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Eccentric Cam

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Revision as of 18:29, 15 February 2015 by DT Online (talk | contribs)
MechanismsEccentrics.jpg

Cams with complex profiles can be complicated to manufacture, particularly with the type of equipment available in the school workshop. However, if all that is required is to produce a single up and down motion for every revolution on the cam, a circular cam rotating about a point offset from its centre (i.e. eccentric), will often suffice.

An Eccentric Cam would normally provide the follower with Simple Harmonic Motion - (this can be defined as the projection of a point on the diameter of a circle as it precesses around it with constant angular velocity).


Note: They can be modelled, in wooden mechanical toys for example, by drilling a ply or MDF disc off-centre and gluing it on to a rotating dowel.


Note that the cam follower need not just move up and down in a reciprocating motion, but it can be a lever as shown, which will produce oscillating motion.