Gears & Power Transmission
Understand how gears transform speed, torque, and direction in mechanical systems. Master the mathematical relationships that govern gear trains and apply them to robot design.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
- Calculate gear ratios and mechanical advantage
- Design gear trains for specific applications
- Understand speed vs. torque trade-offs
- Apply gear systems to robot mobility and manipulation
Gear Fundamentals
Gears are fundamental to most robotic systems, allowing you to:
- Increase torque for heavy lifting or pushing
- Increase speed for rapid movement
- Change direction of rotation
- Reduce motor strain through mechanical advantage