicle data acquisition system. By real-time monitoring of the stress changes of the vehicle during driving, the vehicle's handling performance, comfort and safety are analyzed to provide data support for the improvement and optimization of the automobile.
Industrial automation field
a. CNC machine tools: During the processing of CNC machine tools, it is necessary to monitor the stress conditions of machine tool spindles, tools and other components in real time to optimize processing parameters, improve processing accuracy and extend tool life. The strain gauge signal slip ring transmits the strain gauge signal installed on the rotating parts of the machine tool to the control system to achieve real-time monitoring and intelligent control of the machine tool's operating status.
b. Robot arm: During the operation of the robot arm such as grasping, handling and assembly, each joint and rod will be subjected to different forces and torques. The strain gauge signal slip ring is used to transmit the strain gauge signal installed on the robot arm to the control system, so that the robot can sense its own stress conditions, achieve precise force control and motion control, and improve the robot's work efficiency and stability.
Scientific research and experimental fields
a. Material mechanics experiments: In material science research, various materials need to be tested for mechanical properties such as stretching, compression, and bending. The strain gauge signal slip ring transmits the strain gauge signal installed on the specimen to the measuring instrument, accurately measures the strain change of the material during the force process, and provides accurate data for material performance analysis and research.
b. Biomechanics research: In the field of biomechanics, such as human motion analysis and animal motion research, by pasting strain gauges on the joints, muscles and other parts of the organism, and using the strain gauge signal slip ring to transmit the strain signal to the acquisition equipment, the mechanical properties of the organism during the movement are studied, providing theoretical support for the development of medicine, sports and other fields.
How to choose a high-quality strain gauge signal slip ring?
Clarify the application requirements
a. Determine the signal type and quantity: First, it is necessary to know whether the strain gauge signal to be transmitted is an analog signal or a digital signal, as well as the specific number of signals. Different types of signals have different electrical performance requirements for the slip ring, and the number of signals determines the number of channels required for the slip ring. For example, if there are multiple analog strain gauge signals, you need to choose a slip ring with the corresponding analog signal transmission capacity and sufficient channels.
b. Consider the working environment: According to the actual use environment, determine the protection level, operating temperature range and other parameters required by the slip ring. If it is used in a humid and dusty environment, you need to choose a slip ring with a higher protection level; if it works in a high temperature environment, make sure that the slip ring can withstand the corresponding temperature.
c. Combined with the equipment speed: Understand the rotation speed of the equipment and select a strain gauge signal slip ring that can meet the speed requirements. If the maximum speed of the slip ring is lower than the actual operating speed of the equipment, it may cause unstable signal transmission or even damage to the slip ring.
Inspect product quality
d. Check materials and processes: High-quality strain gauge signal slip rings usually use high-quality conductive materials, such as precious metal alloys as brushes and conductive ring materials to ensure good conductivity and wear resistance. In terms of manufacturing process, attention should be paid to the processing accuracy of the slip ring, such as the surface roughness of the conductive ring, the contact accuracy between the brush and the conductive ring, etc. These details directly affect the quality of signal transmission and the service life of the slip ring.
a. Evaluate brand and reputation: Choose suppliers with good brand reputation and rich production experience. Well-known brands usually have stricter standards in product development, quality control, etc., and their products have been tested by the market, and the quality is more guaranteed. You can understand the reputation of different brands by consulting user reviews, industry reports, etc.
b. Verify certification and test reports: Make sure that the selected strain gauge signal slip ring has relevant quality certifications and test reports, such as ISO quality management system certification, electrical performance test reports, etc. These certifications and reports are strong proof that the product quality meets the standards and can help users judge whether the product is reliable.
Comprehensively consider price and service
a. Reasonable budget planning: When choosing a slip ring, price is an important factor, but you cannot just pursue a low price. Too low a price may mean that there is a problem with the product quality, and too high a price may not necessarily bring a matching performance improvement. Under the premise of ensuring product quality and performance, you should choose a product with high cost performance in combination with your own budget. You can compare products from different suppliers and comprehensively evaluate price and performance.
b. Pay attention to after-sales service: High-quality after-sales service can solve the worries of users during use. Choose a supplier who can provide timely technical support, product repair and replacement services. For example, when a slip ring fails, the supplier can respond quickly and provide solutions in time to reduce equipment downtime and reduce the impact on production and experiments.
Maintenance and troubleshooting of strain gauge signal slip rings
Daily maintenance points
a. Cleaning and maintenance: Clean the slip rings regularly to remove dust, oil and other impurities on the surface. You can use a clean soft cloth to wipe the surface of the slip ring. For gaps and hard-to-clean areas, you can use compressed air to blow. Keeping the surface of the slip ring clean helps reduce friction and wear and improve the quality of signal transmission.
b. Check the connection parts: Check the connection cables between the slip ring and the strain gauge and measuring equipment frequently to ensure that the connection is firm and there is no looseness or damage. Loose connections may cause unstable or interrupted signal transmission, and damaged cables may affect the integrity of the signal and even cause faults such as short circuits.
c. Lubrication treatment: For slip rings with rotating parts, lubricate the bearings and other parts regularly according to the requirements of the product manual. Appropriate lubrication can reduce friction, reduce wear and extend the service life of the slip ring. Pay attention to choosing the right lubricant and avoid lubricant contamination of conductive parts.
