Two-Stage Eutectic Metal Brushes

Abstract

A two-stage eutectic metal brush assembly having a slip ring rigidly coupled to a shaft, the slip ring being electrically coupled to first voltage polarity. At least one brush is rigidly coupled to a second ring and slidingly engaged to the slip ring. Eutectic metal at least partially fills an annulus between the second ring and a stationary ring. At least one conductor is rigidly coupled to the stationary ring and electrically coupled to a second voltage polarity. Electrical continuity is maintained between the first voltage polarity and the second voltage polarity. Periodic rotational motion is present between the stationary ring and the second ring. Periodic rotational motion is also present between the brush and the slip ring.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the two-stage eutectic metal brushes components.

Claims

1. A two-stage eutectic-metal brush assembly comprising; a slip ring rigidly coupled to a shaft, said slip ring electrically coupled to first voltage polarity,at least one brush rigidly coupled to a second ring and slidingly engaged to said slip ring,eutectic metal at least partially filling an annulus between said second ring and a stationary ring,at least one conductor rigidly coupled to said stationary ring and electrically coupled to a second voltage polarity,wherein electrical continuity is maintained between said first voltage polarity and said second voltage polarity, andwherein periodic rotational motion is present between said stationary ring and said second ring and periodic rotational motion is present between said at least one brush and said slip ring.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one brush further comprises spring loading.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one brush is selected from the group consisting of graphite, graphite composites, copper, silver and gold.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said slip ring is electrically conducting and corrosion resistant to said eutectic metal.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said eutectic metal is selected from the group consisting of galinstan, indium, gallium, mercury, sodium, potassium, bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, and mixtures thereof.

6. The assembly of claim 4 wherein said eutectic metal further comprises a lubricant.

7. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said lubricant is metal-based.