Since ancient times, man has been trying to make his work easier. To do this, he uses various devices. What are the simplest mechanisms? What are the types of these devices? What is the difference between simple and complex mechanisms? About this and much more - later in the article.
General information
Simple mechanisms (from the Greek. "machine, tool") - devices that give a gain in strength. Some of these devices appeared in antiquity itself. Simple mechanisms can be independent devices or be elements of more complex units. Depending on the type of construction, the scope of this or that device is also determined. The use of simple mechanisms greatly facilitates human activity. Such devices give a gain in strength. For example, a wedge that is driven into a log has more power than the blow to the fixture itself. Therefore, the tree quickly bursts in different directions. At the same time, the blow to the wedge falls from top to bottom, and parts of the log move apart to the sides. That is, in this case, there is also a transformation in the direction of movement.
Simple mechanisms. Examples
There are several types of fixtures:
Inclined plane
a) the screw is used in screws, like a drill in jackhammers, drills; can also serve as a lifting mechanism (Archimedes screw);
b) the wedge contributes to an increase in pressure by concentrating the mass in a small area. Used in bullet, shovel, spear.
A lever is a device described by Archimedes. Can act as a trigger, switch.
a) the gate is used for belt transmission and raising water from the well.
The wheel (invented in 3000 BC by the Sumerians) is an integral part of the gear system used in transport.
The piston contributes to the use of the energy of heated expanding gases or steam. This device is used in steam engines and firearms.
Gate
This device is a drum (cylinder) to which the handle is attached. As a rule, it was used as a lifting mechanism for raising water from a well. The gain in strength that is obtained when using the gate is determined by the ratio of the radius of the circle along which the handle moves to the radius of the cylinder (drum) on which the rope is wound. The winch belongs to the modern type of gate. This fixture is a system that includes a cylinder and two gears of different radii. The gain in strength, which in general gives the winch, is determined by the combined action of the two gates. Modern devices give a win of forty-hundred times.
Inclined plane
This simple mechanism is also often used when lifting heavy bodies. The gain in force is determined by the ratio of the length of the device itself to its height, subject to low friction. Often, to create a large force (for example, for the operation of an icebreaker or for chopping firewood), a type of inclined plane is used - a wedge. Its action is based on the fact that with a large force in the direction of the butt, large forces are formed that are perpendicular to the side surfaces of the device. Another type of inclined plane is the screw. Just like a wedge, this device is capable of changing the direction or numerical value of the applied force.
Simple mechanisms. Lever
This is a rigid body capable of rotating around a (fixed) support. The smallest distance that separates the fulcrum and the straight line along which the force acts on the lever is called the shoulder of the force. To find it, you should lower the perpendicular from the fulcrum to the line of action of the force. The length of this perpendicular will be the shoulder. F1 and F2 are the forces acting on the lever. The arms acting on the device are L1 and L2. The lever is then in equilibrium when the forces acting on it are inversely proportional to the arms. This rule can be represented as a formula: F1 / F2=L1 / L2. This principle was established by Archimedes. This rule shows that a large force with a lever can be balanced by a smaller one. The force applied to one shoulder is as many times greater than that applied to the other as one shoulder is largersecond.
How do people use gadgets today?
Simple mechanisms in everyday life are very common. So, it would be quite difficult to open a water tap if it did not have a small handle, which is a fairly effective lever. The same can be said about the wrench, which is used to loosen or tighten nuts or bolts. The longer the handle, the easier the action will be. So, when working with heavy or large nuts and bolts when repairing complex mechanisms, machine tools, cars, wrenches with handles up to one meter in length are used. The most ordinary door is also one of the types of devices in question.
If you try to open the door near its fastening, it will be very difficult. However, the farther from the hinges the handle is located, the easier it is to open the door. A good example is the pole vault. Its length is about five meters. With the help of this lever and the right effort, the athlete manages to fly up to a height of up to six meters. The long arm is about three meters. Levers are also found in different parts of the human body and the animal body. These are, in particular, jaws, limbs. Household examples of a lever are wire cutters, scissors for cutting metal or paper. Machines of various types also have devices in their design that make it possible to obtain a gain in strength. For example, pedals or a handbrake on a bicycle, sewing machine handles, piano keys.
Complex application of fixtures
Simple mechanisms are found in a variety of combinations. Combined devices include two or more parts. It doesn't have to be a complex mechanism - many simple devices can be considered complex. So, in the meat grinder there is a handle (gate), a screw pushing the meat and a knife-cutter (wedge). In wristwatches, the hands are rotated by means of a system of gears that have different diameters and are in engagement with each other. One of the well-known combined simple mechanisms is a jack. It uses a combination of collar and screw.
Conclusion
As it became clear, simple mechanisms greatly facilitate the work of a person. They may consist of one or more parts. At the same time, even in the presence of two or more elements, they can remain simple, but they can also be quite complex. Various units, printing presses, engines include several parts. Among the elements there are levers, blocks, screws, wheels on axles, inclined planes, a wedge. All these devices work together. Thanks to them, a person greatly facilitates work. The transfer of mechanical energy from one part of the device to another can be done in different ways. Chains, belts, gears or gears are considered the most common devices that help transfer force and make individual elements move slower or faster, in one direction or another. Complex and high-speed devices are controlled asusually electronic devices. Electric sensors, thanks to a special setting, show when it is necessary to turn on a particular mechanism, they also monitor the correct and stable operation of the system.
Many devices came to the modern life of man from ancient times. People are constantly improving complex mechanisms, thus expanding the scope of their application. Undoubtedly, in the daily life of a person, various devices occupy a very important place. Much cannot be imagined without the use of simple and complex mechanisms. Devices are widely used in construction, agriculture, mining and other areas of human activity.
