How can a device prevent twisting of USB cables when rotating?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of preventing USB cables from twisting when used with a ceiling-mounted PC and a retractable device that rotates. Participants explore various solutions, including mechanical devices and alternative technologies, while considering practical applications and limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a thought experiment involving a ceiling-mounted PC and a retractable USB device that rotates, raising concerns about cable twisting and failure.
  • Another participant suggests looking into 'USB slip rings' as a potential solution for the twisting issue.
  • Some participants propose the use of wireless mice as an alternative, questioning the necessity of a wired connection in this scenario.
  • A participant expresses frustration at the suggestion of wireless mice, emphasizing that the discussion is a thought experiment aimed at finding a solution.
  • One participant mentions their experience designing slip rings combined with cable retractors, noting the importance of high-quality materials for maintaining signal quality.
  • Another participant references anti-twister mechanisms and suggests that winding cables in a figure-eight pattern could help cancel out twisting.
  • A participant points to a simulation demonstrating how belts can be arranged to cancel twist, linking it to the current discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best solution, with multiple competing views on the use of wired versus wireless devices and the effectiveness of proposed mechanical solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of existing solutions, such as the single rotation function of certain devices and the need for bespoke designs to meet specific requirements.

James Kent
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This is a thought experiment: My PC is mounted on my ceiling. I want to run a USB peripheral through a cylindrical retraction device (like a dog leash). The device is going to mount to the ceiling also and rotate about it's vertical axis. This will allow me to pull down the mouse from the ceiling and use it at any point in the 10x10ft room below. NOW, let's say I want to be able to rotate around that retraction device with impunity, as many times (in one direction or the other) as I want. The problem is this: as the USB cable is pulled around and around it will begin to twist and eventually fail. I thought that a possible solution might be to let the USB rotate (to prevent the twisting) at it's connection point on the PC, but this device doesn't seem to exist. Also, what about proprietary (non-USB) cables?

I have a real use case, but it's too hard to explain.
 
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The search term you need is 'usb slip ring'.
 
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are you thinking something like this?

2i0cjme.jpg
 
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Wireless mouse .
 
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pistolpete said:
are you thinking something like this?
These devices have limits, namely a SINGLE rotation function.
 
James Kent said:
This is a thought experiment: My PC is mounted on my ceiling. I want to run a USB peripheral through a cylindrical retraction device (like a dog leash). The device is going to mount to the ceiling also and rotate about it's vertical axis. This will allow me to pull down the mouse from the ceiling and use it at any point in the 10x10ft room below. NOW, let's say I want to be able to rotate around that retraction device with impunity, as many times (in one direction or the other) as I want. The problem is this: as the USB cable is pulled around and around it will begin to twist and eventually fail. I thought that a possible solution might be to let the USB rotate (to prevent the twisting) at it's connection point on the PC, but this device doesn't seem to exist. Also, what about proprietary (non-USB) cables?

I have a real use case, but it's too hard to explain.
Welcome to the PF.
Nidum said:
Wireless mouse
I agree with Nidum. Why in the world are you not using a wireless mouse? Cables seem like such a pain for your ceiling-mounted PC...
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

I agree with Nidum. Why in the world are you not using a wireless mouse? Cables seem like such a pain for your ceiling-mounted PC...
Because this is a thought experiment. I'm trying to extract a possible solution by describing a simulacrum. Do you think I got this far without being aware of wireless mice? I apologize if that seems rude, but I was directed to these forums with the assumption that I would be respected even though my knowledge is limited. Nidum's response is dismissive and callous.

Thank you for the welcome.
 
James Kent said:
Nidum's response is dismissive and callous.
I disagree. If I'd seen your post before him, I would have made the same suggestion.

What about the USB slip ring suggestions? Those would seem to fit your uber-strange requirements pretty well...
 
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berkeman said:
I disagree. If I'd seen your post before him, I would have made the same suggestion.

What about the USB slip ring suggestions? Those would seem to fit your uber-strange requirements pretty well...
In fact, I am reading about this USB slip ring right now.

http://www.moflon.com/musb.html

Truly fascinating, but it's a lot to absorb. I will report back when I have a firmer grasp.
 
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berkeman said:
Why in the world are you not using a wireless mouse?
Security considerations, perhaps? Wireless devices are easily sniffed. Someone could reconstruct what you're drawing, or the order of your voting preferences, or ...
 
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  • #11
I have designed many such slip-rings and indeed combined them with cable retractors so as to offer full xyz manouvrability in a room without being entangled. These devices can be very compact and can be bespoke designed, but maintaining signal quality on a slip-ring requires high quality materials.
 
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