Power transmission is a process required in almost every piece of machinery. From the tiny motors in pop-up selfie cameras to the innovative transmission lines of the Large Hadron Collider, power transmission applications are all around us. We use power transmission methods to transmit power from the prime mover to the driven machinery for its function. There are four main types of power transmission – mechanical, electric, hydraulic and pneumatic. In this article, we shall learn about mechanical power transmission, its types and the pros and cons of each type. What Is Mechanical Power Transmission?
Mechanical power transmission refers to the transfer of mechanical energy (physical motion) from one component to another in machines. Most machines need some form of mechanical power transmission. Common examples include electric shavers, water pumps, turbines and automobiles. In most cases, the rotational movement of the prime mover is converted into the rotational movement of the driven machinery. However, the speed, torque and direction may change. Occasionally, they may convert rotational motion into translational motion (back and forth movement) depending on the application’s functional requirements. Such change may be carried out using linkages or other machine elements. Types of Mechanical Power Transmission Different machine elements can transmit power between shafts in machinery. The most common mechanical power transmission methods in use in the engineering industry today are:
Shaft couplings
Chain drives
Gear drives
Belt drives
Power screws (lead screws)