Question about rotating structures

I'd think an hardwired solution as you seem to envisage would be hopefully
inadequate, not to mention the complexity and amount of maintenance
required...
A much better solution already with available technology would be using
lasers to transfer the data stream, in a single relatively thin disc you
could have a central prism shaped so that regardless from which point of the
circumference the beam hits it would be reflected to a perpendicular sensor.
Any emitter rotating around would remain constantly focused on the sensor at
any time.
I'd imagine this is probably similar to how the fiber optic slip ring works
BTW...
So I doubt you'd need lots of slip rings, just a bigger one.
Incidentally where additional rings should be required (and I would imagine
at least a couple of extra backups for such a vital connection would be in
order) they would be positioned next to each other, not around each other.
The main advantage of course would be the elimination of any need for
physical contact.
It would also seem very likely to me that several independent different
system will be used, first because it would be more efficient to have
specialized systems, and also because if a condition should occur that
affect the functioning of one system the others would be able to temporarily
work as emergency backup, much like you can use the power cable of your
house to send a computer data stream.
I stress I'm not an engineer, but I'd guess an optical system would be best
for data streams, while an induction ring (again no physical contact
required) would be preferable for power supply.
Speaking more generally however I think technology will tend toward
unification and standardization of systems. Today we see a proliferation of
separate channels each specific to a particular system, we have telephone
lines, computer networks, cable tv, power lines, intruder alarms, CCTV
cables, and so on... this is a result of a chaotic evolutionary process, but
things are already changing rapidly with the informatics revolution...
eventually I'd imagine we will see the emergence of much more flexible and
powerful system, and speaking in the contest of an habitat I'd imagine there
will be a single data network running through the entire installation like a
nervous system, carrying all types of signal required, rather than a
multitude of pipes, possibly a layer of liquid crystals, or something along
those lines, sandwiched and built-in into every structural component. A
fluid system which would be including nanotech size components that rely the
data and are powered through the fluid medium, which can also include
maintenance, updating, reprogramming, and self-repairing components. When
more of a kind of signal would be needed than another the system will
automatically adequate the proportion of the required nanocomponents in the
fluid. In the same way when a new type of data will be required it would be
enough add the nanocomponents that support it to upgrade the entire system,
without need to replace a single wire.
Processing units and any other equipment only need to have a single standard
connection to be able to communicate with any other system plugged in using
any of all the signals carrier available.
Thinking of copper cables wiring for a self-supporting space station
advanced and efficient enough for supporting traditional farming in its
interior is a bit like Victorian engineers thinking of supersonic flying
machines made of wood and canvas IMO... :) New technologies will be in
place, today's latest toys like fiber optics and microprocessors will be as
obsolete as vacuum valves and VHS tapes today much before habitats will be
technically feasible... I know, mainstream SF programs have got yourself
used to things like pressing a button for jumping in hyperspace, but what a
nonsense if you think about it! A technology so advanced as to allow for
feats beyond our understanding of what is possible within the physical laws
of our universe can hardly be still using something so primitive like a
button! Is like thinking of driving an automobile with a whip... :) You are
much more likely to have to nod your head to a 3d projection of your
favourite pop star... Think with your head, don't follow stereotypes, what's
the point telling Mr. Sulu to accelerate to warp 5, and him to press buttons
on a consol, when you could have asked directly the "computer" to do it?
Apart that is entertaining to watch I mean... ;)
Space habitats may be a lot closer to us than teletransporters, but still
very unlikely to have many buttons left to press IMHO. Much more likely to
be voice operated as a standard, and that for the very small percentage of
tasks that won't be completely automated anyway, which won't even require
that. AI will probably take care of 99% of what needs to be done...