Chapter 13
Mechanical engineering
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 12
Chapter 14 Revision
Electrical functions
Power supply (ex. battery)
Conduction (wires)
Insulation (ex. rubber, plastic, ceramic)
Protection (fuse or breaker)
Control (switch)
Transformation of energy (ex. lightbulb, motor, heating element)
Chapter 13 preview
Mechanical functions
Linking
Guiding
Lubrification (EST only)
Motion Transmission
Motion Transformation
Mechanical engineering is a branch of
engineering that focuses on the design,
production, analysis, working and
improvement of technical objects with
moving parts.
Linking is the mechanical function
performed by any component that
connects different parts of a
technical object.
A link holds two or more parts
in the same object together.
In mechanics, a component
is a part or a fluid that
performs a mechanical
function.
Direct or indirect link:
Do the two parts NEED a linking component to
hold them together?
If so, the link is indirect.
Ex. of linking components: screw, nail, glue
Rigid or flexible link:
Can the surfaces of the linked parts (or the
linking component) be deformed?
If so, the link is flexible.
**Springs and rubber are often used in flexible
links.
Removable or non-removable link:
Can the linked parts be separated without
damaging either their surfaces or the linking
component?
If so, the link is removable.
(ex. A rubber cell phone case is removable from
the cell phone. Screws are removable linking
components but nails are not. )
Complete or partial link:
Can at least one part move independently of the
other parts?
Is so, the link is partial.
Can you name the 4 characteristics
of the following links?
Linking between the two parts of
this hinge
1. Indirect
2. Rigid
3. Removable
4. Partial
Linking between the tire and the wheel
1. Direct
2. Flexible
3. Removable
4. Complete
Chapter 13 preview
Mechanical functions
✓ Linking
Guiding
Lubrification (EST only)
Motion Transmission
Motion Transformation
Guiding is the mechanical function
performed by any component that
controls the motion of one or more
moving parts.
A guiding component or control is
a component whose mechanical
function is to guide the motion of
moving parts.
***This is important.
Translational guiding: Ensures the
straight translational motion of a
moving part
ex. Drawer slides and other grooved
components
Translational guiding:
Guiding component=Drawer slides
**I know you can’t see it here but look in your house. Most drawers have them.
Translational Guiding:
Guiding component: Tracks on sides
of window
Translational guiding:
The groove in the wood controls
guiding
Rotational guiding: Ensures the
rotational motion of a moving part
Rotational guiding:
Guiding component= circular middle
plastic of this dispenser
Rotational guiding:
guiding component= axle
Helicoidal/Helical guiding: Ensures
the translational motion of a moving
part while it rotates about the same
axis.
Threaded
components are
often used. (looks
like a screw)
Helicoidal guiding:
Workbook
p.282 to 287
Chapter 13 preview
Mechanical functions
✓ Linking
✓ Guiding
Lubrification (EST only)
Motion Transmission
Motion Transformation
Motion transmission
Motion transmission is the mechanical
function of relaying a motion from one part
to another WITHOUT altering the nature of
the motion.
A motion transmission system is a set of
components that performs the function of
transmitting motion.
DRIVER component: Component that receives
the force required to activate the system.
DRIVEN component: Component that receives
the motion (from the driver component) and
transfers it to another part.
Intermediate component: Component located
BETWEEN the driver and driven components.
(Sometimes there is one and sometimes not)
Things we will look at for each
• What are the elements to consider when
building the system?
• Is the direction of rotation of all the
components the same or does it alternate
back and forth?
• Is the system reversible? (Can the driven
component become the driver component?
Or is there only ONE component that I must
move for the system to work?)
There are 5 motion transmission
systems
1. Gear train
2. Chain and sprocket system
3. Worm and worm gear system (also called
wheel and worm gear system)
4. Friction gear system
5. Belt and pulley system
Gear train:
Made up of 2 or more gears
where the movement of
rotation is transfered from
one gear to another.
Gear train system:
1. The teeth of all the gears must be
identical.
The two main types of teeth are straight
teeth or helical teeth (slanted teeth). Gear
trains with straight teeth are noisier.
Gear train system:
2. Gear type depends on the gears’ rotational
axis.
If the axes are parallel, the gears are straight.
If the axes are perpendicular, the gears are
bevelled. (see picture below)
Gear train system:
3. The larger the diameter of a gear, the
slower it turns.
Direction of rotation of components:
Switches from one gear to the next
(clockwise/counterclockwise/clockwise/couterclockwise…)
Is it reversible?:
(Can the driven component become
the driver component?)
