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

Motion Control Using Computers

The notes below relate generally to mechanical methods for providing relative
motion and forces. There is an increasing tendency to produce motions using
servo hydraulic systems and stepping motors under the control of digital
computers. Although the mechanism design often requires creativity and a high
level of analysis the final product is often low priced and provides reliable, efficient,
predictable performance. However a mechanism is generally made to perform a
fixed operation, reliably and predictably. Computer controlled motions can be
continuously monitored and if necessary modified. If the output motion is changed
from a harmonic motion to a periodic square wave motion or a sawtooth motion
then changing the control parameters for a computer controlled system is often
very convenient. If a large number of systems have been developed then the cost
of modifying the software or firmware is much less than modifying a large number
of mechanisms..

Although the motions of many of high technology machines and computer systems
are being controlled by computers. The need for mechanisms is also increasing in
consumer goods e.g. mechanisms in consumer goods, toys, lifting equipment,
vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines, gardening implements,etc etc etc... ......

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.

Snap Action Mechanisms

Snap action mechanisms are also called toggle and bi-stable mechanism are
widely used for components for simple toggle switches to clamps. A typical toggle
mechanism is shown below...
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

Fine adjustment mechanisms

A fine adjusting mechanism is primarily used for control where small movements
are required resulting from larger movements of the input. The variations of this
group include screws, differential screws, gears, cams.etc etc. A typical method of
providing small output rotations from input motions is shown below.. One rotation of
the input shaft will result in a linear motion of the carriage of 0,5mm..

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...
 Toolmakers
Clamp G Clamp

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.