Festo’s Harmonices Mundi is a technical work of art comprising a mechanical calendar clock with an integrated infinite calendar up to the year 4900 and an astrolabe in the form of an astronomical clock. Calculated, conceived, designed and built in his spare time by Professor Scheurenbrand, former director of research and development, it represents a synthesis of mechanics, electronics, astronomy and melodics and stands as a symbol for intellectual innovation and ultimate precision at the Festo Technology Centre in Germany.
Smaller versions of these precision-engineered masterpieces with the same functionality, aesthetics and harmony have been created, and are presented as awards on special occasions for outstanding achievement. Festo South Africa is the proud recipient of one of these awards.
Festo’s Astrolabium is the most accurate astronomical clock ever built. It is 500 times more accurate than the famous astronomical clock in Strasbourg cathedral. It shows the positions of the sun, moon, planets and constellations and even forthcoming solar and lunar eclipses can be read from it. It adopts the classical form of geoclassic representation and takes it to an unparalleled level of precision thanks to new calculation methods for the gears. In the original, the movements of the various pointers are derived from the minute drive of a radio controlled quartz clock via numerous gears with a very complex design. About 300 gearwheels grouped into numerous gear assemblies ensure the most precise possible representations of the motions of the sun, moon and stars.
In the award version, 11 stepper motors provide the control for exact positioning of the pointers. They are controlled by a processor that calculates the respective position angles of the pointers of the sun, moon and planets from the time signals of a radio clock at minute intervals via a stored program.
To achieve a high level of accuracy, all deviations in orbit have been taken into account and incorporated as correction factors. Long term orbit data, that also take into account mutual perturbations of the planets as mean values over a century, form the basis for calculation of the gears and the processor-controlled movement of the stepper motors.
The mechanical calendar clock displays not only the time and day of the week, but also the complete date. All features of the calendar up to the year 4900 are taken into account. This design requires a number of logic circuits to take into account all features of the Gregorian calendar. Professor Scheurenbrand’s design provides an elegant solution for incorporating these circuits.
Innovative sealing and bearing solution for pulp machine SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
A leading South African manufacturer of paper-making equipment sought to modify an existing pulp machine and turned to trusted partner SKF to assist with the redesign of a critical sealing arrangement.
Read more...Polymer bearings for maintenance-free bottling system igus
Shaft power components
A favourite South African beer which is to be found on many a beer connoisseur’s table is being brewed in Belgium with the assistance of lubricant-free polymer bearings that will not contaminate the beer.
Read more...Industrial valve solutions Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG’s Fluid Technology division supplies and supports an extensive range of components for fluid technology systems. These include valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.
Read more...Direct-controlled seat valve
Shaft power components
A new direct-controlled seat valve enables storage-free, load-tight holding functions in dynamic linear units without an additional control pressure supply, and offers significant advantages over classic, pilot-controlled solutions, particularly in stationary and servo hydraulics.
Read more...Wind energy in the Black Forest
Shaft power components
For more than 20 years, numerous wind turbines have stood in the Black Forest and are now receiving a performance boost through repowering projects.
Read more...The advantages of using an adjustable cable gland
Shaft power components
Pratley continues to demonstrate its engineering leadership with its innovative adjustable cable gland, designed to significantly reduce maintenance and labour costs across a wide range of industrial applications.
Read more...Single DDI cable solution simplifies connectivity SEW-EURODRIVE
Shaft power components
Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity, its innovative Digital Data Interface technology combined with a single cable system.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version