Yes
(It doesn’t matter which gear I turn with my hands. The systems works.)
Important note: This system maintains
a constant movement because there is no
sliding. It can also be very small. However,
we must lubricate this system
Gear train system:
Gear train system:
Gear Train system:
Chain and sprocket system
Made up of two or more
gears called sprockets and
a chain. The rotational
movement is transferred
from one gear to the next
thanks to the chain.
The Do-Nothing Machine
[Link]
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Things to consider when building:
1. The teeth on the sprockets must be identical
2. The chain links must mesh easily with the
sprocket teeth.
3. This system requires frequent lubrification.
4. The smaller a sprocket, the faster it turns.
Direction of rotation of components:
Identical for sprockets touching the
same side of the chain.
Is it reversible?
(Can the driven component become
the driver component?)
Yes
(It doesn’t matter which sprocket I turn with my hands. The systems works.)
Important note : This system is used when
the two parts are far apart from each
other.
Chain and sprocket system
Chain and sprocket system:
An exemple of bikes
• [Link]
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Worm and worm gear system:
Made up of a gear
and a screw with a
helicoidal thread.
Example of a worm gear
[Link]
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Worm gear system:
1. The groove of the worm must fit the gear
teeth so that they can mesh.
2. The driver must be the worm.
3. The rotation of the gear is always
perpendicular to the worm.
Direction of rotation of components:
Varies with the direction of the
threads on the worm screw.
Is it reversible?
(Can the driven component become
the driver component?)
No
(The driver MUST be the worm.)
Important note: We use this system if
we want to reduce the speed of a
system. With each turn of the worm
gear, the gear moves ONLY ONE
TOOTH. Also, since it is not reversible,
this system does not loosen when the
worm is released. However, it tends to
wear out quickly.
Worm gear system
Worm gear system
Worm gear system
Friction gear systems:
Made of gears without teeth.
Motion is transmitted by
friction between the gears.
Friction Gear Systems:
1. Gears can be straight, bevel or spherical and
can be parallel, perpendicular (or in between)
to one another.
2. The BIGGER the gear, the SLOWER the
rotation.
3. Materials must adhere to one another (there
MUST be friction).
Direction of rotation of components:
Alternates from one gear to another
Is it reversible?
(Can the driven component become
the driver component?)
Yes
Important note : These systems are less
efficient because the gears can slip BUT
they are less complicated, cheaper and
quieter.
Friction Gear Systems:
Belt and Pulley Systems:
Made of two or more pulleys and a
belt. The belt transmits the
rotational motion to all the pulleys.
Belt and Pulley System:
1. Pulleys must contain a groove where the belt
fits in.
2. The belt must adhere to the pulleys.
3. The BIGGER the pulley, the SLOWER it turns.
Direction of rotation of components:
Identical for pulleys touching the same
side of the belt
Is it reversible?
(Can the driven component become
the driver component?)
Yes
Important note : These systems are less
efficient than the chain and sprocket systems since
the belt can slip and can also break more easily due
to all the friction. BUT, they are less complicated,
cheaper and quieter. We sometimes have to use
them when the pulleys are not parallel (just
remember that the belt now has a constraint of
torsion so it will more easily break)
Belt and pulley system:
Belt and pulley system:
Tell me again which systems of
transmission are REVERSIBLE
All except the worm and worm
gear system
Speed changes in motion transmission systems
1. Formula for the gears WITH teeth (gear train and chain and sprocket)
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 1𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑟 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟)
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 =
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 2𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑟 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛)
2. Formula for the gears WITHOUT teeth (friction gear system and belt and pulley
system)
𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 1𝑠𝑡 𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑟 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟)
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 =
𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 2𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑟 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛)
3. Formula for the worm and worm gear system
1
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 =
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑟
Note
FOR the worm and worm gear system: always a speed reduction
**For every turn of the worm , only ONE tooth of the worm gear
get moved so the movement is slowed down dramatically. The
more teeth that the gear has, the BIGGER the reduction of
speed. THAT’S WHY WE USE THIS SYSTEM!
FOR the others:
**When the DRIVER component has a larger diameter or more
teeth than the DRIVEN component, there is an INCREASE in
speed.
