Mechanisms Module

Laszlo Lipot's Mechanisms Module consists of theory notes, animations and exercises that help students learn about mechanisms and mechanical systems. The resources are in HTML and PDF format.

Printable PDF mechanisms theory and exercises

Click here to see a bank of mechanisms theory and exercises in PDF format.

Interactive tests

The Mechanisms Module has two sets of tests each with 100 questions, with feedback, score and start over buttons. The multiple choice test is useful as a start of module test so that students and teachers can assess the level of current knowledge.

The multiple choice test (start of module test) the test gives students feedback and a score for each of their answers.

multiple choice test, questions 1 - 33
multiple choice test, questions 34 - 70
multiple choice test, questions 71 - 100

The interactive test with input fields for students to fill in; it gives students feedback and a score for each of their answers.

interactive test with input fields, questions 1 - 33
interactive test with input fields, questions 34 - 70
interactive test with input fields, questions 71 - 100

Using the mechanisms module tests and how to record student scores

Animations and technology theory in the Mechanisms Module

Teachers notes and lead-in lesson
mechanical systems and subsystems: example mechanical systems, mechanisms used on a bicycle
cams, rotary and linear, cam followers
chain and sprocket drive
- roller chain parts
- leaf chain parts
- special chains
couplings
- flanged
- split
- flexible
- universal joint
crank mechanisms / crank and slider
friction, lubrication and bearings:
- plain bearing / bush
- ball bearing
- cylinder roller bearing
- needle roller bearing
- spherical roller bearing
- taper roller bearing
- thrust bearing
- friction used to oppose motion:
  - brakes
  - clamps
  - grips / knurling
- reducing friction by the use of lubricants and bearings
- lubrication
coefficient of friction
gears:
- transmitting motion and force
- spur gears, wheel and pinion
- simple and compound gear train
- bevel gears
- worm gear
- rack and pinion
- velocity ratio
- gear shaft velocity
levers: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, bell crank lever, cantilever.
linkages
moments / torque
motion: types of motion
pulleys and belts:
- used to transmit motion and torque
- change speed of rotation
- stepped cone pulleys
- pulley belts used to transport products and people
- pulley belts used as bandsaws
- pulleys used for lifting and hauling
ratchet and pawl
springs
- compression spring
- tension spring
- torsion spring
- clock spring
- leaf spring
- materials used for springs
screws
- types of nuts, bolts and screws
- cutting screw threads
- common thread forms
- motion control: using screws to control motion
- ball screws
- roller screws
- application of screw mechanisms for clamping, controlling movement, for lifting.

Exercises in HTML and PDF format in the Mechanisms Module

Understanding mechanisms exercises

Types of motion exercise
Gear calculations
Mechanisms systems exercises
Moments exercises
Identifying types of levers in products

Product analysis exercises

Bicycle brake lever
Paper punch

Problem solving exercises

Door handle mechanism
Food mixer mechanism
Electric toothbrush mechanism
Pedal bin mechanism
Fret saw parallel arm mechanism
Fret saw parallel link arm mechanism
Fret saw C-arm mechanism
Scissor Lift
Swinging display
Waving display
Swimming display

Learning Objectives

Students will learn that:

there are different types of motion
motion can be controlled by mechanisms
mechanisms can be used to transmit motion and force
friction opposed motion
the effects of friction can be utilised in designs
the effects of friction can be reduced by using lubricants and bearings
there are lubricants for specific environments and conditions
there are bearings for specific purposes
common products such as bicycles utilise many mechanisms and mechanical systems.

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