Fundamental Science

Cardan ellipse drawing mechanism

A Cardan ellipse exhibit turns a geometric curve into an observable mechanical action. Visitors use a guided tabletop mechanism and compare its movement with the adjacent interpretation, linking constrained motion, repeated paths and the shape of an ellipse in a shared science museum setting.

▶ Watch the film

View 1: Overview View 2: Side photograph View 3: Drawing mechanism detail View 4: Mechanism and controls View 5: Front tabletop photograph View 6: Size

12 sec · Real operating video

THE PRODUCT IN MOTION

See it work.

View the matched physical reference for cardan ellipse drawing mechanism. The sequence documents the real exhibit setting and visible activity; the web edit is silent.

Video & text guide

THE ACTIVITY & MECHANISM

Trace an ellipse with a guided mechanism

A hand-operated guided mechanism links a moving input with a constrained path on a circular tabletop. Visitors can follow a specified point and compare its route with an ellipse diagram. Identifying that point and the constraints is essential; a visible mechanism alone does not establish drawing accuracy or a particular mathematical construction.

01
Explore
Move the handle gently through the permitted path.
02
Observe
Follow a selected point on the mechanism as it travels.
03
Discuss
Compare the resulting path with the ellipse shown in the interpretation.

REFERENCE & PROJECT SCOPE

Reference specifications.

Use the reference dimensions and operating information to plan the exhibit. The agreed project drawings define the supplied configuration, installation interfaces and service access.

L × W × H: 2,400 × 1,500 × 928 mm
Exhibit theme: Fundamental Science
Visitor activity: Explore · Observe · Discuss
Reference operation: Move the handle and observe the guided linkage on the tabletop.
Power & supply: Powered versions can be configured for 110/220 V AC, 50/60 Hz. The reference fixes the base to the floor with M10 × 100 expansion anchors and requests a single-phase AC 220 V feed. Confirm the final connected load and cable route.
Reference construction: The matching assembly lists a Q235 frame, artificial-stone counter panel, and PVC disc components.
Configuration options: Appearance, interpretation language, controls and installation arrangement by project agreement
Daily operating schedule: 8 hours per day
Scheduled maintenance: Every 30 days
Factory dispatch lead time: 30–120 calendar days after design approval and receipt of the deposit. Transit time is additional.
Minimum custom order: One exhibit

Matched assembly drawing reference: 2400 × 1500 × 928 mm (L × W × H). Complete matched physical exhibit, including its base and upper structure. Building works and visitor or service clearances are additional.

Reference configuration notes

Circular tabletop: The mechanism occupies a round working surface on a freestanding cabinet.
Visitor handle: An accessible handle is visible on the moving tabletop assembly.
Vertical explanation: A separate upright display accompanies the mechanism.

Customisation, installation & support

01Reference envelope: Matched assembly drawing reference: 2400 × 1500 × 928 mm (L × W × H). Complete matched physical exhibit, including its base and upper structure. Building works and visitor or service clearances are additional.
02Configuration: Specify the tracked point, handle travel, pinch-point treatment and reset or drawing procedure.
03Visitor experience: Confirm the intended audience, accessible viewing and interaction positions, final instruction languages and supervised operation where needed.
04Service and handover: Agree access routes, replaceable components, operating checks and the handover documentation for the final configuration.

See the design-to-delivery process

BEFORE AN ENQUIRY

Questions & support.

24 months of complimentary spare-parts support, remote technical guidance and long-term after-sales support. Exhibit Engineers pays the shipping cost of complimentary spare parts during the 24-month support period.

Explore the support

Delivery, installation & after-sales terms

Payment: A 50% deposit is payable after the contract is signed. The remaining balance is paid after acceptance and before dispatch, so full payment is received before dispatch. Payment methods are agreed in the contract.
Packaging & transport: Metal shipping cases or multilayer wood-panel shipping cases. Transport arrangements and costs are agreed to suit the project.
Materials & painted finish: Common material options include Q235 steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, PVC, acrylic, engineering plastics. The combination is selected for each configuration. Marine anti-corrosion paint with a piano-gloss automotive paint finish. Applied to painted parts.
Typical power · powered versions: Standard products: 100–500 W; oversized installations: 1,000–5,000 W. Typical ranges for powered versions. Confirm the selected model and final connected load.
Product maintenance: Suggested inspection points: handle and guided linkage travel, track and joint retention, base anchors and service access. Confirm the service procedure at handover.
Installation & training: Complimentary training is available on site or remotely, according to project needs. If installation or on-site after-sales service is not included in the product price, the customer pays the actual travel expenses incurred, unless the contract provides otherwise.
Factory acceptance & handover: Mid-production and pre-dispatch checks are provided. Factory acceptance can take place in person at the factory or through acceptance videos. Installation and operating videos, written installation and operating instructions, drawings and a spare-parts list are provided.
Complimentary parts: 24 months of complimentary spare-parts support, starting when the exhibit is handed over for use. Covers faults not caused by the user. User-caused or deliberate damage is excluded. Exhibit Engineers pays the shipping cost of complimentary spare parts during the 24-month support period.
Warranty & repair labour: The whole-exhibit warranty period and repair labour scope and charges are agreed in the contract.

Can we discuss a prototype or sample for a custom version?

Yes. Prototype testing and sample fabrication are available for custom projects. Discuss which functions or features you need to review for your version. The scope, cost and schedule are agreed for the project.

How prototype testing & samples work

How does a mechanism help explain an ellipse?

An ellipse is a geometric locus. Constraining linked motion can generate such a locus and connect a physical path with its mathematical description.

What should we confirm before ordering?

Drafting accuracy, adjustable axes and the complete internal linkage arrangement remain unconfirmed for the selected version.

What do the images and videos show?

The gallery labels photographs, video frames, renderings and the dimension drawing. Physical footage is identified separately.

FROM CONCEPT TO TURNKEY DELIVERY

Start with a reference. Shape your version.

Share the exhibit name, intended users and a plan or description of your setting. We can work through the experience and practical scope.

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Cardan ellipse drawing mechanism

See it work.

Trace an ellipse with a guided mechanism

Explore

Observe

Discuss

Reference specifications.

Questions & support.

Start with a reference. Shape your version.

Tell us about your project.

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Cardan ellipse drawing mechanism

See it work.

Trace an ellipse with a guided mechanism

Explore

Observe

Discuss

Reference specifications.

Questions & support.

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Start with a reference. Shape your version.