The Russian language has many concepts that are difficult to explain because of their ambiguity. But there are words that can be used in different areas, but imply similar concepts. So we can say about the pantograph. This word is applicable in various fields: both in drawing, and in the manufacture of complex mechanisms, cabinets, and even microphone accessories.
What is this universal miracle device?
Multi-valued
As already mentioned, the pantograph is a tool that is found in various spheres of life. But it is important to understand what it is.
The word came into Russian from the Greek language. “Pantos” is translated as “everything”, “everyone”, and “grapho” - “I write”. Such an interpretation may already lead to some thoughts.
And what’s strange, the translation is absolutely clear that this is a kind of device for writing or drawing, but how can it relate to all kinds of mechanisms for cabinets, electric vehicles and a microphone? Let's try to figure it out further.
Device
So, let's start with the most explicit definition for the term being reviewed. Pantograph is a tool for plotting plans, maps, large schemes on a smaller scale.
This device may be different. It all depends on the requirements and purpose. There are options with wheels or suspension designs. One of the vertices of the tool moves in a straight line.
Ancestor
Like many other items, the pantograph has a “parent”. They became Christophe Scheiner. He was a German astronomer, physicist, mathematician and mechanic. At one time he entered the Order of the Jesuits.
Initially, Sheiner became famous in astronomy, and then in other sciences. He became the inventor of many useful devices. For example, he worked on a telescope with two convex glasses, based on the development of Kepler. He also created two drawing tools: a device for drawing conical sections and a pantograph. This discovery has become largely fundamental to the development of other similar mechanisms.
Universal gear
Where else can you find a pantograph? In order not to clog the reader’s head with complex descriptions, which are usually found in encyclopedias and dictionaries, it is better to recall the mechanism that is on the roof of the tram. It still has a diamond shape and is the driving force of transport.
In this case, the transformation of the pantograph occurs due to the reception of current. The lifting mechanism is similar in design to the articulated multi-link and participates in the movement of the contact runner in a vertical position.
Of course, the tram example is not the only one. Pantograph is a universal device that is in electric trains and electric locomotives. In its functions, this mechanism has nothing to do with the one used in drawing. But due to similar forms received exactly this name.
Using
On electric locomotives with several pantographs, not all are used simultaneously. Usually the last one rises in the direction of transport. If the icing of the contacts is noticeable, then for safety all mechanisms can be lifted.
Powerful electric locomotives that use direct current and have several pantographs use the latter two in motion. There is a theory that this use of mechanisms is related to security.
In situations where a breakdown occurs and the pantograph falls, it can damage important control mechanisms. If the latter two are used, then they can simply collapse on the way, or on the roof of an unused control cabin.
Also, the operation of the pantograph in a similar way is caused by the fact that the driver, noticing ahead of the fault of the contact network, may not have time to lower the front mechanism.
Well, the last option is related to physics. At the moment of movement, the transport creates a zone of air compression. It raises the contact wire, which means that the contact conditions for the front pantograph are the worst.
Furniture
The next version of the concept under consideration is also universal. It is used in different furniture. Pantograph for clothes is a device in the closet. Especially often began to appear with the advent of wardrobes.
Of course, it’s not immediately clear what is at stake. Only those who have acquired tall cabinets can guess where it is difficult to get clothes from. So, in this case, the pantograph is a U-shaped device, which in one movement helps to get to dresses and suits.
In addition, this mechanism is often used to save space. This is especially important when buying or ordering a cabinet in a small room, where every centimeter is worth its weight in gold.
The advantage of this device is that you can very quickly get things from the depths of the closet, lowering the bar to eye level. Hangers with seasonal dresses and suits change so quickly. Together with the pantograph, special lighting can be provided. It all depends on the size of the furniture.
Other options
If you understand the principle of operation of any of the above pantographs, you can probably find a couple more options for such a device. For example, in sofas there is a peculiar mechanism "Tick-Tack". It is also called pantograph.
Such a sofa folding mechanism will protect the parquet from scratches, as well as from traces of wheels or legs on the carpet. There are many similar transformations. When using this mechanism, the vertical back of the sofa acquires a horizontal position, and the second part of it is carefully lowered to the floor.
Another example of such a device can be a pantograph for a microphone. If you were in the studio, you probably saw the stands for devices that can be raised, lowered and moved in different directions. They also resemble the mechanism of some table lamps that are attached to the table.
Do it yourself
Of course, making a pantograph with your own hands is not easy, especially when it comes to mechanisms in electric trains or for furniture. But if you recall the device for plotting, then he may prompt some thoughts.
A homemade pantograph will not work out as high-quality as the one sold in stores. But you can try, the main thing is to choose a suitable scheme for yourself, decide on the purpose of the tool and its details.
For example, to make a simple pantograph of four line levers, you need to acquire the following elements:
- large ruler;
- a small ruler;
- boss;
- sleeve;
- a pair of fixing and supporting axes, as well as the middle and the axis of the copier;
- hairpin-clamp.
Again, depending on the required design, it will be necessary to calculate the number of parts and their dimensions. After that, it will be enough to assemble everything into a single design.
Finally
Now it’s clear that the pantograph is initially a device for drawing, and after all kinds of mechanisms of a similar form.
There is also the possibility that you came across a magazine of the same name. Pantograph was a periodical from 2001 to 2015. It published information about public transport.