Common faults and troubleshooting methods
a. Signal loss or instability: If the strain signal is lost or the transmission is unstable, first check whether the connecting cable is normal, including whether the cable is damaged or the connector is loose. If there is no problem with the cable, check whether the brush of the slip ring is in good contact with the conductive ring, and whether there is wear, oxidation, etc. It can be checked and repaired by cleaning the brush and conductive ring, adjusting the brush pressure, etc.
b. Overheating of the slip ring: Overheating of the slip ring during operation may be caused by excessive current, increased contact resistance or poor heat dissipation. Check whether the connected equipment is overloaded. If the current is normal, check the contact between the brush and the conductive ring to see if there is poor contact or severe local wear. At the same time, check whether the heat dissipation device of the slip ring is working properly, such as whether the cooling fan is running and whether the heat sink is dusty.
c. Abnormal noise: Abnormal noise is generated during the operation of the slip ring, which may be caused by loose, worn or insufficient lubrication of mechanical parts. Check whether the fixing screws of the slip ring are loose, whether the rotating parts such as bearings are severely worn, and whether the lubrication is good. According to different causes, take measures such as tightening screws, replacing worn parts, and adding lubricants to solve the problem.
Technological innovation of strain gauge signal slip rings
Intelligence and integration
With the development of Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things technology, strain gauge signal slip rings are moving towards intelligence and integration. In the future, slip rings may integrate more functional modules, such as signal amplification, filtering, A/D conversion, etc., to achieve on-site signal processing and digital transmission. At the same time, slip rings may also have self-diagnosis and monitoring functions, which can provide real-time feedback on their own working status, facilitate users to maintain and manage, and improve the
intelligence level of equipment.
Miniaturization and lightweight
In some fields with strict requirements on equipment size and weight, such as aerospace, portable testing equipment, etc., there is an increasing demand for miniaturized and lightweight strain gauge signal slip rings. By adopting new materials and optimizing designs, future slip rings will achieve smaller size and lighter weight while ensuring performance, meeting the needs of different industries for miniaturization and portability of equipment.
Higher accuracy and reliability
With the continuous improvement of requirements for measurement accuracy and equipment reliability, the technology of strain gauge signal slip rings will continue to improve. R&D personnel will strive to further improve signal transmission accuracy and reduce signal transmission errors; optimize the structural design and material properties of slip rings, and improve their adaptability and reliability in harsh environments to meet the growing needs of high-end manufacturing, precision measurement and other fields.
Conclusion: Choose a reliable supplier of strain gauge signal slip rings
As a key component to ensure the accuracy of strain measurement and the stability of equipment operation, strain gauge signal slip rings play a vital role in many industries. From basic concepts to core technologies, from a wide range of application scenarios to key points for purchase, to daily maintenance and industry trends, we have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of them.
In practical applications, choosing a reliable supplier of strain gauge signal slip rings is an important guarantee to ensure the normal operation of equipment and accurate measurement data. Reliable suppliers can not only provide high-quality products that meet the needs, but also provide strong support in technical support, after-sales service, etc. When selecting a supplier, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its product quality, technical strength, service level, etc. through multi-faceted inspections and comparisons, so as to make correct decisions and provide solid guarantees for the company's production and scientific research.
FAQ
Q1:Can strain gauge signal slip rings transmit multiple types of signals at the same time?
A1:Yes. Most strain gauge signal slip rings support the transmission of multiple signal types. In addition to the analog signals generated by the strain gauge, they can also transmit digital signals, temperature signals, pressure signals, etc., as long as the number of channels of the slip ring is sufficient and the electrical performance meets the requirements. When selecting a slip ring, you need to select it according to the type and number of signals that need to be transmitted.
Q2:What factors affect the service life of strain gauge signal slip rings?
A2:The service life of strain gauge signal slip rings is affected by many factors, mainly including the working environment (such as temperature, humidity, dust, corrosive gases, etc.), frequency of use, load size, maintenance, etc. Harsh working environment will accelerate the wear and aging of slip ring components; frequent use and excessive load will increase the working pressure of the slip ring; and regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection and other maintenance measures will help extend the service life of the slip ring.
Q3:How to install a strain gauge signal slip ring?
A3:When installing the strain gauge signal slip ring, first ensure that the installation location is clean and dry. Connect the rotor of the slip ring to the rotating part firmly according to the requirements of the product manual, and connect the stator to the stationary measuring equipment or control system. During the connection process, be careful to avoid damaging the conductive parts and cables of the slip ring to ensure tight connection and good contact. After the installation is completed, debugging and testing are required to check whether the signal transmission is normal.
Q4:Can the strain gauge signal slip ring be repaired by yourself after a fault occurs?
A4:For some simple faults, such as loose connection cables and surface cleaning, you can check and repair them by yourself according to the guidance of the product manual. However, for complex faults, such as internal circuit damage and severe component wear, self-repair is not recommended because it involves professional technology and tools. You should contact the supplier or professional maintenance personnel in time to deal with it to avoid aggravated damage to the slip ring or other safety problems caused by improper operation.
Q5:Are there big differences in performance between strain gauge signal slip rings of different brands?
A5:There are certain differences in performance between strain gauge signal slip rings of different brands. Well-known brands usually have more advantages in R&D investment, production process and quality control, and their products perform relatively well in signal transmission accuracy, reliability, service life and other aspects. However, some emerging brands may also be competitive in some aspects with their innovative technologies and special products. When choosing, you should consider multiple factors such as brand, product parameters, and user reviews, rather than just relying on the brand to judge the performance.
I hope this article can help you. If you have encountered problems related to strain gauge slip rings in actual applications, or want to further explore some technical points in the article, please feel free to communicate with us.
Post time: May-09-2025