What is Mechanism: Definition and 526 Discussions

In engineering, a mechanism is a device that transforms input forces and movement into a desired set of output forces and movement. Mechanisms generally consist of moving components which may include:

Gears and gear trains;
Belts and chain drives;
Cams and followers;
Linkages;
Friction devices, such as brakes or clutches;
Structural components such as a frame, fasteners, bearings, springs, or lubricants;
Various machine elements, such as splines, pins, or keys.The German scientist Franz Reuleaux defines machine as "a combination of resistant bodies so arranged that by their means the mechanical forces of nature can be compelled to do work accompanied by certain determinate motion". In this context, his use of machine is generally interpreted to mean mechanism.
The combination of force and movement defines power, and a mechanism manages power to achieve a desired set of forces and movement.
A mechanism is usually a piece of a larger process, known as a mechanical system or machine. Sometimes an entire machine may be referred to as a mechanism; examples are the steering mechanism in a car, or the winding mechanism of a wristwatch.
However, typically, a set of multiple mechanisms is called a machine.

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  1. Nagui

    Finding the Equation System of a Complex Mechanism: Using Lagrange Formalism

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  2. moog

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  3. D

    Form of a track in a mechanism

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  4. Robert Friz

    I What Mechanism Creates the Jet Emanating From a Quasar?

    Given that a quasar is a super massive black hole with an accretion disk rotating at some significant percentage of the speed of light, what is the mechanism that generates the enormously luminous jet that emanates from the "poles" of the black hole that has become a quasar? a. The magnetic...
  5. Q

    Ideas for a self-tilting mechanism

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  6. Shees

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  7. mark!

    Is epigenetics an additional mechanism for natural selection?

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  8. V

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  9. nickjmi

    Can you me understand this mechanism?

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  10. N

    Analyzing the Mechanics of a Wobble Plate in a Cranked Axle Mechanism

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  11. PainterGuy

    B Sinusoidal force mechanism for a swing

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  12. Shubol3D

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  13. TURNIGY

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  14. rama3njoy

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  15. HighFive5

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  16. BillTre

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  17. Natalie456

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  18. R

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  19. Aurimas

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  20. M

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  21. W

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  22. E

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  23. Storm_Eagle

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  24. Shuja

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  25. bash1803

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  26. C

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  27. D

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  28. P

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  29. noodlesnoah

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  30. mgkii

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  31. ramadhankd

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  32. T

    Gravity Mechanism: Examples and Possibilities

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  33. C

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  34. S

    Is there a mechanism that can mimic our applied force and time duration?

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  35. S

    Automotive Mechanism to drive a wheel from an internal motor allowing suspension?

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  36. N

    Mechanism with a linear actuator

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  37. TymerTopCat

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  38. C

    I Is there a mechanism for creation of negative energy density

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  39. J

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  40. A

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  41. C

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  42. Sorcerer

    I What is the mechanism by which energy/stress curves spacetime

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  43. Spinnor

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  44. O

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  45. K

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  46. T

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  47. I

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  48. A

    Dynamics: Forces in mechanism problem

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  49. A

    Four Bar Linkage Mechanism - Space Diargram

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  50. A

    Working mechanism of NEFFUL clothing

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