Browsing by Subject "Pantograph"

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    Evaluation of the E-TRAN Vehicle Propulsion Concept
    (1994-01) Hennessey, Michael P.; Donath, Max
    The viability of the patented E-TRAN electric roadway and vehicle concept was examined from an engineering systems point of view. Specific recommendations are made regarding the end-usage and development of the propulsion concept. Based on this study, two research areas were identified and investigated in more detail: (a) quantify the auxiliary power needs due to power input discontinuities and (b) the dynamic effects of road pantograph bounce. Auxiliary power needs arise because of power input discontinuities, either due to: (1) power strip segment failures, (2) lane changing, and/or (3) E-TRAN grid discontinuities, which includes getting the vehicle to and from the grid. Simulation results indicate that power strip segment failures will have the least effect on system performance. E-TRAN grid discontinuities will have serious effects on the system while the effects of lane changing will affect performance at a level in between the other two. The dynamic effects of a road pantograph in contact with a road mounted power strip was also studied, first using simulated models and then verified by experiment. From a mechanical point of view, key issues that affect the design include friction, wear and dynamic bounce effects. Since good correspondence was achieved between the experimentally measured and simulated support forces and pantograph angular displacement, the models can be used for future design analysis.
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    Pantomeshes: kinematics, synthesis, and applications of closed pantograph-style linkage systems.
    (2010-12) Larson, Blake Timothy
    This research describes the kinematics, analysis, and synthesis of a pantomesh. A pantomesh is a patchwork assembly of pantograph elements (known elsewhere as scissor pairs or duplets) that obey certain mobility requirements. A pantomesh, as described in this thesis, has scissor-like elements connected to one another by spherical joints to allow a wide variety of motions. Previous pantograph-style linkages, such as the Hoberman Sphere, use special geometry restrictions and have elements joined with gussets, thereby limiting the variety of shapes possible. The thesis begins with examining the kinematics of pantomeshes and their constituent parts. First, the kinematics of the individual pantograph elements are detailed for further use. The mobility of a closed pantomesh is ensured by the mobility of its constituent pantopatches, two-wide by two-high sub-assemblies of pantograph elements that must be mobile themselves for the entire pantomesh to be mobile. A new method for mobility of spatial linkages is presented relating the use of polygonal elements. Next, two methods for pantomesh synthesis are presented. A graphical method is presented to use a computer-aided design system to create a mobile pantomesh that meets specified requirements. A computational method for synthesis is also presented, using a numerical optimization method to create pantomeshes to certain specifications. Practical considerations of manufacturing are considered in the discussion of multi-link spherical joints, including past work and new approaches. The new approaches include a compliant multi-link spherical joint and a crossed-tendon system that acts a a spherical joint. Finally, an application is presented: a new linkage which provides radial pressure for the purpose of stabilizing a human breast during cancer-related diagnosis and treatment procedures.