Industrial Archaeology Applied to the Study of an Ancient Harvesting Machine: Three-Dimensional Modelling and Virtual Reconstruction

This article shows the three-dimensional (3D) modelling and virtual reconstruction of an ancient harvesting machine developed at the beginning of the 19th century. SolidWorks software is employed to obtain the 3D model of this historical invention and its geometric documentation. The original material for the research is available on a farm located in the province of Cádiz (Spain). Thanks to the three-dimensional modelling performed, both its operation and the final assembly of this invention can be explained in detail in a coherent way. Having carried out the functional analysis, it can be verified that the machine combines well-performed chain-sprocket transmissions, which, together with complex gearboxes with parallel and bevel gears, make this reaper a very reliable machine. Furthermore, the inclusion of elements such as gimbal joints on shafts with possible misalignments, and clutches to adapt the operation of the machine to the needs of the operator, makes it highly versatile and functional without over-exerting the mechanics. From a technical point of view, the complex transmission systems, the perfect synchronization achieved between all its parts, and the combination of continuous oscillatory movements, such as that of sheaf compactors with intermittent movements as complex as that of the knotting system, are all worthy of note, and reveal the great work of engineering involved in this historical invention

Nuevas estrategias metodológicas en las enseñanzas gráficas empleando herramientas informáticas tridimensionales

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto plantear una metodología diferente a la tradicionalmente empleada en el área de Expresión Gráfica en la Ingeniería, basada en el uso de modelos virtuales generados a partir de paquetes informáticos gráficos. Dicha metodología se presenta como complementaria en líneas generales a la tradicional. También se analizarán aquellos conocimientos específicos del área en los que la metodología que se propone puede tener el carácter de sustitutoria de la comúnmente empleada. Finalmente se estudian los condicionantes que deben concurrir para que esta nueva metodología tenga un carácter alternativo a la empleada hasta ahora.This work aims to suggest a different methodology from the traditional one used in the area of Graphical Expression in Engineering, based on the use of virtual models generated from graphical computer packages. In broad terms, this methodology complements the traditional one. Those specific knowledges of the area in which the new methodology can replace the traditional one will be studied as well. Finally, it will be studied the conditions that should take place in order to use this new methodology instead of the one used up to now

Computer-Aided Design and Kinematic Simulation of Huygens’s Pendulum Clock

This article presents both the three-dimensional modelling of the isochronous pendulum clock and the simulation of its movement, as designed by the Dutch physicist, mathematician, and astronomer Christiaan Huygens, and published in 1673. This invention was chosen for this research not only due to the major technological advance that it represented as the first reliable meter of time, but also for its historical interest, since this timepiece embodied the theory of pendular movement enunciated by Huygens, which remains in force today. This 3D modelling is based on the information provided in the only plan of assembly found as an illustration in the book Horologium Oscillatorium, whereby each of its pieces has been sized and modelled, its final assembly has been carried out, and its operation has been correctly verified by means of CATIA V5 software. Likewise, the kinematic simulation of the pendulum has been carried out, following the approximation of the string by a simple chain of seven links as a composite pendulum. The results have demonstrated the exactitude of the clock

An Approach to the Study of a 19th-Century Sugarcane Mill and Steam Engine through CAD Techniques and Mechanical Engineering

This article shows an approach to the three-dimensional modelling of a sugarcane mill and its associated steam engine, designed by the Robey and Co. engineering company in 1869. In order to obtain the 3D CAD model of said invention, CATIA V5 R20 software has been employed. Various sources of starting material, from the basis of this research and found in the process of searching for relevant information, provide information on the main elements, operating conditions, and mechanism of the machine. Thanks to the three-dimensional geometric modelling carried out, it has been possible to explain, in detail, both its operation and the final assembly of the invention through the assemblies of its different subsets, thereby obtaining a virtual recreation that shows its operation. Likewise, a study has been carried out, from a mechanical engineering viewpoint, of the gear train that transmitted the movement, in order to ascertain the compression force exerted on the sugar cane. This research, related to industrial archaeology, therefore, enables the reader to understand a machine that constituted a milestone in the sugarcane industry, while paying tribute to the English engineer, Robert Robey

Design and Development of a Geometric Calculator in CATIA

In this article, an application in the field of engineering graphics is presented for the design of a geometric calculator generated as a macro in CATIA V5. The code of this macro is written in the CATVBA language and utilizes the CATIA internal editor while taking advantage of the capabilities offered by Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The principal purpose of this application lies in the possibility of creating the three main geometric elements (point, line, and plane) and in solving five types of general geometric problems, and then comparing the results obtained with their equivalent problems from analytical geometry. In particular, within these types of general geometric problems, 34 possible cases are solved: definition of lines (nine cases), definition of planes (12 cases), intersection points (three cases), angles (three cases), and distances (seven cases). These new entities defined with the geometric calculator can serve as support for the generation of new three-dimensional volumes, the creation of auxiliary symmetries, and the dimensioning of various elements. It was verified that the results of the designed macro and the solutions of the analytical equations coincided; therefore, the procedure was validated. Likewise, the module employed herein in the CATIA V5 environment is “Wireframe and Surface Design”, since it enables handling the three basic geometric elements (point, line, and plane), which form the basis of the geometric calculator. Lastly, it is verified how the geometric calculator allows their integration with three-dimensional solids, which represents a notable advance as an aid in its geometric definition

