Gears Make the World Go Round
Gears are those circular discs with teeth on them that can be found in almost any moving machine. They've been around since the days of Aristotle, and used for a variety of purposes from turn the wheels on your bicycle to generating electricity in large turbines. But how do gears really work? What makes gears such simple, and yet powerful tools?
We need to look no further than the bicycle for answers. Just about everyone is familiar with the concept of a ten speed. Chances are you've probably rode on at some point or another. Ten speeds are popular because they allow riders to cover large distances while exerting minimum energy. They do this by allowing the rider to cycle through a system of gears providing different levels of torque. Torque is the force required to move an object. So on our ten speed depending on which gear is engaged, will depend on how hard or soft the rider will have to press on the pedal to move the bicycle.
In other words, gears are used entirely to deal with torque. Small motors can often times spin fast enough to generate the power required to power an object, such as an electric screwdriver even within a car. However, thanks to the laws of physics, a small motor like the one found in electric screwdrivers can not generate the torque needed to drive the screws. Hence the need for gears.
Understanding that gears provide torque is only the beginning of the puzzle. Because depending on the device and the power that device needs to generate, there are no standards for gear fabrication. In other words, to some degree all gears must be custom made to meet the requirements of the job.
Custom gears are necessary for refining the levels of torque required and therefore maximizing the transfer of energy. Again using the bicycle as an example, if a person is attempting to travel uphill, a lower gear ratio needs to be used to generate more torque per rotation of the pedal. Trying to pedal uphill in a high gear ratio would result in a loss of torque and failure to move the bicycle. However, pedaling along a flat surface at high speeds in a low gear ratio would be painfully difficult over long distances. Using a high gear ratio results in less effort and produces the same energy.
Although bicycle manufacturers typically use universal gear sizes and shapes, at their very core bicycle gears are a variation on the custom gears spectrum. When designing a machine that requires the use of gears, engineers must pay particular attention to the torque requirements of the project. Because of the specific needs of each machine it is important engineers are experts in the fields of torque and power conversion.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
custom gears
Gears and gearboxes are a vital component in any machinery, they allow the engine to accommodate a reduction or increase in speed.
When it comes to playing sports, it is important that you use the proper gear to play sports.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports around the world, with it being the number one sport in many countries.
Soccer is the world's number one sport, with millions of people around the world playing soccer every day.
This article provides information on the advancements in gear cutting technology as well as casters manufacturing.
For those who own classic vintage cars, or for those who are considering buying a vintage car and restoring it to driving condition, knowing where to buy vintage car parts is something which has to be considered.
Have you ever just thought ‘I should scrap my car'? Well you're not the only one; thinking about having to scrap my car is something that goes through the minds of motorists young and old for several reasons.
Are you looking to have your exotic or classic car shipped to a location but are unable to do it yourself ? Several companies specialize in safe and reliable classic car transport services to almost any location necessary. Whether you need to have your exotic or classic car shipped within your state or across the country Car Transporters can make it happen. We know how precious your classic car is to you.
Compressed Natural Gas is a fossil fuel substitute for petrol, diesel and propane. Although its combustion produces greenhouse gases, it is environmentally cleaner and safer than other alternative fuels.
Owning a classic car is often called a labor of love. Anyone that has one knows that the project is never finished. Once the older vehicle is running, other parts often need to be restored. For serious classic car enthusiasts, garages, car lifts and tools are all important elements to restoring older vehicles. Casual mechanics focus on keeping them competitive at car shows or at least the road worthy and fun to drive.
Website designing and development services are in high demand among the people all around world nowadays. In order to fulfill the requirement of good quality websites several website design Bristol companies are found
If you have ever spent time in learning and practicing martial art then you must know that it is all about the physical chess. Along with physical strength and conditioning, what important in martial art is knowledge
In 2010 China is poised to become the world's 2nd largest economy. In 2009 China leapfrogs the US to become the world's largest auto market and surpassed Germany to become the 3rd largest economy in the world
Remember the slogan – "I'm The Boss". I believe this was United Airlines campaign advertisement during the 1970's. When a passenger would board any of their planes, they would be offered a campaign button with those words
Discuss this Article
