Advanced mechanical systems

Bevel gears

A is a special gear that can transfer rotary motion through 90 degrees. The diagram below shows two gears of the same size - the name given to this arrangement is a mitre-gear.

Showing a bevel gear arrangement called a mitre-gear featuring the drive gear on the right of the driven gear.

However, the two gears can vary in size to achieve a different gear ratio. An example of this is in a hand drill, where the drive gear is larger than the driven gear.

A hand drill with bevel gears in a mitre-gear arrangement against a white background.

Rack and pinion

A is an arrangement of a gear wheel and a rack that allows the rotary motion to be converted to linear motion.

Showing a rack (a long sheet of ridged metal) with a pinion (a ridged gear wheel) sat atop it.

An example of this is in a pillar drill, where the table bed is moved up and down.

A pillar drill with a rack and pinion arrangement that moves the table bed up and down.

Crank and slider

and slider linkages change from the crank into a of the slider. The crank and slider are connected through a connecting rod which helps convert the motion. The crank arm can be used as the driver in a car engine piston, the ignition of petrol by the spark plugs pushes the slider up, moving the connecting rod and turning the crank. Alternatively, the slider can be used as the driver in a steam engine where the wheels turn because of the pressure that moves the slider.

Showing a mechanical device called a crank slider and the moving pivot directing the movements of the other components.

Systems: Sources and functions of components - EduqasAdvanced mechanical systems