Vibration scenarios on mobile reading table trays – measurement and control
Fragments of ancient writings (papyri) are displayed on reading tables to protect them from environmental influences such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as well as excessive light. To increase the exhibition space, some reading tables feature movable shelves that can be selected by visitors upon request.
The trays are driven by electric motors with rack and pinion gears. The magnitude of the vibrations generated by the drives was to be recorded at various measuring points as part of the investigation. It was found that the greatest dynamic movements occurred when the trays started up and decelerated. It was recommended that a closed-loop control system for the drive be implemented, with “ramp-like” start-up and stop processes to prevent jerky tray movements.
The efficiency of the modified drive control was verified through a subsequent series of vibration reduction measurements. The reading tables are located in the Neues Museum in Berlin. The project was commissioned by the Rathgen Research Laboratory – Berlin State Museums (
https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/rathgen-forschungslabor/home/
).
