V. Ryan © 2002 - 2006

This section of the website is aimed at introducing pupils to mechanisms and how they work. CAM profiles are discussed in detail as well as the design of a CAM toy. Linkages are also considered. Click on the titles below to view the section of your choice.

Please note: due to complex animations some pages take time to download.

Lesson Starter - Mechanisms

 Lesson Starter - Mechanism, Forces and Movement

1. Cams - Definition, Profiles and Followers

2. Simple Example and Detailed Profiles

3. A Practical Example - Eccentric Cam

4. The Snail / Drop Cam

5. Swash Plate Cams

6. Box Cams

7. Flat Plate Cam

8. The Cylindrical Cam

9. Example cams and questions

10. More Cam Questions

MECHANICAL TOY PROJECT

11. Example Toys

12. Cam Toy Exercise - Problem and Brief

13. Cam Toy Exercise

14. Cam Toy - Working Drawing

15. Cam Toy - Sequence Drawing

16. Cam Toy Mechanisms - Common Faults

17. Mechanical Toy - Evaluation Exercise 1

18. Evaluation - Sheet Layout

19. Toy Museum - Munich, Germany

20. A Mechanical Toy

21. Another Mechanical Toy

OTHER MECHANISMS

1. The Quick Return Mechanism

2. The Shaping Machine and it's Mechanism

3. The Crank and Slider Mechanism

4. Ratchet Mechanisms

5. Cranks and Crank Shafts

LINKAGES

1. Linkage Mechanisms

2. Bicycle Linkage Mechanism

3. Tool Box Linkage Mechanism

4. Linkage Questions

SPRINGS

1. Springs

2. Spring Question

SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

Mechanisms Exam Questions - 1

Mechanisms Exam Question - 2

Mechanisms Exam Question - 3

Mechanisms / PIC Microcontroller Exam Question - 4