Mechanical Systems
Active Suspension
Vehicle active suspension technology, the legacy technology of our NASA Vibration Isolation System, substitutes “smart” actuators for normally passive shock absorbers, and adds sensors and a controller to provide unparalleled mobility over all types of terrain while maintaining excellent vehicle stability and ride quality. Active suspension systems have been successfully developed for a wide range of military and commercial vehicles including HMMWVs, tactical trucks, tanks, transit busses, and other commercial applications.
Vibration Isolation Technology
The NASA Vibration Isolation Actuator is a simple device which uses the same fundamental principles of linear motors and active suspension systems, to provide high fidelity computer controlled force management over a six inch range of travel. Our laboratory demonstration with electronics racks similar to those on space shuttle launch platforms shows 2 to 10 times reduced vibration levels compared to typical passive systems.
Robotic Systems
Balcones Technologies offers a superior technical approach to meeting the needs of Space Optical Communications. Using a simulation-based design approach our team developed a parallel kinematic carpel wrist structure to respond to NASA deep space optical communication needs. This structure offers precision pointing, high stiffness, single point failure tolerance, and prevents cable twisting.