Chapter IV

Description of a Mechanism
What is a Mechanism Description?
 Mechanism descriptions are precise representations of
material devices with two or more parts that function
together to do something.

 Mechanism can range in complexity from circuit

components and mechanical fasteners to supercomputers
and space shuttles.

 Descriptions of mechanisms may be found in user and

maintenance manuals, in sales and reference material,
and in technical journals.

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Chapter IV

What is a Mechanism Description?

 The primary focus in writing a mechanism description is
on the physical characteristic or attributes of a device and
its parts.

 Mechanism description documents are built around

precise descriptions of size, shape, color, finish, texture,
and material and they can be written for a wide range of
audience skills (average ~ expert).

 Such documents normally include figures, diagrams, or

photographs that help to clarify the worded description.

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Chapter IV

Example of a Mechanism Description

 A mechanism description usually consists of three
main parts:

1- Introduction.
2- Discussion.
3- Conclusions.

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Chapter IV

Outline of Description of a Mechanism

1- Introduction
 Define the mechanism with a technical
definition, and add extensions to discuss any
theory or principles necessary for the reader to
understand what you are saying.

 Describe the mechanism’s overall function or

purpose.

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Chapter IV

 Describe the mechanism’s overall appearance in

terms of its relevant attributes – e.g., shape, color,
material, finish, texture, mass/weight, and/or size.

 List the mechanism’s parts in the order in which

you plan to describe them.

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Chapter IV

Mechanism’s parts
listing order

Spatially Functionally
 From left to right Order the parts in terms
 From top to bottom of how the parts function
 Inside out with one another
 Outside in

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Chapter IV

2- Discussion
2.1 Part 1
 Define the first part with a technical definition, adding
extensions as needed to deal with theory or operating
principles.

 Describe the part’s overall function or purpose.

 Describe the part’s shape, color, material, finish, texture,

and size. (Use figures, diagrams, and photographs as
necessary)

 Transition from this part to the next part.

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Chapter IV

2.x Part 2~n

 For each remaining part, repeat the pattern of
defining, describing, and transitioning established
for Part 1.

3- Conclusions
 Briefly summarize the mechanism’s function and
relist the parts described.
 Give a sense of finality to the paper. Include a
sentence that by tone and content indicates to the
reader that the mechanism description is complete.

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Chapter IV

Visuals and Mechanism Description

 Almost all mechanism descriptions require visual
aids.
 Only include visuals that add to the description
and specifically relate to the text discussion.
 Do not use visuals with too much or too little
complexity.
 Refer to visual in the text before actually being
used.
 Never put a visual without writing something
about it.

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Chapter IV

Visual Numbering
Pay particular attention to these factors:
 Each visual has an assigned sequence number and name.

 The visuals are numbered in sequence as referenced.

 Compound numbering is normally used in all technical

reports (e.g. Fig. 4.1, where 4 is the Chapter and 1 is the
number of the Fig.).

 Run separate sets of sequence numbers for each type of

visuals (figures, tables, equations, and photographs).

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Chapter IV

Description of 33-kΩ, 1-watt carbon resistor

Audience level: Average
1- Introduction
The 33-kΩ, 1-watt carbon resistor (term) is a circuit
component (classification) that impedes the flow of electric
current (differentiation). (definition)

The resistor impedes the movement of electrons, thereby

generating a thermal response depending on temperature,
cross section, and length of the resistive element. (extension
describing overall function and purpose)

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Chapter IV
– The 33-kΩ, 1-watt carbon resistor looks like a small
cylinder with wire leads extending from each end. The
cylindrical surface is composed of smooth, brown plastic
with a shiny finish. (description of overall appearance,
shape, material, texture, size, …)

– The resistor consists of the following parts: the carbon

element, the wire leads, the casing, and the color bands as
shown in Fig.1.1. (parts listed in the order in which they
will be described, and a related visual is used)

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Fig. 1.1 Parts of the resistor
Chapter IV

2- Discussion (The parts)

2.1 Carbon Element
The carbon element is the capsule of resistive material that
converts electrical energy into heat. (technical definition)

The carbon element serves as the primary active component of

the resistor and provides the necessary 33,000 ohm of
resistance. The element functions by impeding the flow of free
electrons passing through it. The energy released by these
blocked free electrons is then dissipated in the form of heat.
(extension that describes the part’s function and gives any
needed theory)

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Chapter IV

The carbon element is cylindrically shaped and is 2.4cm

long with a diameter of 0.32cm. It is composed of finely
ground carbon particles mixed with a ceramic binding
compound. The element is gray with dull finish. (describe
the part’s shape, color, material, texture, size, …..)

The carbon element is electrically connected to the leads.

(transition from this part to the next part)

2.2 Leads 1- Define the part with technical

definition.
2.3 Casing 2- Add extension.
3- Describe the part’s shape.
2.4 Color Bands 4- Transition to the next part.
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Chapter IV

3- Conclusions
The 33-kΩ 1-watt carbon resistor is a circuit component
that impedes the flow of electric current through the use of
a carbon element. The resistor is made up of four parts: the
carbon element, leads, casing, and color bands. (summarize
the mechanism’s function and relist its parts)

Together, these parts form one of the most commonly used

circuit components in electronic systems today. (give a
sense of finality to the paper. Indicate to reader that the
description is complete)

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Chapter IV

Mechanism Description Checklist

 Did you define the mechanism? Did you extend the
definition with any necessary theory or principle?
 Did you include any theory or principles that either
are not needed or are above or below the level of your
reader?
 Did you describe the mechanism overall function?
 Did you describe the overall appearance in terms of
its shape, color, material, finish, texture, and size?
 Did you list the main parts in the order they will be
described?

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Chapter IV
 For each part:
 Did you define it, describe its function or purpose?
 Did you discuss any theory or operating principle?
 Did you describe its physical structure?
 Did you provide transition from one part to the next
(except for the last part)?
 Did you conclude by summarizing the mechanism’s
function and parts?
 Did you give a sense of finality to the description?

Homework
Prepare a description of a mechanism related to your
specialization. The description must include at least
a visual and in no more than 3 pages.
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