A mechanism is simply a device which takes an input motion and force, and outputs a different motion and force. The point of a mechanism is to make the job easier to do. The mechanisms most commonly used in mechanical systems are levers, linkages, cams, gears, and and pulleys. You need to know how to calculate the mechanical advantage obtained by using levers, the velocity ratio in levers and pulley systems, and gear ratio and output speed when using gears.
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