Technology for OEM Design Engineers May 8, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 18
Largest manufacturer of Threaded Nylon Fasteners in the world Micro Plastics, Inc. offers over 20,000 items and stocks an inventory of 250 million parts. Machine Screws, Nuts, Washers, Spacers, Panel Fasteners, Hole Plugs, P.C.B. Hardware, Wire Handling Hardware and more. For more information, visit Micro Plastics online.
Careful turn of the screw measures diamond brilliancy
What determines a diamond’s dazzle? GemEx engineers created the BrillianceScope Analyzer, an imaging spectrophotometer that measures the ability of a diamond to refract and focus light. Using complex optic technology and featuring motion products from Kerk, the device measures three types of light returned through its crown: white light (sometimes called
"brilliance"), colored light (sometimes referred to as
"fire"), and scintillation (commonly known as the "sparkle"). GemEx's BrillianceScope is able to determine how any diamond rates against the best diamonds in the world. Read the full article
Handy-Lift / Mobile-Lift The Burr Handy-Lift creates ease when entering recreational vehicles. Conveniently lifts up to 300 pounds up to 30 inches. The Burr Mobile-Lift outside model attaches to a conventional vehicle or motorhome. No lifting required; simply drive on the platform. Both fold and lock away for traveling. It takes just 60 seconds to enjoy independence again. Visit Burr Engineering for more details.
Challenges/benefits many in tractor's steer-by-wire redesign
Off-highway tractors slog through mud, muck, and other rough terrain on a daily basis. Achieving high reliability and performance in spite of these harsh conditions requires technology at its best. To improve fuel efficiency and reliability while decreasing manufacturing costs, the Challenger track tractor from AGCO went through a major redesign from the ground up. An integral design change to achieving these objectives was switching from a hydraulic steering system to a steer-by-wire (electronic) steering system. Read the full article
First successful photonic laser thruster is off-the-shelf creation
Since Einstein, scientists have dreamed of laser light-powered rockets streaking through space at speeds approaching the speed of light. This vision came a step closer to reality on December 21, 2006, when Dr. Young Bae of the Bae Institute successfully demonstrated the world's first Photonic Laser Thruster (PLT). Repeated experiments since then have reconfirmed results. Using a photonic laser and a sophisticated photon beam amplification system, Dr. Bae demonstrated that photonic energy could generate amplified thrust between two spacecraft by bouncing photons many thousands of times between them. Read the full article
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3D solar cells boost efficiency, reduce size
Unique three-dimensional solar cells that capture nearly all of the light that strikes them could boost the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems while reducing their size, weight, and mechanical complexity, according to Georgia Tech researchers. The new 3D solar cells capture photons from sunlight using an array of miniature
"tower" structures that resemble high-rise buildings in a city street grid. The cells could find near-term applications for powering spacecraft, and by enabling efficiency improvements in photovoltaic coating materials, could also change the way solar cells are designed for a broad range of applications. Read the full article
Wheels:
Porsche gas turbocharger aims for high performance + fuel economy
Advances in turbocharger design, manufacturing, and materials are expected to boost the growth of turbocharged gasoline direct-injected engines by 30% over the next five years. Porsche's 2007 911 Turbo features twin turbochargers using BorgWarner's variable turbine geometry (VTG) — the first application of a turbocharger with VGT technology in a gasoline-powered car. The electronically adjustable vanes in the BorgWarner turbocharger provide more torque output to avoid
"turbo lag" at lower speeds. Built with high-temperature-resistant materials pioneered by the aerospace industry, the system also withstands extreme engine heat. Read the full article
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