Mechanical Linkages and Gear Mechanics

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and facts about mechanical linkages, gears, and pulley systems from the lecture notes.

Mechanical Linkage

A system of connected parts designed to transmit motion and force from one location to another.

Purpose of Mechanical Linkage

Converts a motor's rotation into useful motion, such as linear, oscillating, or complex paths.

4-Bar Linkage

A fundamental mechanical linkage that uses four connected bars and four pivot points to create various forms of motion.

Gear

A simple machine made of wheels with teeth that interlock to transform motion and force.

Pitch

The distance between gear teeth; adjacent gears must have the same pitch to mesh properly.

Backlash

The small gap between gear teeth that allows them to turn freely without binding.

Driver Gear

The gear that provides power (input) to the system.

Driven Gear

The gear that receives power (output) from another gear.

Idle Gear

A gear placed between the driver and driven gear; it reverses the direction of rotation but does not affect the overall gear ratio.

Compound Gear

Two or more gears that are rigidly fixed to the same shaft and rotate together at the same speed.

Simple Gear Train

A gear train where each shaft carries only one gear.

Compound Gear Train

A gear train that includes at least one shaft with multiple gears, allowing for the multiplication of the gear ratio across stages.

Gear Ratio

The ratio of the speed of the driver gear to the speed of the driven gear, affecting torque and speed.

Belt Drive Advantages

Transfer power over longer distances, quieter operation, lighter weight, less maintenance, and no lubrication needed.

Slippage in Belt Drive

Power is transmitted via frictional forces between the belt and pulley; a little slip can prevent system overload.

Single Fixed Pulley

A single pulley attached to a support that redirects the effort force but does not change the amount of force required.

Block and Tackle

A system combining fixed and movable pulleys that provides a mechanical advantage and a change in direction for the effort.

Mechanical Advantage

The ratio of the resistance force to the effort force, or the ratio of the effort distance to the resistance distance.

Actual Mechanical Advantage

The value found experimentally, accounting for real-world factors like friction.