Automata, Mechanical Toys

Mechanisms

What are mechanisms?

• A mechanism is a device which transmits energy in the form of movement.
• A mechanism changes an input force and movement into an output force and movement.
• If we connect mechanisms together we can build mechanical systems which we call machines that make our lives easier or more comfortable.
• The technological advances humans have made through the ages, have been closely linked with their ability to harness energy and use it to perform mechanical work. Although humans are very clever creatures, our size, structure and muscles put severe limitations on what we can do.

All mechanisms are based on what ancient philosophers called the Five Basic Machines. The five basic machines are the five simplest machines which form the basis of all the other machines developed throughout human history.
To understand machines we need to look at the mechanisms used to build them.
Mechanisms use one of these four basic movements, either on their own or combined
There are four types of motion:

	Linear Motion is the motion in a straight line
	Rotary Motion is the motion in a circle
	Oscillating Motion is motion backwards and forwards in an arc
	Reciprocation Motion is motion backwards and forwards in a straight line

For some more information and examples of mechanisms clink on the links below:

Mechanical Advantage

Machines that help people contain a mechanical advantage. Mechanical advantage is the amount of effort that a machine helps one to do ones work.
The larger the mechanical advantage, the easier one's work is. The formula for Mechanical Advantage is Resistance force divided by the Effort Force.
The Resistance force is the force applied by the machine, and the Effort Force is the force applied to the machine by the human.
Good examples such as motors and pulleys:
For futher examples click on the links below: