Fragments of ancient writings (papyri) are displayed in reading tables to protect against environmental influences such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as well as excessive light. In order to increase the exhibition space, some reading tables have mobile shelves that can be selected by the visitor if desired.
The shelves are driven by electric motors with rack and pinion gears. The size of the vibrations generated by the drives should be recorded at different measuring points as part of the investigations. It turned out that the greatest dynamic movements occurred when the trays were started or braked. It was recommended to implement a control system for the drive in which jerky tray movements should be avoided through “ramp-like” starting and closing processes.
The efficiency of the modified drive control was verified by a subsequent series of vibration reduction measurements. The reading tables are in the Neues Museum in Berlin. The client was the Rathgen Research Laboratory – Berlin State Museums (https://www.smb.museum/museen-einrichtungen/rathgen-forschungslabor/home).
