Double Slider Trammel Ellipse Tracing Linkage
- Title:
- Double Slider Trammel Ellipse Tracing Linkage
- Title (German):
- Genauer Ellipsenlenker mit ganzem Spiel
- Collection:
- Reuleaux Kinematic Mechanisms Collection
- Set:
- S. Straight-line Mechanisms
- Designer:
- Reuleaux, F. (Franz), 1829-1905
- Manufacturer:
- Gustav Voigt Werkstatt
- Date:
- 1882
- Country:
- Germany
- Voigt Catalog Model:
- S2
- File Name:
- S02.jpg
- Work Type:
- Mechanical model
- Materials/Techniques:
- cast iron and brass on wood pedestal
- Subject:
- Kinematics of Machinery
- Measurement:
- 201 x 90 (millimeters, width x depth)
201 x 159 x 334 (millimeters, width x depth x height) - Description:
- This is a classic trammel ellipse drawing mechanism with roots in the Renaissance. Two perpendicular slots permit two prismatic sliders with a connecting link to oscillate between vertical and horizontal positions though a turning crank in the back. It is well known that an extension of the connecting rod will trace an exact ellipse. One can also show that the midepoint of the connecting rod generates an exact circle. In this model, Reuleaux creates play in the vertical slot to show that with a driving crank attached to the midpoint of the connecting rod, the unguided end of the connecting rod will still generate a straight line. Further up the guide the gap is closed to show the workings of the classic trammel. Thus this model embodies two mechanisms. A working model of this mechanism may also be found in the Deutsches Museum in Munich in the Mathematics section. The description attributes the invention to Benjamin Bramer (1588-1652) c. 1600, as well as to Frans von Schooten (1615-1660), Dutch, around the same period. However there is also credit for an ellipse drawing mechanism given to Leonardo da Vinci by Reuleaux (See Models D-10, D-12) This suggests that the idea of an ellipse drawing device may have been common knowledge among artists and mathematics in the Renaissance. There was great interest among artists in the use of geometry (e.g. perspective) in representing exactly real world objects and often the study of art and mathematics were closely linked. [Francis Moon 2003-07-01]
The 220 models in Cornell University’s Reuleaux Collection were built in the late 19th century to demonstrate the elements of machine motion, as theorized by the German engineer Franz Reuleaux. The University acquired the models in 1882 for use in teaching and research. The Reuleaux models are classified according to the alphanumeric schema employed in the catalog of the manufacturer, Gustav Voigt. The letter in a model's ID (e.g., B14 or S35) refers to a class of mechanism; the number is a specific instance of the class. This classification scheme is a simplified version of the taxonomy of machine elements elaborated in Reuleaux's work. - Repository:
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- Photography credit: Jon Reis (www.jonreis.com). Jon Reis Photography grants Cornell University Libraries and the Cornell College of Engineering the rights to display copyrighted images of the Reuleux collection of kinetic machines on the Cornell University and National Science Digital Library web sites and for unlimited use in Cornell University Library publications for education purposes only. Rights for all other uses, including but not limited to, editorial, commercial, advertising, web use and display by third parties not affiliated with Cornell University are reserved by the photographer. The written permission of any copyright and other rights holders is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use that extends beyond what is authorized by fair use and other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. For questions about this item or other items please contact the Physical Sciences Librarians at pslref@cornell.edu.