1. fischertechnik Mechanisms
Principles of Engineering
© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

2. Universal Joint
Transmits power when shafts are not in line

3. Spur Gears
Change speed, torque, and rotational speed

4. Idler Gear
No effect on speed and torque, but input and output shafts turn in the same direction

5. Rack and Pinion
Rack (in red) and pinion (in black) converts rotary motion of the pinion gear to linear motion of the rack
Reversible, positive drive with no slipping

6. Crown and Pinion Mechanism reduces speed and increases torque
Output shaft is at a 90-degree angle to the input shaft
Gears rotate in opposite directions

7. Bevel Gears Gears increase torque or speed
Output shaft is at a 90-degree angle to the input shaft
Gears rotate in opposite directions

8. Worm Gear Gear increases torque and reduces speed
Output shaft is at a 90-degree angle to the input shaft
Direction of rotation can be reversed, but the output gear cannot drive the worm gear

9. Cam
As a cam rotates the flat follower is raised and lowered, converting rotary motion to linear motion
CAM LOBE
FOLLOWER

10. Chain and Sprocket
Chain and sprocket apparatus increases speed or torque
Mechanism can run in reverse direction with no slipping
Input and output shafts rotate in the same direction

11. Pulley and Belt
Mechanism can increase torque or speed and can run in reverse
Input and output shafts are parallel and rotate in the same direction
The belt may slip

12. Motor Driven Worm Gear Gear reduces speed and increases torque
Output shaft is at a 90-degree angle to the input shaft
Direction of motion is reversible, but the output gear cannot turn the worm gear

13. Motor Driven Pulley and Belt
Mechanism can increase torque or speed
Input and output shafts are parallel and rotate in the same direction
The belt may slip

14. Screw
Mechanism converts rotary motion to linear motion and increases torque
Direction of rotation is reversible