Technology: Links & Guides

A BASIC MECHANICAL FUNCTION is the role played by a component(s). A technical object’s COMPONENTS are the parts or fluids that have a mechanical function. A BASIC MECHANICAL FUNCTION is the role played by a component(s).

BASIC MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS: We will be looking at TWO (of several) BASIC MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS: Linking Function Guiding Function

A LINK helps connect two or more parts of a technical object. LINKING is the basic mechanical function provided by any component that links an object’s parts. A LINKING COMPONENT is one that has the basic mechanical function of linking. P.385 textbook

Basically: A component that performs the linking function is called a linking component.

A link always has FOUR characteristics. Direct or indirect Rigid or flexible Removable or non-removable Complete or Partial

1 DIRECT INDIRECT Two parts can hold together without a linking component. Two parts must hold together WITH a linking component.

2 RIGID FLEXIBLE The surfaces of linked parts or linking components can be deformed. The surfaces of linked parts or linking components are rigid.

NON- REMOVABLE REMOVABLE 3 Linked parts can be separated with no resulting damage. Separating the linked parts will cause damage.

4 COMPLETE PARTIAL At least one part is capable of motion with respect to the other. No movement between linked parts.

BASIC MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS: We will be looking at TWO (of several) BASIC MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS: Linking Function Guiding Function P. 383-384 11

GUIDING is the basic mechanical function of any component that controls the motion of one or several moving parts. A GUIDE is a component that has the basic mechanical function of guiding.

The two main guiding motions performed by technical objects are: Rotational motions Translational motions

There are 6 main TYPES of links: There are 4 pairs of CHARACTERISTICS of links. There are 6 main TYPES of links: Fixed Rotating Sliding Sliding Rotating Spherical Helical

FIXED link There is NO MOVEMENT between linked parts.

ROTATING link The guided part can undergo rotational motion around one axis.

SLIDING link The guided part can undergo translational motion on one axis.

SLIDING ROTATING link The guided part can undergo translational & rotational motion on the same axis.

SPHERICAL link The guided part can undergo rotational motion in MANY directions.

HELICAL link The guided part can undergo helical motion.