(1) Power Transmission Mechanism

Power transmission mechanisms can be categorized into following three types.

(a) Direct Contact

A power transmission method where the Driver node is directly connected to the Driven node, such as Gears and Cams.

(b) Connected

Most are the types where the Driver node is inter-coupled with the Driven node. There are following types.

	1.	Rigid coupling - - - Connecting Rods, etc.
	2.	Flexible member coupling - - - Belts, Ropes, Other flexible member
	3.	Fluid coupling - - - Oil, Air, etc. are used

(c) Indirect Coupling

Coupling via air gaps such as magnetic bearings.

(2) Power Transmission Mechanism Design

Mechanism transmits Prime Mover's power to the Driven side to obtain intended motion to give functionality, generally. Therefore, the motion of the Driven node is different in the type, velocity, and direction from the Prime Mover node. Specific mechanism is dedicated in order to facilitate this conversion of motion. Steps to design the Driven node are as follows.

The Driven node design must vary to accommodate the characteristics of each manufactured product, but the intermediate and Prime Mover nodes should utilize general mechanisms for standardizing and simplifying.

(3) Prime Mover Power Expression Basics