Driver component
Driven component
Ex. 1 Driver component = 18 teeth
Driven component = 24 teeth
Ratio = 18/24= 0,75
Reduction of speed
Driver component
Driven component
Ex. 2 Driver component= 2.1 cm
Driven component = 1.2 cm
Ratio = 1.75
Increase in speed
[Link]
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Workbook Motion Transmission –
Speed Changes
Page 292 and 293
• Draw two circles (one big, one smaller)
• Remember big is slower, small is faster
• Write 1 and 2 in correct circle (1 for the gear that is the
driver). You will then see if 2 is faster (increase of speed) or
slower (decrease)
Chapter 13 preview
Mechanical functions
✓ Linking
✓ Guiding
✓ Lubrification (EST only)
✓ Motion Transmission
Motion Transformation
Motion transformation systems
Motion transformation is the mechanical
function of relaying a motion from one part to
another while ALTERING the nature of motion.
The change can be from a translation to a
rotation OR from a rotation to a translation.
Rack and pinion system
Made up of one gear, called pinion and a
Rack straight bar with teeth called a rack.
When the gear turns (in a rotational
motion), its teeth mesh with the teeth of the
Pinion rack which in turn moves (in a translational
motion)
OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND
Rack and pinion system
1. The teeth on the rack and on the
pinion must be identical
2. This system requires frequent
lubrication.
3. The GREATER the number of teeth on
the pinion, the SLOWER its rotation.
Possible Transformations:
Rotation of the pinion – Translation of the rack
Translation of the rack – Rotation of the pinion
Is it reversible?
Yes
Important note : There is no
slipping in this system BUT it requires a
precise adjustment so that the teeth of
the pinion mesh well with the teeth of
the rack.
[Link]
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Screw gear system
Type 1 : The driver component is
the screw (in rotation) and the
driven component is the nut (in
translation).
Screw Gear System
Type 2 : The driver component is
the nut (in rotation) and the driven
component is the screw (in
translation).
Screw gear systems
1. In both types, the threads of the
screws and nuts must match.
2. In the first type, the nut must be
connected to the screw in such a way
that the nut CANNOT rotate.
3. In the second type, the nut must be
fixed in such a way that its only
possible motion is ROTATIONAL.
Possible Transformations:
For both types, Rotation –> Translation
Is it reversible:
No
Important note: This system
allows us to exert great forces.
However, it is slow and
generates a lot of friction.
[Link]
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Slider-crank mechanisms
Made of a crank (the wheel), a slider and a
connecting rod (which joins the crank to the
slider). This system transforms a rotational
movement into a translational movement
(back and forth)
OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND
Slider-crank mechanism
1. The connecting rod contains two
bushings to attach it to the crank and
piston
2. The cylinder must guide the part
moving (ex. the piston) in translation.
3. The system requires frequent
lubrication.
Possible Transformations:
Rotation of the crank –> Translation of the slider (piston)
Translation of the slider –> Rotation of the crank
Is it reversible?
Yes
Important note: This system can
work at very fast speeds and its movement
is more fluid than a cam and follower
system.
[Link]
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Cam and follower system
Made of a cam and a follower (the rigid
rod). This system transforms a rotational
movement of the cam into a translational
movement (back and forth) of the follower.
Cam and follower system
1. The follower must be guided in its
translational motion.
2. The shape of the cam determines how
the follower will move.
3. A device such as a return spring is
usually necessary to keep the follower
in continual contact with the cam.
Possible Transformations:
Rotation of the cam –> Translation of the follower
Is it reversible?
No
Important note: You can vary the
amount of displacement of the rod by
changing the cam. One drawback is
that there can be lots of vibration
when the cam rotates at high speed.
Special mention on cams
Cams can take many forms and this is what
decides how the rod will move.
Egg type cam
Wow, that’s a cool looking cam!!! It must be expensive
to make.
True, but if we made a cam that was a perfect circle,
the follower would not move at all SO WHAT WOULD
BE THE POINT?
How can I make a easy circular cam but still have
movement up and down?
We can have special cams whose rotational axis is off-
centre. These are called eccentrics.
Example of an eccentric cam
The amplitude of the
movement of the follower is
equal to the DOUBLE of
distance between the
rotational axis and the
geometric centre of the cam.
An eccentric cam used in a toy.
These toys use friction gears or cams.
***Don’t forget that the cam and follower system is
a motion TRANSFORMATION sytem: Rotation of the
cam – Translation of the follower
***Friction gears are motion TRANSMISSIONS
Rotation of one friction gear - Rotation of another
[Link]
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Combustion engine
Here we can see both systems (the cam and
follower system AND the slider-crank mechanism)
[Link]
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Linking
Guiding
Motion Transmission
Motion Transformation