Ramakrishnan Balasubramanian

Mechatronics
Individual Project Report
Two ways to One way Mechanism

Contents page
1.0Introduction 2
2.0Components
2.1Bevel gear 2
2.2Shaft 2
2.3Ratchet and pawl 3
2.4Shaft holder 3
2.5Fasteners 3
3.0Working 4
4.0Future Iterations 5
1.Introduction
This mechanism can be used in systems that have random circular input to uniform output
such as deriving energy from fluids where the system is erratic, but we would need a
uniform output for generating energy. The mechanism involves bevel gears, ratchet, and
pawl to convert the random circular motion uniform since the system is self-locking there is
low to no Backlash that is present in the mechanism provided the gear are accurate. Similar
type of motion can be made possible by internal movement within the mechanism, but this
mechanism has no such linear motion within the mechanism.

2.0. Mechanical design

The mechanism itself is 3d printed using ABS IC3D and has printed on it even though it is
less strong than PLA it is more flexible and can be used to print the pawl part of the
mechanism. The mechanism has length and width of 102mm and 125 mm respectively, and
I went with minimalistic design to save material while printing.

2.1 components
2.1.1. Bevel Gears

The bevel gear is the main actuator it is used for transferring the input power to output
shaft providing the transfer of power in perpendicular direction.

2.1.2. Shaft

Holding the component in position and in transfer of power.it is designed in such was to
hold the ratchet in place so that it won’t rotate over it.
2.1.3. Ratchet and pawl

The ratchet and pawl are the actuating mechanism that makes the two-way to one -way
motion possible. Pawl is a single piece that is compliant that bends without joint because of
it shape. This is loaded on the ratchet.

2.1.4. Shaft Holder

Holding the input and output shaft act as the support and base for the whole mechanism.

2.1.5 Fasteners

#6 self-threaded screw are used for fastening the components together

3.0 Working

• The bevel gear normally is free to rotate on the shaft but has a pawl connected to it.
• The ratchet is attached to the shaft so that it rotates with it.
• The ratchet is attached in opposite to each other in the shaft
• Thus, one ratchet is always engaged and the other one is not engaged with the pawl
when the shaft rotates
• The engaged pawl makes the attached gear to rotate with the shaft while the other
gear is free to rotate
• This makes the output gear to rotate in the same direction even if the input is
rotated in the same direction
• The movement is little bit tight because of the pawl that is been produced in ABS
4.0. Future Iteration
The following problem is faced when the mechanism has been actuated: -

• Improper clearance
• Misalignment
• Tight movements

The above-mentioned problems can be solved by constructing the mechanism by using the
following steps: -

• producing the whole mechanism using different manufacturing technique like CNC
machining or metal working where we can work with close tolerance
• redesigning the locking mechanism where the ratchet and pawl is involved
• using tap holes instead of normal hole for fastening components.