Levers and Linkages

Levers

Levers convert small movements into larger ones. They are composed of an effort, a load, and a pivot, also known as the fulcrum.
First Order Levers have the fulcrum positioned between the effort and the load. A seesaw is a common example.
Second Order Levers possess the load between the effort and the fulcrum, like a wheelbarrow.
Third Order Levers situate the effort between the load and the fulcrum, such as the human arm.
Levers also magnify force, including common machinery like car jacks and nutcrackers.
Devices use a combination of levers to execute complex tasks. This is called a compound lever.

Linkages are mechanisms, often composed of levers, utilised to create complex motions from simple ones.
Linear motion linkages cause an input motion in a straight line to generate an output motion also in a straight line.
A change direction motion linkage transforms an input movement to an output motion that shifts direction.
An oscillating motion linkage generates a sweeping movement from a straight input motion. Windscreen wipers employ this type of linkage.
Increase or decrease motion linkages adjust the input motion’s magnitude before outputting. For example, a bike gear system.

#Mechanical Advantage

Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the force produced by a machine to the force applied to it.
Levers and linkages can either amplify or reduce force. An output force greater than the input means the device has a mechanical advantage greater than one.
Dare to experiment with various lever and linkage combinations to gain a better understanding of these vital mechanical systems!