In order to plan a mechanism of high reliability and low cost, it helps to be able to imagine the concept as a simple and logical motion body.

Glossary of Basic Terms of Mechanisms

Terms Explanation Descriptive Symbols Mechanism Combination of multiple mechanical components where movement of a component results in movements of the others. 　 Driver and Driven Driver: The side with a prime mover. Input side. Solid Arrow Driven: The "moved" side. Output side. White Arrow = Explanation = A power transmission with two spur gears is a reversible system where the gears can rotate when Driver and Driven switch places. A worm and wheel gear combination is a non-reversible system where the worm can be the Driver side and function as a reducer transmission, but the inverse will not function. 　 Mechanical Element An element composing a mechanism 　 Pair A motion mechanism comprised of a pair (two) of mechanical elements. = Explanation = Categorized into two types depending on how the pair of machine elements contact. 　 Low Level Pair ： Surface Contact (sliding, rotating, screw) Sliding ： Shaft & Linear Bushing, Piston & Cylinder, etc. Rotation ： Pin & Metal Screw ： Bolt & Nut High Level Pai ： Point contact, Line contact pairing Point Contact ： Linear motion guides used ball bearing, etc. Line Contact ： Linear motion guides used roller bearing, etc. Sliding Pair

The lower level pairs are simple mechanisms and practical. The high level pairs are suitable for high speed and accuracy motion control, though knowledge on material selection and machining accuracy are required.