Design Technology · A3 Product

DTA3.3 — Introduction to mechanical systems

Design Technology · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. DTA3.3.1

   The four types of motion

   There are four types of motion involved in mechanical systems.

2. DTA3.3.2

   Input to output

   Mechanical systems convert an input into an output.

3. DTA3.3.3

   Mechanical advantage

   Mechanical systems can provide a mechanical advantage to the user.

4. DTA3.3.4

   Changing speed, direction and power

   Mechanical systems are used to increase or decrease the speed, direction or power of a motion.

5. DTA3.3.5

   Combining motions

   The four types of motion can be combined to create simple or complex mechanical systems.

6. DTA3.3.6

   Gears

   Gears transmit rotary motion from one gear shaft to another, and have a number of teeth.

7. DTA3.3.7

   Belts and pulleys

   Belt-driven systems are driven by pulleys.

8. DTA3.3.8

   Cams

   The shape of a cam dictates the type of motion.

9. DTA3.3.9

   Levers

   Levers comprise a beam acting on a fulcrum (pivot) and are classed based on the relative position of the fulcrum to an applied load and effort.

10. DTA3.3.10

    Linkages

    Linkages are used to change the direction of a movement, alter the magnitude of a force or make parts of a system move in a particular way.