Mechanisms -(Group 10)
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| Mechanisms | Mechanisms Introduction |
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Here our group identifys three mechanisms that our device uses to generate specific motion, control system behavior, modify/condition energy, etc. For these mechanisms we identify their technical name, clearly state their purpose, document how the mechanism works, and provide equations which are required for the design of the mechanism. |
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Gears
| Gear Example | Gear Description |
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Mechanisms are defined as a system of moving parts that performs some function. In the snow blower there are several mechanisms such as gears, cams, and linkages. The gears exist inside the engine and are connected to the crankshaft and the camshaft. The gear on the crankshaft controls the speed of the gear on the camshaft. The gear on the camshaft controls the speed at which the valves open so that the energy requires during faster speeds is gained. These gears work by the crankshaft gaining rotational energy from the flywheel which uses inertia to rotate. Some equations that are required when designing gears is the gear ratio which is defined as R= Wa/Wb = Nb/Na. This equation shows the ratio when looking at the velocity and the number of teeth on the gears. These ratios can decide how big each gear needs to be in order to produce the adequate speed for the system. |
Cams
| Cam Example | Cam Description |
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Another mechanism that exists is the cams, which are located on the camshaft. The purpose of the cams are to open and closes the valves which let in an air gas mixture for combustion, and release exhaust after the process of combustion. The cams work by using rotational energy from the crankshaft which flows to the camshaft through the use of gears. The shape of the cams allows for the valves to open and closes at appropriate times. The equations that are required for designing the cams are simple dimensions of what height is required for the cams to successfully open and closes the valves. |
Linkages
| Linkage example | Linkages Description |
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Another mechanism are the linkages, which simply add multiple functions to the snow blower. Some linkages on the snow blower include the chute turner, Piston arm, auger drive, wheel drive, and the engine speed. The linkages go from the control panel to the internal drive system and the engine. The purpose of these linkages is to allow for the user to easily control the snow blower and allow it to function the way the user wants. The chute turner works by spinning the rod which is connected to a worm gear, and the worm gear turns the chute which is connected to a flat plate with gears. The engine linkage is connected to the carburetor which allows in more air or gas, depending on the speed the user requires. The linkage on the wheel drive and the auger drive are connected to the internal drive system. The auger drive has the function is turning on and off the auger, and the drive system control how fast t he snow blower moves. The Piston arm linkage is used to transfer the energry from the piston to the drive shaft. |
Bibliograghy
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