Technology for OEM Design Engineers January 9, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 1
ID/OD Retaining Ring Lock Try a Spiral retaining ring in both an internal and external groove at the same time. Install the ring in one groove and then compress the ring with the mating component into the second groove. When the grooves meet the ring snaps into place creating a low-cost, hidden, high-strength, tamper-proof rotating joint. Watch a movie of this application.
Army of flying robotic minions one step closer
The U.S. military depends on small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform such tasks as serving as
"eyes in the sky" for battalion commanders planning maneuvers. While some of these UAVs can be easily carried in a backpack and launched by hand, they typically require a team of trained operators on the ground, and they perform only short-term tasks individually rather than sustained missions in coordinated groups. MIT researchers, in collaboration with Boeing's advanced research and development arm, Phantom Works, are working to change that. Read the full article
Precision With Every Step Ø12mm Miniature Stepper Motor MicroMo Electronics announces miniature stepper motor, ADM 1220. Motor-diameter of 12 mm and a length of 17.2 mm. Holding torque without current of 2.4 mNm to 4.1 mNm. The ADM1220 offers 20 full steps per revolution in full step mode and is capable of microstep operation at speeds ranging from 10 rpm to 6000 rpm. Visit MicroMo.
Controllers for unmanned battle systems advance
Lockheed Martin has been busy perfecting a controller for unmanned air and ground vehicles. During recent tests, the company successfully demonstrated control of four different unmanned systems from one centralized control device. The prototype consisted of a touch-screen laptop computer with a customized hand controller. Independently, iRobot has released the first public photo of its latest development project, code named Sentinel. The maker of robots, including the now-familiar Roomba vacuuming robot, also has a hardcore warfare side. Read the full article
Sharing the road: Designers answer vehicle safety challenge
It's estimated that more than 1.2 million people die each year in traffic mishaps around the world. That's 3,200 people each day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and that statistic doesn't include the 50 million others who are injured in motor vehicle crashes. With this in mind, "Sharing the Road" was designated as the theme for the 2007 Michelin Challenge Design competition. This is the first in a series of four transportation design safety pieces that will be featured in Designfax. The articles evolved as an opportunity to preview some of the entries unveiled at the North American International Auto Show and to share the thoughts and perspectives of the competition's jury members. Read the full article
Electric Replacement for Hydraulics! Exlar's electric linear actuators deliver the force of hydraulics and the speed of pneumatics. The patented roller screw technology offers peak forces in excess of 40,000 lbf., speeds to 60 in/sec, and stroke lengths to 96 inches, all with the ease and reliability of servo control. Visit Exlar Corp.online for more information.
The organic growth of Six Sigma at John Crane
In order for Six Sigma to be successful at John Crane, the world's largest mechanical seal manufacturer, it had to be more than just an add-on program. With more than 6,000 employees and operations in 50 countries,
"flavor-of-the-month" initiatives and programs to improve the business — including QUEST Teams, re-engineering projects, and management accountability groups — would start in a single area yet not gain widespread support. But in 2002, John Crane launched its Six Sigma program. Marilyn Fischbach, director of training and a certified
Master Black Belt at the company, shares her insider experiences of the program's
unique evolutionary process. Read the full article
Steel trumps aluminum for latest strong, lightweight bus seats
Canadian company Multina has developed a new bus seat made of advanced high-strength steels to meet strict safety, strength, and economy demands. Compared to aluminum, the high-strength steel seat is similar in weight, but its production costs are much lower. The design also puts to use the resilience of the material, which is a product of SSAB Swedish Steel. Read the full article
Special: Engineer's ToolboxProducts
Cool stuff like design/development kits and a
monster ATV you may or may not need to do your work.
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