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| | 5 | == Introduction == |
| | 6 | '''Why do we use gears?'''\\ |
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| | 8 | The main purpose of gears is the transfer mechanical energy from one shaft to another. Gears can be used to interchange ''rotational speed'' and ''torque''. ''Rotational speed'' is the speed at which the gear and its shaft are rotating, and ''torque'' is the rotational force the gear applies. By change the ''gear ratio'', you can change the ''rotational speed'' and ''torque'' of the gears' shafts. |
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| | 10 | On our robotics team, most of the motors rotate their shafts too faster and with not enough torque for our applications. We use gears and gearboxes to exchange speed for more torque. |
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| | 12 | Gearing can also help adjust the placement of a motor with respect to the axle you wish to rotate using ''idler gears'', ''belts'', etc. You will see some examples throughout the lessons. |
