Cams & Followers Flashcards
To learn about the different types of cams and followers
What is the rod that rests on top of the cam known as?
The follower
What happens to the follower as the cam rotates?
It rises and falls, creating a reciprocating motion
What are the 3 possible motions of the follower?
• Rising • Falling • Dwelling (remaining stationary)
What do cam mechanisms often include?
• A slide • A wheel follower • A crank
What is the purpose of the labelled sections of the cam mechanism do?
• The slide prevents the follower from slipping • The crank (handle) is used to manually rotate the camshaft • The wheel follower reduces friction between the cam and the follower
What are the most common types of cam?
• Eccentric (circular) • Pear-shaped • Snail • Heart-shaped (constant velocity)
Where is the pivot located on an eccentric cam?
The pivot is positioned off-centre
What is the movement of the follower with an eccentric cam?
The follower steadily rises and falls
What is the movement of the follower with a pear-shaped cam?
The follower dwells for half a turn, before rising as the point approaches for a quarter turn and then falling for the last quarter rotation
What is the movement of the follower with a snail cam?
The follower gradually rises and then suddenly drops. It can only rotate in one direction.
What is the movement of the follower with a heart-shaped cam?
The follower rises and falls with no dwell period. It is said to have constant velocity.
What type of cam is this?
An eccentric (circular) cam
What type of cam is this?
A pear-shaped cam
What type of cam is this?
A snail cam
What type of cam is this?
A heart-shaped (constant velocity) cam
