pantógrafo

A pantograph is a mechanical linkage connected in a manner based on parallelograms so that the movement of one component, the driver, is reproduced at a second component, the driven, at a scale determined by the relative dimensions of the two parallelograms. Pantographs are typically used to scale up or scale down drawings, maps, or other graphics. They are also used in various applications in engineering and design.

The basic principle of a pantograph involves a system of rods and joints that maintain the parallelism of the driver and the driven components. The driver is usually a stylus or a pointer that traces the original image, while the driven component is a pen or a pencil that reproduces the image at a different scale. By adjusting the lengths of the rods, the scale of the reproduction can be changed.

Pantographs have been used since ancient times, with evidence of their use dating back to the Roman era. However, the modern pantograph was developed in the 17th century by the Dutch mathematician Christiaan Huygens. Since then, pantographs have been used in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and cartography.

In addition to their use in scaling drawings, pantographs are also used in other applications. For example, they are used in overhead power lines to transmit electricity to trains. In this application, the pantograph is mounted on the roof of the train and makes contact with the overhead wire, allowing electricity to flow to the train's motors.

Overall, the pantograph is a versatile and useful tool that has been used for centuries in a variety of applications. Its simple yet effective design makes it a valuable tool for scaling drawings and transmitting electricity.