11/10/22

Definition of a “Simple
Machine”

Pulleys and Belt • A simple machine is any of several devices, with few or no
moving parts that are used to modify motion and the
magnitude of a force in order to perform work.

Drives

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It uses a belt to lift the load using a pulley

Load: The mass of the object that is being moved. that has a grove inside to fit the belt.

Uses of
More terms
Effort: The amount of force required to complete a task. By pulling the belt it travels through the
grove in the pulley and lifts up the load.
Pulleys and
used in Velocity Ratio: The ratio of the distance moved where
Belt drives
simple
effort is applied, compared to the area where the load
resides. It is used to lift up heavy objects to higher and how does
altitudes or to spin objects for rotary
machines Mechanical Advantage: A Velocity Ratio for Mechanisms.
functions. it assist
By pulling on the belt, it lessens the weigh
others.
Efficiency: How little effort you can put in to maximize you have to carry, dividing it into fractions
the load moved. of the inertia needed.

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Examples of
pulley and belt
drives
• Wells: They use a belt and pulley
to get water up from deep water
sources.
• Elevators: Instead of people
doing the lifting, a counterweight
does the trick.