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Introduction
Introduction
A mechanism considered to be an assembly of mechanical items designed to achieve a specific purpose within a machine. There are clearly an infinite number of mechanisms available but the notes and links are concentrating on the specific ones as listed below. For specific information on linkages please refer.. Linkages
Classification Of Mechanisms
There are many methods of classifying mechanisms. The following list is a functional list based on the type of motion required. This list is based on that provided in Theory of Machines and Mechanisms ..Uicker, Pennock, ans Shigley. The notes below are low level descriptions. Over time additional notes will be included...For detailed analysis and synthesis please refer to the books listed in the book section of this site. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Snap-Action Mechanisms Linear Actuators Fine Adjustment Mechanisms Clamping Mechanisms Location Devices Ratchets Escapements Indexing Mechanisms Swinging or Rocking Mechanisms Reciprocating Mechanisms Reversing Mechanisms Couplings and Connectors Sliding Connectors Stop Pause and Hesitation Mechanisms Curve Generators Straight Line generators Tracing Mechanisms
Linear Actuators
Stationary Screws with rotating nuts This group include machine tool traversing mechanisms, jacks, valve drives etc etc. These mechanism essentially convert rotary motion to linear motion. High mechanical advantages can result from components which are convenient to design and engineer. The output motions and forces are very easy to evaluate for the input forces. Stationary Nuts with with rotating screw This group includes power screw actuators, valve drives, jacks. The characteristics of this group is essentially the same as the group with stationary screws and rotating nuts Single and double acting hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders This is a massive group including positioning cylinders, rams jacks . The motions and forces are very easy to calculate..The motion involves convertion of potential energy in fluid to kinetic energy of the motion of the component moved by the cylinder
Clamping Mechanisms
Typical clamping mechanisms include toolmakers clamps, G clamps, screw clamps, clamps based on cams. Clamps result from lever actions, screw forces, toggle motions..The two important factors in the engineering of a clamp is the method of applying a high force and the method of retaining the force after removal of the input motion...
Location Devices
Location devices often involve positioning and centralising of the component being located. Jigs and fixtures are used widely in industry for locating items prior to machining or assembly..
Ratchets
A ratchet is used to ensure that the motion of the output device is only allow in one direction even though the input motion may be in either direction or ocillatory. Refer to Links below Ratchet Notes.
Escapements
Escapements are used for to control continuous motion to produce a highly controlled step motion at a fixed rate. Escapements are used for mechanically driven clocks. When used with clocks the escapement controls the spring driven clock mechanism such that it moves in regulated steps controlled by a pendulum or an oscillating arm . Refer to Links below Escapement Notes.
Indexing Mechanisms
Indexing mechanisms generally converts a rotating,rocking or oscillatory motion to a series of step movements of the output link or shaft. Indexing mechanisms are useful for counters and machine tool feeds. Refer to Links below Indexing Notes.
Reciprocating Mechanisms
Reciprocating straight line motion is most generally completed using pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric linear actuators. Reciprocating motion is also achieved using rack and pinion, and cams. Historically a number of machines have been operated very successfully using specially developed mechanisms. Reciprocating Mechanism Notes.
Reversing Mechanisms
It is comparatively easy to obtain reversing motion using pneumatic, hydraulic, levers and gears methods.
A mechanism capable of delivering output motion in either direction can also be achieved using pneumatic and hydraulic systems with appropriate direction control valves. A lever or gear type system would require the use of some type of clutch. Some two-way clutches which connect one output shaft to one of two drive shafts rotating in the opposite directions can result in a direction reversal of the output shaft without stopping the drive shaft. This, of course assumes no problems due to inertia.
Universal Coupling
Realeaux Coupling
Sliding Connectors
Sliding connectors are used when one slider is used to drive another slider. The normal problem is that the sliders operate on the same plane but in different directions..Different methods of solving this problem include. 1. 2. 3. 4. Using Rigid links between the slider with pivot points on the sliders Joining the sliders with belts, chains or guided chains- push_pull chains Fastening racks to each slider and mechanically joining the sliders using gears Using Rigid links between the slider with pivot points on the sliders
5. 6.
Curve Generators
The four bar chain can be used to generate an infinite range of curves by adjusting the two fixed pivot points and the lengths of the links. The curves generated by the free pivot points are obviously circles with radii = to the length of the links to the adjacent fixed pivot points. The motion of points along the coupler between the two free pivot points is however complex and variable. The modern method of developing curve motion is to use Numerical control methods combined with hydraulic, or electronic servo drives. There are however opportunities for using direct mechanical systems for low cost components.
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