Transfer power and signal to a rotating platform

Using Arduino Project Guidance
#1

I am thinking of building a NeoPixel-based lamp, in which the vertical column supporting the bulb and shade is a transparent plastic cylinder, with vertical Neopixel strips inside. But as an added twist, I want to be able to rotate this cylinder at controlled RPM, to see what sort of interesting new lighting effects I could achieve.

So here’s the problem. I need to transfer power (two wires) and signal (one wire) from a stationary source into the rotating structure. If I had a circular disc at the bottom of the cylinder with three concentric copper circles, made, say, from copper clad board, this could be done. But I suspect that the copper would quickly wear away with continued use.

Does anybody have any experience with such a device, or any good ideas as to how to make a good durable mechanism?

Thanks in advance for any help.

#2

Search for "slip ring". They are meant for this purpose.

#3

You can buy ready made slip rings, such as this one from Adafruit.

#4

Slip rings are mechanical devices, not as perfect as one may think. They may suffer from bouncing, resulting in power interrupts or signal mutilation. Take care for a power reservoir (big cap, battery...) on the turning site, eventually use a higher supply voltage to reduce the currents over the power supply lines, and a step down converter to get the required voltage back.

Data transmission may become the most critical part of your project, eventually use wireless (RF, IR...) means for transmitting the signal.

#5