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Questions tagged [mechanical]

253 questions
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Mechanical advantage of the 3-ring release system

I'm quite curious about the 3-ring release system used in parachutes, as described in this Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-ring_release_system I wonder why is this system so popular? I've been told it's nearly ubiquitous in the…
S. Rotos
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How does this gearbox work?

EE here; I need help! This gearbox takes rotational motion from a single DC motor and turns one gear when the DC motor spins in one direction and another gear when the DC motor spins in another direction. Can you help me understand how it…
webhunt
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Identify this bomb disposal equipment

A recent news item featured this photo of a WW2 bomb being prepared for detonation. Can anyone identify the purpose of the large widget sitting on the bomb? it's got a lot of cooling fins on it, and there appears to be fan on the right hand side.…
ConanTheGerbil
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Why does this thing that is not a screw have a screwdriver slot?

I am (partially) disassembling an old sewing machine to clean it up. While removing the bobbin winder, I found this thing that has a screwdriver slot, but it isn't a screw. This is the part: It came out of here: It is actually held in place by a…
JRE
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5
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1 answer

Quick return mechanism for spring-loaded screw

I am looking for a way to convert rotary motion to linear, but it should take less energy to get back to initial position than when going from initial position to the end position. Specifically, a screw mechanism pushes a spring with multiple of…
PSz
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Why/when do we use a transition fit?

I'm self-learning a bit about preferred fits and tolerances and was wondering why transition fits were even a thing. Clearance fits I understand, applications where you don't want parts to touch and "clear" each other. Interference fits are for…
TwoWaySpeedOfLight
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How is motor torque related to capstan equation?

I know that capstan equation relates $T_{in}$ and $T_{out}$ as $T_{out} = T_{in}e^{u \cdot F_c}$, where $u$ is friction coefficient and $F_c$ is wrap (slip) angle. In my situation, the capstan is driven by a motor. Input and output ends of the…
Berkcem
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What is Saint Venant Principle?

I am having problem with the application of Saint Venant principle.I have heard that quite often we use that knowingly or unknowingly.I would be very greatful to anyone who would explain this very explicitly to me.
Rajorshi Koyal
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How does this pawl mechanism work?

From 507 mechanical movements, No. 63, we get the following diagram and description. Jumping or intermittent rotary motion, used for meters and revolution-counters. The drop and attached pawl, carried by a spring at the left, are lifted by pins…
Sam Gallagher
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Parallel beam load cells, force transfer and maximum load

I'm going to experiment with a parallel beam load cell like this one: https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Sensors/ForceFlex/TAL220M4M5Update.pdf. I've read somewhere that for a setup shown on this picture: the response of the cell is largely…
Paul Jurczak
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Calculate Torque Required

I am working on a school project that requires me to build a machine. I have designed the machine but I am stuck at torque calculation. The problem goes like this, the machine supposes to rotate a stack of trays (5 trays stacking up vertically) at a…
lalala
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Clutch role in a micro hydropower

I've recently visited an old (about 60 years old) micro hydroelectric standalone installation. Total electric power is about 3 kW A/C. A local told me between generator + fly-wheel and turbine there is a clutch. Question is: what is the role of a…
mattia.b89
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Why do 2-stroke engines burn more oil?

Of course, most 2-stroke engines require oil to be mixed with the fuel (I appreciate there are 2-stroke engines that don't require this). Therefore, it makes sense to me that oil will be burnt during the combustion process, given it is mixed with…
PhysicsGuy123
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4 Gears in a Circular Pattern - Calculating the Proper Distances for Meshing

I have recently been working on a gearbox for a robot. I have this pattern of 4 gears with each gear connected to its 2 neighbors. It looks like this: You will probably notice something though. Large gear on the right and the small one in the…
Ben L
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Scanning and modeling my personal vehicle for aerodynamic simulation

I have this pickup truck that I love dearly. I often change the aerodynamic configuration of the truck when I use my camper shell, or roof top tent, etc. Is there a reasonably easy way to create a mesh model of my truck from images so that I can use…
C Jones
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