1st class lever examples2nd class lever examples
3rd class lever examples

Say the class of a Salad Tongs?
Effort arm, load arm, input range, output range
Salad Tongs

Compound Levers

Nail clipper, showing that the load of the handle is the effort of the jaw

A compound lever consists of one lever operating another.

Assorted compound levers






Some other compound levers are shown to the left. Clockwise starting at the top, these include:
    • a pair of vise grips (1st class lever as input to 1st class lever)
    • a pizza-tray holder (same as vise grips)
    • a grapefruit sectioner (1st class lever as input to 3rd class lever)
    • a tea-bag strainer (reverse of grapefruit sectioner)

    • a pair of garden shears (2nd class lever as input to 1st class lever)
    • a pair of tin snips (see Extreme Scissors for an extended discussion)
Mystery mechanism challenge AMystery mechanism challenge B

Solution to design challenge ASolution to design challenge B

Key to the solution graphics

Can you figure out how the mechanisms have to be constructed to get the desired input and output?






Last modified: Tuesday, 19 July 2016, 3:17 PM