Project 1.1.

6 Compound Machine Design VEX

Introduction
Mechanical systems often require a combination
of mechanisms to complete a given task. Any time
two or more machines are combined, the result is
a compound machine. If many mechanisms are
combined, the machine may even be referred to
as a complex machine. Compound machines can
range in complexity from a crane or automobile to
a simple manual can opener. A bicycle is an
example of a compound machine. The pedals,
brakes, handle bars, and sprocket systems are
just some of the mechanisms on most bicycles. In
this activity you will work in teams to design and
build a compound machine to accomplish an
instructor-specified task.

Equipment

VEX PoE kit, including gears (sprockets), chains, belts, axles, and support
pieces
Rope for pulley systems (masonry line works well)

Design Constraints

The applied effort force may only be provided by a single human input.
The final design must include a minimum of three mechanisms including any of
the simple machines: a gear system; a belt and pulley system; and/or a sprocket
and chain system.
The compound machine must have a mechanical advantage greater than 1.

Procedure
1. Determine the instructor-assigned task in detail, including all required operations
and time constraints.
2. Investigate available equipment components and possible configurations.
3. Brainstorm ideas for accomplishing the assigned task, and record at least three
ideas in your engineering notebook.
4. Using isometric grid paper or 3D modeling software, sketch and annotate a
preliminary design solution including the individual mechanisms mechanical
advantage and the drive ratios.
5. Build, test, and modify your compound machine design.

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Principles of Engineering Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design VEX Page 1

6. Using isometric grid paper or 3D modeling software, sketch and annotate your final
design solution including the individual mechanisms mechanical advantage and
the drive ratios.
7. Use the tables below to document and illustrate the mechanical advantage and
drive ratios of the individual mechanisms utilized within your final compound
machine solution. Show work and units throughout.
Mechanism 1 Type

Pulley

Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction, and key
mechanism features.

Formula

Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations

Substitute / Solve
Final Answer
1/1=1
MA=1

IMA= # of
strands
AMA= # of
strands

Mechanism 2 Type

Gears and Sprockets

Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction, and key
mechanism features.

Formula
IMA=De/Dr
AMA=Fr/Fe

Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations

Substitute / Solve
Final Answer
3/1=50/x x=16.66
3.001
50/16.66=3.001

Mechanism 3 Type

Wheel and Axle

Illustration: Include proper documentation such as force, distance, direction, and key
mechanism features.
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Formula
IMA=De/Dr
AMA=Fr/Fe

Mechanical Advantage / Ratio Calculations

Substitute / Solve
Final Answer
4.5/3=50/x x=3.33
1.50
50/33.33=1.5001

8. Calculate total/overall system mechanical advantage.

Formula

Substitute / Solve
1*3.001*1.5

Final Answer
4.5

Ma*MA*MA=Tma

Conclusion Questions
1 For which mechanism was it the easiest to determine the mechanical advantage or
drive ratio? Why was it the easiest?
It was the pulley because all we had to do was count the strands opposite of the effort
direction.

2 For which mechanism was it the most difficult to determine the mechanical
advantage or drive ratio? Why was it the most difficult?
It was the Gear and Sprocket because one of the gear started off to small so, we
couldnt measure the axle so we had to change that gear.
9. At what value would you estimate the input and output forces of your compound
machine? How did you arrive at your estimated values?
Our input force would be 11 and our output would be 50 because of our mechanical
advantage, and the efficiency it calculated out to be those forces.

10. What modifications could you make to your compound machine to make it more
mechanically efficient?
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I would make higher gear ratios and bigger wheel on our axle and also, add
another pulley.

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