Mechanisms




Mechanisms are essentially used for converting motion from one form to another. Mechanical actuation systems mainly consist of mechanisms. If a number of rigid bodies are assembled together in such a way that the motion of one causes constrained or predictable motion of the others, it is called a mechanism. Thus, a mechanism transmits and modifies a motion. 


The mechanism can be used for the following purposes:

  1. Transform linear motion into rotational motion (Example: IC engine)
  2. Transform a rotary motion into translating motion (Example: Cam and follower)
  3. Transform motion in one direction into another direction at right angles (Example: bevel gear or worm gear)
  4. Change (increase or decrease) and change the direction of the rotational speed of one drive to another (Example: gear trains)

Figure 1. Linear to rotational motion transformation in IC engines
Figure 2. Rotary to linear motion transformation in cam and follower
Figure 3 Transformation of motion in one direction into another using bevel (spiral) gears

 


Figure 4 Change in speed or direction using gear trains 



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