Cam Mechanisms and Applications

A set of practice questions covering the mechanics, components, and real-world applications of plate, linear, and cylinder cams based on the lecture notes.

What are the three specific types of CAM described in the transcript?

The plate or disc CAM, the linear CAM, and the cylinder CAM.

What does a plate or disc cam consist of?

A metal plate fixed to a shaft called a camshaft.

What is the name of the shaft that a plate or disc cam is fixed to?

A camshaft.

What are the two types of motion a plate cam can move the cam follower with?

Reciprocating or oscillating motion.

What factor determines how the cam follower moves?

The shape of the cam.

What type of motion is produced by a circular cam with an off-center axis?

A regular reciprocating motion.

What kind of motion does a square shaped cam with rounded corners give?

A rapid reciprocating motion.

What type of movement is provided by an egg shaped cam?

A back and forth movement with a short time when the cam follower does not move.

How many cam followers may be used with a single cam?

Two or more.

How are cam followers usually kept in contact with the cam profile?

They are forced onto the cam profile by a spring.

Which part of the cam causes the cam follower to fall?

The fall.

Which part of the cam causes the cam follower to stay still?

The dwell.

Which part of the cam causes the cam follower to rise?

The rise.

What term describes the amount that the cam follower rises and falls?

The stroke.

How is the stroke of a cam follower defined?

The distance the cam follower travels from the top of the rise to the bottom of the fall.

When is an oscillating motion created in a cam follower?

When the cam follower is a lever and its fulcrum is not in line with the cam axis.

In the internal combustion engine animation, where are the cam followers pivoted?

In the middle.

Where is the effort force located in the internal combustion engine lever example?

On one end of the lever.

Where is the load located in the internal combustion engine lever example?

On the other end of the lever.

What classification are the levers used as cam followers in the internal combustion engine animation?

Class $1$ levers.

How does a linear cam move?

Backwards and forwards on a slide.

What type of motion does a linear cam create in the cam follower?

Reciprocating motion.

What characterizes the movement of a linear cam follower?

The shape of the cam.

What causes a cam follower to dwell or stay still when used with a linear cam?

A horizontal section in the linear cam profile.

What does a cylinder cam consist of?

A cylinder mounted on a camshaft.

What feature is cut into the cylinder of a cylinder cam?

A groove.

Where does the cam follower locate in a cylinder cam mechanism?

In the groove.

What motions are caused by a rotating cylinder cam?

An oscillating motion or a reciprocating motion.

What specific type of axis makes plate cams suitable for pushing and pulling applications?

The eccentric or off center axis.

In what maritime design is the cam used as a clamping device?

For ropes on yachts and dinghies.

What is used to grip ropes in the yacht design example?

A pair of sprung cams.

What happens to the grip on a yacht rope as the pulling force increases?

The cams tighten more on the rope.

What is a common mechanical example of a cam used on a bicycle?

The quick release mechanism on some bicycle wheels.

What is the purpose of the cam in a bicycle's quick release mechanism?

To clamp wheels in place.

In older cars, which part of the electrical system utilizes cams?

Distributors.

What type of engines were distributors used in?

Internal combustion engines.

In the child's toy rabbit design, what is used to make the rabbit move?

Eccentric wheels.

What specific action does the toy rabbit perform using eccentric wheels?

A hopping action.

What is another name for a plate cam?

A disc cam.

What is the primary function of the camshaft in a plate cam system?

It rotates the cam to move the cam follower.

What movement does a cylinder cam produce besides oscillating motion?

Reciprocating motion.

What happens when the cam follower locates in the groove of a cylinder cam?

The rotating cylinder causes the follower to move.

What is the relationship between the fulcrum and cam axis for creating oscillation?

The fulcrum is not in line with the cam axis.

What is the shape of the cams used for gripping ropes on a yacht?

A pair of sprung cams.

What type of motion is 'back and forth' movement in an egg shaped cam follower?

Reciprocating motion.

How many ends does the lever have in the internal combustion engine animation?

Two ends (one for effort force and one for the load).

What is the effect of the off-center axis in a circular cam?

It creates regular reciprocating motion.

What is the movement of a linear cam?

Backwards and forwards on a slide.

What does the 'top of the rise' represent in terms of stroke calculation?

The highest point of the cam follower's travel.

What determines the follower motion in plate, linear, and cylinder cams?

The shape or profile of the cam.