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igus® Ltd.
The angle between the orientation of a telescope or antenna and the ground is called elevation or altitude. It is key to orienting mirrors or telescopes correctly. Energy chains are used to guide the cables during vertical movement.
In addition to the vertical angle, horizontal rotation is the crucial movement in telescopes and antennas. This rotation is called azimuth. Simple igus rotation systems allow rotation angles of up to 600°. This example shows two reverse chains on each of two levels.
igus has been involved in systems for circular energy chain movement for many years. Our Reverse Bend Radius (RBR) systems have proven themselves worldwide in numerous industries as a solution for rotation angles of up to 600°.
Below the azimuth, in the "belly" of the telescope, all the system's cables come together. This special pivot point is also called the azimuth or GIR. Managing the volume of cables safely and reliably is a major challenge. So energy chains and cables are often distributed across various levels. This example shows two chains running into each other on each of three levels.
For applications with a rotation angle of more than 600°, we have developed the Multi Rotation Module (MRM). It extends rotary motion to additional levels, allowing rotation angles of up to 900°.
In addition to altitude, azimuth, and GIR, which are among the biggest challenges for telescope energy chains, there are other potential applications. For example, there are also moving cables in the rotating motion of the domes, which are usually gigantic, and in the hatch closing systems. Here, too, our energy chains provide protection while ensuring light, smooth operation.
