GENEVA DRIVE MECHANISM

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1 History & Introduction

2 Working

3 Applications

4 Advantages / Disadvantages

INTRODCUTION & HISTORY

The name of this mechanism is derived from the device’s earliest application in mechanical
watches. The Geneva drive is also known as a Maltese cross mechanism. It is said that that
Geneva mechanism was invented by a Swiss watchmaker to prevent the overwinding of watch
springs [1].
 It is a cam like mechanism that provides intermittent
rotary motion and is widely used in both low and high
speed machinery. It basically converts a continuous
rotation into intermittent rotary motion.

They are of three types , as given below

External Geneva Mechanism

In this type of mechanism, the Geneva cross is connected with cam drive externally which is
most popular and is represented in figure. The external form is more common because it can be
manufactured in smaller size and can withstand high mechanical stresses.

Internal Geneva Mechanism

The Geneva cross and cam drive are connected internally in

the closed box. There is bearing only on one side of the axis of
internal drive wheel. In this type the drive wheel has to rotate
more than 180° in order to complete one step rotation.
Spherical Geneva Mechanism

In this type of mechanism the Geneva cross is in spherical shape

and cam drives are connected in externally, which is extremely
rare. [2]

WORKING

Below in the diagram, shows a simple format of a Geneva Mechanism. Driver, A carries a pin, P
in a constant circular motion, so that it engages with one of the four (although it could be any
number, usually between 3 and 18) slots in output follower B. Surfaces C and S are important:
surface S engages with the concave profile in between the follower slots, preventing the
follower, B rotating when the pin is not engaged with the Surface C ,Therefore ,allows
the follower to rotate as the pin, P engages with the follower, rotating it, in this case, a quarter of
a turn . a Simple Geneva mechanism(Geneva gear) can be deduced from the following set of
equations [3]

a = Drive crank radius

s = slot centre length = (a + b)- c
p = drive pin diameter
y = slot arc radius
t = allowed clearance
c = centre distance = a sin 180⁄𝑛
b = Geneva wheel radius = √𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
b = Geneva wheel radius = √𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
n = Driven slot quantity
w = slot width = p + t
y = slot arc radius = a-1.5p
z = stop disc radius = y-t
v = clearance arc = 𝑏𝑧⁄𝑎

APPLICATIONS

i. Mechanical watches, In Analogue watches, the “Date” changes due to it.

ii. It is also used in motion picture projectors to provide the intermittent advance of the film.
iii. Indexing system of large multiple spindle machine tools.
iv. Indexing tables in assembly lines and tool changer for CNC.
v. Bottle filling machine, semi-automated capping machine.
vi. Vacuum filling system using Geneva drive (used as gear drive). [4]

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

It is simplest and least expensive of all Not a very versatile mechanism

intermittent mechanisms.
 They come for use in instruments and Very difficult to change timing once design is
machines in various sizes , specifications and chosen
ranges

Good motion curve characteristic than Jerks are produced , due to instantaneous
ratchets, It is also a special type of cam. change in acceleration (greater instantaneous
acceleration than cam)

They have a very long life Limited number of dwells from 3 to 18 per

( it has very less wear) rotation. [5]

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Encyclopædia Britannica, 1998

[2]Panchani A and Doshi H 2017 International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research
Int. J. Adv. Eng. Res. Dev. 2 61–7

[3] University of Warwick - ES3C2 Design Report - The Geneva Mechanism Philip Fulcher
1209885-January 7, 2015

[4] International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)
- [2015], Bottle Filling Machine based on Geneva Mechanism, Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp: (178-183).

[5] Bickford, Mechanisms for Intermittent Motion , 1972