Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: salama on November 10, 2011, 12:36:44 AM

Title: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: salama on November 10, 2011, 12:36:44 AM
I'm now starting to design centipede robot. Something pretty much like this:
ZineDyn - Centipede Inspired Robot from KAIST (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-rSfYUpZNk#)
I'm going to have pressure sensors on each cylindrical metal leg. But my problem is how to connect the wires, because the leg are rotating same direction all the time. So directly just connecting would get the wire cut at some point or jam the leg. Any ideas how to overcome this?
Title: Re: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: Soeren on November 10, 2011, 09:36:27 AM
Hi,

That would really scare the daylight out of my GF, but does it only go straight ahead?

I'm going to have pressure sensors on each cylindrical metal leg. But my problem is how to connect the wires, because the leg are rotating same direction all the time. So directly just connecting would get the wire cut at some point or jam the leg. Any ideas how to overcome this?
Slip rings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_ring)
A jack plug and socket may be used as slip rings, but will not be nearly a strong as real slip rings.

Alternatively, you could measure the force where each leg is attached, then no wires need to twist.
Title: Re: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: salama on November 10, 2011, 10:43:06 PM
Yea I'm planning to make it only forward, real centipedes also go only forward!

I have been thinking the possibility of measuring straight, but probably going with the slip ring. Thank you for your post!
Title: Re: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: Soeren on November 10, 2011, 11:12:17 PM
Hi,

Yea I'm planning to make it only forward, real centipedes also go only forward!
Oh well, I meant straight ahead as opposed to left/right  - seems a little limited if it cannot go further than the length of you largest room.


I have been thinking the possibility of measuring straight, but probably going with the slip ring. Thank you for your post!
You might wanna check the price on slip rings before you write off other methods, they're a tad expensive.
Title: Re: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: salama on November 21, 2011, 05:54:29 AM
After all decided not use slip ring. I will do piston like legs. Think this is the easiest and cheapest solution.

First I will try to make it only forward. Afterward might start thinking of turning right and left.
Title: Re: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: salama on June 18, 2012, 11:20:47 PM
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8110924/IMG_0297.JPG)
This is how it finally turned out. Still quite bit to do thou... TY for the help!
Title: Re: Connecting wire to the rotating leg
Post by: Gertlex on June 19, 2012, 05:29:22 PM
Nice work, and thanks for sharing the pic! :)