Consultation
Robots Multi-Axis Wave Generator
Random Wave Generator
Our client are developers and manufacturers of innovative products and environmentally sensitive systems for generating power from marine environments. One of the products they manufacture collects wave data from the sea.
Multi-Axis Wave Generator
Project Specification
The task was to create a wave simulator so that wave patterns could be manipulated so that measurement data could be checked for accuracy using the same wave data information.
2M designed a simple single axis servomotor control system. The servomotor controls a winch for a line which, through a set of pulleys, is attached to the data collecting device. The control system then creates different wave patterns that the device can then measure.
Multi-Axis Wave Generator
Sine Wave
The first part of the project was to create a simple sinewave so our client could change
- the amplitude and
- period of the wave.
This was then used as a control.
A Sine Wave aka "sinusoidal sine wave" / "sinusoidal waveform" is a smooth, periodic oscillation that describes a repeating pattern in space or time.
They are used in electrical engineering to analyze the frequency and/or phase response of a linear electrical system over a specific frequency range.
Multi-Axis Wave Generator
Creating Random Ocean Waves
Now it was time to create random waves that simulate an Ocean Wave.
Several fixed random cam profiles were created in the controller from real ocean wave data that the client provided.
A cam is a rotating machine element that transforms rotational energy into a specific, controlled movement in another component called the follower.
This enabled 2M to develop different algorithms to allow the operator to randomly select to run any of the different wave patterns.
They could also
- manipulate the base wave by changing the amplitude and period, similar to the sinewave, and also
- change the sequence of these randomized waveforms.
Multi-Axis Wave Generator
Secondary Waveform Generator
In summary, based on the selected cam profile, the control system also sampled the real position of the device using the feedback position of the servomotor encoder and produced data which the client can download and compare with the device's recorded data.
In reality, it was found that an ocean wave is made up of two or more waves with a main wave as the carrier and smaller wave patterns sitting on top of it.
2M developed software inside the Controller with the recorded real-time data collated by the client and their software tools. This is then loaded onto a CAM generator which produces the motion profile required. The generated file is also saved for retrieval later.
Based on the solutions above, the client was able to demonstrate that the device was able to pick-up the secondary waveform that was injected into the wave pattern. This then created another real-life challenge that the device will experience at Sea. It will tilt for specific degrees in strong ocean waves and the client needed to measure this as well.
As such, the R&D project then expanded into a Multi-Axis Wave Generator.
R&D
Energy Industry Control System
R&D
Puzzle Pieces
It’s been a pleasure meeting with local machine builders today, it was in fact like stepping onto a vintage film set.
The stark reality is that the hands-on skills of machine builders are in much demand due to decades of undervaluing and under-resourcing certain skill sets.
With generations of missing links, there can be real knock on effects for client requests for anything from demo rigs to bespoke industrial and production cells and stations within factories.
Today we brainstormed possible solutions for an extremely persnickety and difficult to handle part of a process. Here you’ll see moulds from the shelf of past developments at PPL Engineering.
R&D
A Museum of Ideas
Shelf after shelf of parts and pieces for fitting, making, and testing machines and processes.
Welcome to an old school mind palace where you can check ideas in and out of the library, and where archives offer many nuggets.
R&D
Made to Measure
There’s no part too big or too small here, so experience, drawings and indeed the drawing board are used for trial and error to develop pieces and machines to client specifications.
R&D
Keeping Your Cool in the Clouds
Walking out of the fascinating machine builders den and back onto the courtyard on a bright and breezy autumnal day, I was greeted by the mill’s chimney.
This reminded me of a jaw dropping show of yesteryear, some of you may remember Fred Dibnah the first time around. This documentary about a steeplejack went on to receive many well deserved awards.
You may be lost for words when you realise exactly what he’s signed up for!
R&D
Symmetry of Time & Space - Centre Stage
We’ve quoted recently for a new and exciting project involving a sculpture, music, water, and sound.
Quite the mystery isn’t it? What I can share is that these beautiful and intricate domes provide inspiration from the past.
Indeed, style never fades. Nor do engineering fundamentals. All over the world, scientists, architects, engineers, artists, musicians, therapists, practitioners, chefs etc etc etc delve into the histories of their disciplines to recapture, reprise, and reconcile gems of the past into modern works.
Such is the organic nature of research and development.
R&D
How Can Old Persian Bathhouses Help Us Eat Food On Mars?
Following on with the theme of Persian domes, researchers over at MIT Media Lab in Massachusetts are exploring the complex geometry of structures in the Lut Desert of Iran.
Using local materials, these bathhouses remain engineering feats as a greenhouse on Mars would require the exact same tenets to succeed:
a. a closed clean water system
b. an open-air water flow circulation
c. a water reservoir
d. safe power access
e. the isolation of interior life
f. the insulation of temperature & humidity from extreme external environments
Once again, the human experience involves symmetry between past and present endeavours.
Check out the MIT lab for more!
https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/persian-domes-for-human-space-exploration-on-mars/overview/
R&D
A Tale As Old As Time
Throughout human history people have been fascinated by the idea of teleportation, whether it be with raw materials and vehicles or with spiritual mechanisms such as tarot and intuition.
Enjoy one particularly creative and playful take on teleportation over at MIT lab. Re-imagining interfaces may one day facilitate the vicarious touch at the very least.
See what you think, or should that be, what you feel?
Equations & Stipulations
2M was created against a back-drop of experience. One particular experience was that of being motion control experts who were accustomed to being subcontracted by larger companies who didn’t have the same specific skill-sets in-house at the time.
Therefore it wasn’t unusual being tasked to apply niche expertise to develop solutions under the umbrella of larger providers.
Although always grateful for such opportunities, it was noted that perhaps things could be done differently.
Equations & Stipulations
We set out to improve on this within the industry, as we believe that everyone should be appreciated for their work and contributions, no matter what area they work in.
As such we’ve always embraced transparency and giving credit where credit is due within our collaborations and relationships. We believe this fosters a happy environment which encourages everyone to contribute, develop, and thrive.
Equations & Stipulations
Following on from that premise, we believe that everyone who’s working authentically and freely is a think-tank of experience.
As such we’re always happy to hear where you’re at and partner up to fill any gaps or indeed to verify specifications as clients develop their ideas, installations, solutions, and products.
We provide consultations using our most up-to-date knowledge to assist in development specifications. If you’d like to know more about how we can assist in software/electrical/and mechanical fundamentals, sizing, and standards, then please feel free to contact us.
Related Work
albums
albums
