Lab Session no.

6
Objective:
To determine the mechanical advantage of toggle joint apparatus.
Apparatus:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Toggle joint apparatus.

Slotted weights.
Hangers.
Meter rod.
Spring balance.

Theory:
Toggle joint is an apparatus of two rods connected by a joint and their other sides
are connected to a fix joint and the other side is connected to a rolling joint.

Using this table apparatus, the reaction forces as a function of the lever angle can
be demonstrated based on the example of a loaded toggle joint. To determine the
forces, straightforward force resolution is used. The apparatus is of robust, solid
metal construction. Using the adjustment device, the angle can be continuously
adjusted between 30...170, the angle can be read on a scale on the base plate.
The horizontal force in the bearing is determined using a spring balance. A set of
weights permits the load to be varied in steps. The apparatus is set up between two
tables or blocks to perform the experiment.
Observations & Calculations:
Zero error in spring balance =
Least count of spring balance =
Weight of hanger =
No
of
ob

Effort
P
(lb)

Load
F
(lb)

Height
h
(in)

Length
D
(in)

Mechanical
Advantage
Experime Theoret

%error=

s.

ntal

ical

expthr
exp
x100

1
2
3