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CRANKS AND CRANKSHAFTS | |
V. Ryan © 2004 - 2017 | |
Cranks have many uses and they can be found in some toys as part of a mechanism or in serious machinery such as car engines. Some cranks are attached to mechanisms that are difficult to turn or rotate. |
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The diagram below shows the handle (crank) of an old
fashioned record player, being turned. Turning the crank stores energy
in a strong ‘spring mechanism’ inside the player. When the handle is
released the stored energy in the spring turns the record, allowing
music to play. Modern wind-up radios use the same type of mechanism. |
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The crank acts like a lever, increasing mechanical advantage (the distance between the handle and the central shaft is increased - this makes it easier to turn). |
Ed the Handyman winds the crank on his old fashioned record player. This stores energy inside the player. |
Below is a good example of a crank shaft. When a shaft has two or more cranks it can be called a crank shaft. A typical example of a crank shaft can be found on small mechanical vehicles made for young children. As the child peddles the crank shaft rotates the wheels and the vehicle moves forward. |
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Above we see Ed the Handyman of Energy Efficient Cars. Ed thinks if he manufactures a full sized version of a child's crankshaft driven toy vehicle he can sell it to adults, helping them commute to work every morning. Would you buy one? DISCLAIMER - Energy Efficient Cars is a fictitious company. Ed the Handyman is a fictitious character. Both have been created to support the article above relating to cranks |
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QUESTION: 1. Design a toy for a young child the operates with a crank or crank shaft. 2. Explain how a crank shaft on a pedal car makes it easier to move the car forwards. |
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EXAMPLE OF A MECHANICAL TOY BASED ON A CRANK | |
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