Mechanical Power Transmission

 Mechanical Power Transmission

Authors: Shreyash Gurav, Parth Gurjar, Sumedh Habde, Adarsh Halake, Harsh Rikame

What is the definition of mechanical power transmission?

Mechanical power transmission is the use of simple machines, linkages, and mechanical power transmission elements to transfer energy from where it is generated to a place where it is used to perform work.

A power and motion transmission from an input source is found in nearly all machines. This is typically an electric motor or an internal combustion engine that generates rotary driving torque through a shaft–coupling combination.

Why is mechanical power transmission required?

There are many ways to generate power, but it is not always possible to generate power in the form, direction, or magnitude that is required. As a result, electrical and mechanical power transmissions are critical in the design of any engineering product. This article only discusses mechanical power transmission and its components, not electrical power transmission.

The following are some of the reasons why mechanical power transmission and its components are used:

1. The energy or power generated can be converted into something useful.

2. Physical constraints limit power generation at the point of use, so it must be transferred from the source to the point of use.

3. It can be used to change the magnitude and direction of things like speed or torque.

4. It can be utilized to switch from rotational to linear energy and vice versa.

 

Types of Mechanical Power Transmission

Gear - A gear system is made up of two or more toothed wheels that are connected and interact. It is capable of transmitting a rotating motion.

This technique is utilized to convey a rotational motion between pieces that are near together. The teeth of the gears mesh together and move in unison.

Gear system characteristics

• There are numerous types of gears (herringbone gears, helical gears, bevel gears, straight-cut gears, etc.)

• The orientation and precision of the motion transmitted by the system are determined by the position and teeth of the gears.

• Gear systems can be driven by any gear and are reversible.

• From one gear to the next, the rotational direction change

• Gears allow you to change the rotational speed.

• Custom-made gears are possible.

Source - Dribble

Chain Drive systems - In a chain drive system, a rotating motion is transmitted from one sprocket to another some distance away by way of a chain.

The system is driven by the links of the chain interlocking with the teeth of the sprocket. The two sprockets are the moving component and the receiving component, while the chain is the intermediary component.

Source  - The engineers post

Chain drive systems have certain characteristics

• Both sprockets rotate in the same direction.

• The chain drive system's motion is reversible.

• The system's rotational speed can be changed by adjusting the sprockets' parameters, such as their diameter and number of teeth.

 

Friction wheels - Friction wheel systems, as the name implies, consist of two or more wheels that are in contact with one another and convey a rotational motion through friction.

The high friction generated by the rough surfaces of the wheels is harnessed in this sort of drive system to convey the spinning motion.

Friction wheel system characteristics

• The system's motion is reversible because the direction of rotation changes from one wheel to the next.

• The wheels' rotational axis can be changed from vertical to horizontal, for example.

• If necessary, the rotational speed can be changed.

Worm Drives - A worm drive system consists of a helical threaded worm screw and a toothed worm wheel.

The screw's helical thread interlocks with the wheel's teeth to convey motion. Because it can revolve the wheel eternally, it is sometimes referred to as an "endless screw."

Worm drive system characteristics

• The wheel is turned by one tooth for every full rotation of the worm screw.

• Because the worm wheel cannot drive it, the motion is irreversible.

• The system can change the rotational axis of the motion being transmitted because the worm wheel rotates perpendicular to the worm screw.

• This system has the ability to slow down motion or increase force within an object.

Belt and Pulley systems - A belt and pulley system, unsurprisingly, consists of a pulley that rotates and pulls the belt, then transmits the motion to a second pulley.

To transfer the spinning motion, the system mainly relies on adhesion and friction between the components.

Source - Researchgate

Belt and pulley system characteristics

• The drive system depends on the belt's adhesion to the pulleys.

• The motion of the pulleys is usually reversible.

• Open belt drives rotate in the same direction as the machine, whereas cross belt drives rotate in the opposite direction.

• The rotational speed can be changed by using pulleys of various diameters.

Mechanical power transmission elements

Power transmission and its elements enable engineers to match the power source to the operating environment and condition of the working elements in engineering products such as automation drives, machinery, and so on.

Power transmission elements have a number of advantages.

• Effectively transmit power

• The elements assist in splitting and distributing power so that multiple mechanisms, such as a single motor driving multiple conveyor belts, can be operated.

• Changing the rotational speed

• Reverse the motor's rotational direction.

• Converts rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion.

There are various mechanical power transmission elements which include:

1. Belts and pulley: When gears aren't an option and the distance between shafts is too great, belts and pulleys are used. Mechanical power is transferred using belt pulleys. Belts are regarded as adaptable connectors.

2.  Brakes and clutches: Brakes and clutches are devices that are used to engage and disengage the transmission of power.

3.  Chains: When precise speed ratios are required, chains and sprockets are used to transmit power.

4. Gears and gear trains - "A gear train is a mechanical power transmission system in which mating gears engage and roll on each other on their pitch circle diameter," according to Wikipedia. (source) Gears are referred to as rigid connectors.

5. Power screws are used as a linkage element for power transmission.

6. Shafts are used in the design of all types of mechanical equipment. Couplings, gears, pulleys, and other components are mounted on a shaft to transmit power or rotation.

Conclusion

Energy is required to operate machines and equipment in a variety of applications. Different industries use various power transmission products, and in some cases, a combination of them to meet their specific needs.

Devices that transmit power and support motion in a straight line are known as linear motion devices. Actuators and linear bearings are among them.

Power is transferred between rotating parts in a machine using rotary motion devices. Chains, belts, pulleys, sheaves, and gears are among them. We also have bearings that reduce friction and allow parts to move smoothly, extending the life of wheels, pulleys, and other rotating parts.