Surgical shaft assemblies with slip ring assemblies with increased contact pressure

A shaft assembly for use with a surgical instrument, the shaft assembly comprising:

• a proximal shaft portion comprising a proximal connector that includes a plurality of conductors;
• and
• a distal shaft portion, comprising:
• a distal connector that includes a plurality of conductive elements each in contact with one of the plurality of conductors, wherein the distal connector is rotatable relative to the proximal connector;
• and
• a support member, wherein the distal connector is positioned between the proximal connector and the support member, and wherein the support member comprises a cradle configured to receive and hold the distal connector and the support member is configured to apply a load onto the distal connector to maintain the contact between the plurality of conductors and the plurality of conductive elements.

A slip ring assembly for use with a surgical shaft assembly, the slip ring assembly comprising:

• a slip ring comprising a conductor;
• a commutator, comprising:
• a commutator body portion;
• and
• a commutator arm extending from the commutator body portion, wherein the commutator arm comprises a conductive element in contact with the conductor, and wherein the commutator is rotatable relative to the slip ring;
• and
• a support member, comprising:
• a body portion including a cradle configured to receive and hold the commutator body portion;
• and
• an arm extending from the body portion, wherein the arm comprises a resilient member configured to maintain the contact between the conductor and the conductive element.