Cryovacuum Slip Ring for Instrumentation and Purge / Cooling Flow

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop a Cryogenic/Vacuum Rated Slip Ring capable of supplying Electrical and Fluid Flow channels through a rotating interface. DESCRIPTION: Cable management within a thermal-vacuum chamber is critical to the safe and efficient operation of mobile equipment during test activity. Rotating equipment especially has this challenge as space is limited within the test cell for cable trays to support the necessary cabling and piping. A Cryogenic/Vacuum Rated Slip Ring capable of supplying Electrical and Fluid Flow channels through a rotating interface is needed to alleviate these concerns. The Space Systems Test Facility at AEDC recently implemented a capability in a space simulation cryo-vacuum chamber which provides continuous rotation of a test article on its axis. This requires around 20 electrical connections that can survive < 200 rpm, as well as the vacuum and cold environment. Other needs include the Positioner system in the AEDC 7V Chamber, which supports the test article through 180 degrees of roll motion and supply/return or input/output gas lines to the test article's electronics cooling system. The desired slip ring configuration would require constant electrical contact with low-noise during rotation; as well as gas-fluid channels that provide uninhibited flow through this interface with a very small leak rate. The slip ring system should be self-contained and capable of receiving an input source fitting for gas and transfer through the roll mechanism to the output source fitting; to be used directly in the cryo-vacuum environment. PHASE I: Demonstrate a proof-of-concept cryo-vacuum slip ring (ambient to temperatures ~ 80 K) for transfer of 20-30 electrical connections (60-100V, 5-10A) as well as at least one gas channel (< 100 psig) through the slip ring, with a minimum roll rate of 100 deg/s. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype cryo-vacuum slip ring (ambient to temperatures ~ 80 K) for transfer of a minimum of 50 electrical connections (60-100V, 5-10A) as well as at least two gas channels PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This technology will support enhanced test capability for military airborne and space-borne sensors. This Phase III may involve follow-on non-SBIR/STTR funded R&D or production contracts for products, processes or services intended for use by the U.S. Government. REFERENCES: 1. Test Facility Guide Arnold Engineering Development Complex, [online document], URL; //www.arnold.af.mil/Portals/49/documents/AFD-080625-010.pdf?ver=2016-06-16-100801-260 [cited 20 January 2021].; 2. https;//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_ring; 3. https;//www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/770976/; 4. https;//www.mclennan.co.uk/product/vacuum-rated-systems; KEYWORDS: Cryo-vacuum; slip ring; vacuum chamber