Calculate resultant force of a linear mechanism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resultant force required to slide a roller down a wedge cam mechanism. Participants explore the assumptions and parameters involved in the design, including angles and forces, while also discussing the implications of friction in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to determine the force required (F1) to slide a roller down a wedge cam, given a maximum compressed force (F2) of 1kg and an angle of 20 degrees.
  • Another participant clarifies that the resultant force diagram should focus on the point of contact between the roller and the wedge, emphasizing the importance of the vertical component of the force vector.
  • Some participants discuss the role of friction, noting that while the normal force is perpendicular to the surface, friction will also act tangentially.
  • One participant suggests that if the roller is mounted with a bearing, friction might be insignificant, depending on the type of bearing used and its lubrication.
  • Another participant raises the concern that friction between the slider and the sliding surface could require additional force (F1) to overcome, indicating that it may not be negligible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of friction in the system, with some suggesting it may be negligible while others argue it could be a considerable factor affecting the required force.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions regarding the type of bearing and lubrication are not fully resolved, and the impact of friction on the overall force calculations remains uncertain.

Travis T
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TL;DR
Would like to calculate force required for a wedge cam design
Hi all,

I'm currently designing a linear to linear transform mechanism (wedge cam design).

Would like to check how much force required to push/ slide the roller down.
To ease calculation, i have include some assumption:

F2 = 1kg @ maximum compressed
angle = 20degree
F1 required = ?

and how to draw the resultant force diagram for this example?
Picture1.png


Thanks.
 
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Is this homework?

The resultant force diagram is centered on the point where the roller contacts the wedge. The force vector is perpendicular to the surface at the point of contact. You have the vertical component of that force vector. Get that part of the diagram right before doing the calculations.
 
Thanks for reply,

It is not a homework.
It is for machine designing.
The figure is just drafted to show basic mechanism motion.
 
jrmichler said:
The force vector is perpendicular to the surface at the point of contact.
The normal force is certainly normal to the surface, but there will also be some amount of friction tangent to the surface.
 
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Since the two forces are orthogonal; F1 = F2 * Tan( 20° )
 
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Dr.D said:
The normal force is certainly normal to the surface, but there will also be some amount of friction tangent to the surface.

If the roller is mounted with bearing, will friction force insignificant and can be ignored?
 
Travis T said:
If the roller is mounted with bearing, will friction force insignificant and can be ignored?
If the bearing is a simple cylindrical pin then friction will depend on lubrication and it may be a problem. If the bearing is a low friction rolling bearing then friction will probably not be a big problem.
 
Travis T said:
If the roller is mounted with bearing, will friction force insignificant and can be ignored?
The friction force between slider and sliding surface may be a bigger problem regarding additional F1 needed to overcome friction.
 

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