What is the force generated by a lever in a closed position?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force generated by a lever mechanism operated by a rack and pinion gear assembly when in a closed position. Participants explore the relationship between torque and force in this mechanical context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the torque in the pinion to be 252 Nm and seeks to determine the resulting force at the contact pad of the lever.
  • Another participant suggests that the force can be calculated by multiplying the torque by the length of the lever arm (138.5 mm), indicating a straightforward approach.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about the simplicity of the calculation, suggesting that the offset might require additional considerations.
  • There is a reiteration of the formula for force, where one participant states that force equals torque divided by distance, clarifying the relationship between these quantities.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the conversion of units and the application of the formula.
  • Several participants express feelings of confusion or error regarding their contributions, indicating a shared experience of uncertainty in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit some agreement on the formula for calculating force from torque, but there is disagreement regarding the implications of the lever's offset and whether additional calculations are necessary. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the unit conversions and the assumptions regarding the lever's geometry that may affect the calculations. The discussion does not fully resolve these ambiguities.

IanPibworth
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So..

I'm trying to figure out if a design Idea has any potential. The figure below shows a lever mechanism operated by a rack and pinion gear assembly. I've calculated the torque in the pinion to be 252 Nm.

What will be the force at the contact pad, generated by the lever when in the closed position?

Any and all advice welcome..

upload_2018-8-29_15-54-58.png
 

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The resulting force is equal to the 252 Nm torque x the 138.5 mm? length (converted to m) in your drawing. (Note: No drawing is complete without at least a note specifying the units of its dimensions.)
 
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Oh.. its really as simple as that? I feel a bit stupid asking now, I thought because of the offset there would be an additional calculation.

Yes, the full drawing border has the specified units, in this case its mm.

Thanks for your help.
 
JBA said:
The resulting force is equal to the 252 Nm torque x the 138.5 mm? length (converted to m) in your drawing. (Note: No drawing is complete without at least a note specifying the units of its dimensions.)
I think that should be

Force = torque/distance = 252/0.138
 
{/QUOTE] JBA, post: 6048274, member: 570081"]The resulting force is equal to the 252 Nm torque x the 138.5 mm? length (converted to m)[/QUOTE]

I intended the conversion to refer to the 138.5 mm length; but, I can see how it might be a bit ambiguous and misconstrued as referring to the multiplication result.
 
I wasn't referring to the conversion...

Torque = force * distance
so
Force = torque / distance
 
Now I see my ridiculous error. I must start checking my posts a lot more carefully. I think my advancing age is beginning to affect my mind.
 
Me too.
 

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