Introduction
Mechanical systems often require a combination of mechanisms to complete a given
task. Any time two or more machines are combined, the result is a compound machine.
If many mechanisms are combined, the machine may even be referred to as a complex
machine. Compound machines can range in complexity from a crane or automobile to a
simple manual can opener. A bicycle is an example of a compound machine. The
pedals, brakes, handle bars, and sprocket systems are just some of the mechanisms on
most bicycles. In this activity you will work in teams to design and build a compound
machine to accomplish an instructor-specified task.
Equipment
VEX® PoE kit, including gears (sprockets), chains, belts, axles, and support pieces
Rubber bands may be used for belt drives
Rope for pulley systems (masonry line works well)
Masking tape or rubber bands to help secure click pen to machine
Click Pen
Design Constraints
The applied effort force may only be provided by a single human input.
The final design must include a minimum of three mechanisms including any of the
simple machines: a gear system; a belt and pulley system; and/or a sprocket and
chain system.
Entire system must fit onto no more than 1 base plate and should have overall
dimensions no larger than 16” wide x 16” height x 12” depth.
The compound machine must have a mechanical advantage greater than 1.
The machine will exert enough pressure to fully compress the button on a click pen
Procedure
1. Investigate available equipment components and possible configurations.
2. Brainstorm ideas for accomplishing the assigned task. Each team should record at
least three ideas, with at least one from each team member in their own engineering
notebook.
3. Sketch and annotate a preliminary design solution including eachs individual
mechanism’s. Each member of the team should have their own version of the sketch of
the selected design
4. Propose your idea to Mr. Welker before building components.
5. Build, test, and modify your compound machine design.
© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Principles of Engineering Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design Rubric – Page 1
6. In your own engineers notebook, clearly sketch and annotate each mechanisim of the
final design. Calculate the IMA, clearly showing your own. Measure and calculate AMA
and effenency if time allows.
7. Photograph and video your mechanism for your report. Prepare to present to the
class. In your presentation, describe your machine, explain problems you faced and
how you solved them and give the IMA (and AMA if applicable) of the finished machine
Example Calculation Table
Mechanism #1 Type: Wheel and axle
Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction,
and key mechanism features.
Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations
Formula Substitute / Solve
IMA=1.2645/0.067
IMA=De/Dr IMA=18.87
Final Solution: 18.87
© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Principles of Engineering Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design Rubric – Page 2
Mechanism #2 Type: Gear Train
Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction,
and key mechanism features.
Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations
Formula Substitute / Solve
GR=(B/A)(C/B) GR= (36/84)(84/36)
GR=1:1
Final Solution: 1:1
© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Principles of Engineering Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design Rubric – Page 3
Mechanism #3 Type: Sprockets System
Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction,
and key mechanism features.
Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations
Formula Substitute / Solve
GR=(B/A) GR=(24/30)
GR=0.8
Final Solution: 0.8:1
© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Principles of Engineering Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design Rubric – Page 4
Mechanism #4 Type: Pulley system
Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction,
and key mechanism features.
Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations
Formula Substitute / Solve
DE/DR 1/1
Final Solution: 1
The IMA of the pulley system in our mechanism is not 1 because there are angles that
are giving us less MA.
© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Principles of Engineering Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design Rubric – Page 5
