PRACTICAL EXAMPLE - ECCENTRIC CAM
V. Ryan © 2006 - 2009
PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEET | |
|
An eccentric cam is a disc with its centre of
rotation positioned ‘off centre’. This means as the cam rotates the flat
follower rises and falls at a constant rate. This type of cam is the
easiest to make and yet it is one of the most useful. |
|
|
|
|
A mechanical toy based on a series of eccentric cams is seen below. As the handle is turned the shaft and the cams fixed to it rotate. Placed above the cams are a number of segments representing a ‘snake’. As the cams rotate some of the flat followers are pushed upwards whilst others drop down. This gives the impression that the snake is moving. |
|
![]() |
|
QUESTION: 1. Design a toy or practical item based on a series of eccentric cams, working in a similar way as the ones seen above. |
|
The eccentric cam below pushes the 'fish' upwards and allows it to drop downwards at a uniform speed. The overall speed is controlled by the speed the handle is turned. |
|
![]() |
|
CLICK HERE FOR MECHANISMS INDEX PAGE | |
![]() |
|||
|