An Approach to the Study of a 19th-Century Sugarcane Mill and Steam Engine through CAD Techniques and Mechanical Engineering

This article shows an approach to the three-dimensional modelling of a sugarcane mill and its associated steam engine, designed by the Robey and Co. engineering company in 1869. In order to obtain the 3D CAD model of said invention, CATIA V5 R20 software has been employed. Various sources of starting material, from the basis of this research and found in the process of searching for relevant information, provide information on the main elements, operating conditions, and mechanism of the machine. Thanks to the three-dimensional geometric modelling carried out, it has been possible to explain, in detail, both its operation and the final assembly of the invention through the assemblies of its different subsets, thereby obtaining a virtual recreation that shows its operation. Likewise, a study has been carried out, from a mechanical engineering viewpoint, of the gear train that transmitted the movement, in order to ascertain the compression force exerted on the sugar cane. This research, related to industrial archaeology, therefore, enables the reader to understand a machine that constituted a milestone in the sugarcane industry, while paying tribute to the English engineer, Robert Robe

Graphical Modelling with Computer Extended Descriptive Geometry (CeDG): Description and Comparison with CAD

We present a Computer Extended Descriptive Geometry (CeDG) approach for modelling spatial geometric systems that surpasses several CAD limitations. A first concept proof has shown that the CeDG can be implemented on the dynamic geometry software (DGS) paradigm to generate parametric models based on descriptive geometric techniques. Thereliabilityandperformanceofthe CeDG approachwascomparedto CAD throughtwo study cases from the sheet metal and mechanisms design fields. The outcomes demonstrate that CeDG is able to compute the design geometrical parameters concurrently with the modelling process and to obtain planar cutouts of 3D surfaces, in situations where CAD systems can not do it. The implementation was performed in Geogebra© for CeDG and Solid Edge© 2009 for CAD, which were selected because of their cutting edge technology. As main conclusion, the CeDG approach is a Descriptive Geometry (DG) - based computer parametric graphical modelling that may complement the CAD technology with accuracy and reliability

El ingenio mecánico de Torriani para el abastecimiento de agua a Toledo

La ciudad de Toledo, en España, se encuentra situada sobre un escarpado peñón, rodeado casi en su totalidad por el río Tajo. En la primera mitad del siglo XVI, coincidiendo con el reinado de Carlos I de España y V de Alemania, se convierte en capital del Imperio Español. Por estas fechas, el suministro de agua a la ciudad se realiza por medio de asnos que la suben a lomos desde el cauce del río hasta los depósitos de distribución, superando un desnivel de unos cien metros. Diversos intentos, basados en las tecnologías más avanzadas de la época, fracasaron. En 1565 se encargó la construcción de una máquina para este menester al italiano Giovanni Torriani (Juanelo Turriano), relojero, matemático y fabricante de artificios, que vino a España de la mano del emperador. El ingenio mecánico capaz de subir el agua a presión atmosférica estuvo funcionando sin interrupción y de forma satisfactoria hasta mediados del siglo XVII, pero la falta de mantenimiento y el robo de piezas obligaron a volver al primitivo procedimiento de utilizar cántaros a lomos de borricos. En este artículo se resumen las investigaciones realizadas para la documentación y reconstrucción virtual del Artificio de Juanelo, sintetizando las diversas teorías que todavía conviven; venciendo las incongruencias e indefiniciones, que quedan de manifiesto cuando se trata de animar o simular el funcionamiento del mecanismo, que previamente se ha diseñado de forma virtual. Para el modelado y la animación se ha utilizado la potencia que proporciona el software Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA V5)

Computer-Aided Design and Kinematic Simulation of Huygens’s Pendulum Clock

This article presents both the three-dimensional modelling of the isochronous pendulum clock and the simulation of its movement, as designed by the Dutch physicist, mathematician, and astronomer Christiaan Huygens, and published in 1673. This invention was chosen for this research not only due to the major technological advance that it represented as the first reliable meter of time, but also for its historical interest, since this timepiece embodied the theory of pendular movement enunciated by Huygens, which remains in force today. This 3D modelling is based on the information provided in the only plan of assembly found as an illustration in the book Horologium Oscillatorium, whereby each of its pieces has been sized and modelled, its final assembly has been carried out, and its operation has been correctly verified by means of CATIA V5 software. Likewise, the kinematic simulation of the pendulum has been carried out, following the approximation of the string by a simple chain of seven links as a composite pendulum. The results have demonstrated the exactitude of the clock