LEGO CUUSOO

Rev. 1

Rev. 2
* Leads come out of turntable to not obstruct mounting options.
* Leads are brought to break out blocks.
* Break out blocks have pin holes so they can be mounted cleanly.
* Color scheme proposed for 4 channels adds Yellow and White.

This version is intended to come with 4 short extension cables that can be used on either end to connect to sources such as batteries or IR receivers.

Some examples of how this part can be used:

Consider the set Motorized Excavator - 8043, one of my all time favorite models. Great ingenuity was used to keep the power source in the rotating cab, and to transfer power down through the turntable to the tracked-base via two coaxial drive-lines.

If electrical power could be transferred through the turntable, the track motors could be installed in the base.

This would:
* Lower center of gravity - Good for lifting heavy loads and driving on inclines.
* Lower rotation inertia - This will allow the cab to rotate more freely.
* Torque isolation - Drive torque would not be transmitted into cab rotation.
* Allow for 6 motors - All functions could be accessed simultaneously.
* Higher efficiency - Less gears and shafts will allow it to move more easily and batteries last longer.
* Less parts to break, less noise.
* And last but not least, additional channels can be used to transfer even more signals to the base such as lights or stabilizer arms.

The only thing it would take away from the model would be the brilliance of the current mechanical solution.

However, for aspiring modelers, the simplicity gained from using electrical signals instead of mechanical ones would allow their models to be built faster and more robust, giving them more satisfaction for their time spent building.

This is just a simple example use for this part. There are other ways to solve the problem, such as installing a battery box and receiver in the base. But often, two battery packs are too heavy or large. It's good to be as efficient as possible when building LEGO, so your models can move freely.

Another Example:

A theme park ride, such as a carousel, will need to transfer power from the ground station to the carousel while still allowing unlimited rotation.

In practice there is a main power bus transferred through a slip ring, there is another channel transferred that is used for communication. Signals are sent to the carousel to start and stop lights and sounds. The proposed slip ring turntable part could be used in exactly the same manor, keeping the model as realistic, robust, and playable as possible.

More examples:
A robotic gripper hand with sensors and motors that can rotate indefinitely.
A firetruck ladder that can actuate motors and lights while rotating.
Most any construction vehicle with an actuated arm could benefit from this part.