Hybrid Integrated Slipring Capsule

To address the Department of Air Force (DAF) need of a slipring capsule containing an electrical slipring, a bidirectional fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ), and a high-pressure gas rotary joint, RC Integrated Systems LLC (RISL) proposes to advance the development of a Hybrid Integrated Slipring Capsule (HISC) that was proven feasible in Phase I. HISC is based on unique low-friction low-resistance and long-life electrical slipring design, high-efficiency light coupling optics for the FORJ, novel seal design for the gas rotary joint, and ruggedized packaging of the capsule with strong long-life materials. The final HISC will have at least 12 shielded power circuits rated for 5 amps at 60 VDC, 4 shielded power circuits rated for 2 amps at 200 VDC, one bidirectional single-mode fiber optic circuit with less than 2dB loss at 1500 RPM, and 1 high-pressure rotary gas joint rated at greater than 3500 psi with the ability to sustain rotational speed of 1500 RPM. The slipring capsule will fit within a defined space of less than 2.9 inch in diameter and 10.2 inch in length. The innovative design, packaging, and use of strong materials allow the slipring capsule to achieve a long mean-time-between-failure (MTBF). In Phase I, RISL developed HISC designs tailored to DAF specifications. A pilot HISC prototype was developed to demonstrate key functionalities. With further effort in Phase II, RISL will develop and demonstrate a fully operational HISC prototype that meets DAF specifications, test it in simulated conditions, and deliver it to the DAF for further evaluation.