Embedded Files
Mini Unit 6: Observing Mechanisms A
Days 1-2:
Today the students began learning about the four different types of motion and how mechanisms transmit and change the direction of motion.
Next, the students discussed various examples of mechanisms transferring movement.
The students then learned how to calculate the gear ratio and determine how that mechaism will change the force (torque), speed or direction. The students then completed various sample problems.
Mini Unit 7: Gear Mechanisms A
Days 1-2:
Today the students began learning about mechanisms by building ONE of the following mechanisms and recorded their work on the Gear Mechanisms Activity A document. The students then taught the other members of the class how their mechanism works.
The students used the V5 Template.v5blocks to write a program to make the gear mechanisms spin.
Important tips for building with VEX parts:
1. Using smaller screws saves time, but be sure it can hold the load.
2. When using axles, use delrin (plastic) bearings to reduce friction from metal on metal contact.
3. The washers on KEPS nuts should face metal, not delrin (plastic) bearings.
4. Allen wrenches should be securely on nut, don't strip the opening.
5. Use metal collars to keep gears and axles from sliding.
6. Drive shafts should be supported at 2 points (using bearing blocks, motors or bearing flats).
Simple Gear Train A (note: gears are the same size).
Simple Gear Train B (note: drive gear is smaller than driven gear).
Simple Gear Train C (note: drive gear is larger than driven gear).
Simple Gear Train with Idler (note: drive and driven gears are the same size).
Chain Drive A ( Input sprocket is larger, used to transfer motion from motor to axle a far distance away).
Chain Drive B (Output sprocket is larger, used to transfer motion from motor to axle a far distance away).
Mini Unit 8:
Days 1-6 (Day 7 is Race): Robot Drag Race
Today the students demonstrated what they learned about mechanisms and programming by completing the Robot Drag Race Project. The students began by completing the Robot Drag Race Project Design Brief and wrote their program using the V5 Template.v5blocks. Along the way, the students used the Robot Drag Race Rubric to self-assess as they work.
Gear Mechanisms A Quiz:
This quiz covers the section of Automation & Robotics on Gear Mechanisms.
You should know:
How a mechanism can change the motion, direction, speed or torque (turning force).
The four types of motion (rotary, oscillating, linear and reciprocating) and give an example of each.
Know where the input and output gears are on a mechanism.
Be able to identify the mechanisms covered in class: Simple Gear Train, Simple Gear Train with Idler, Chain Drive.
How to calculate the gear ratio when given the number of teeth on the input and output.
How to figure out whether the gear is increasing torque or increasing speed based on the gear ratio (greater than 1, equal to 1, less than 1).
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