machine element

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Machine element refers to an elementary component of a machine. These elements consist of three basic types: 1. structural components such as frame members, bearings, axles, splines, fasteners, seals, and lubricants, 2. mechanisms that control movement in various ways such as gear trains, belt or chain drives, linkages, cam and follower systems, including brakes and clutches, and 3. control components such as buttons, switches, indicators, sensors, actuators and computer controllers.[1] While generally not considered to be a machine element, the shape, texture and color of covers are an important part of a machine that provide a styling and operational interfacebetween the mechanical components of a machine and its users. Machine elements are basic mechanical parts and features used as the building blocks of most machines.[2] Most are standardized to common sizes, but customs are also common for specialized applications.[3] Machine elements may be features of a part (such as screw threads or integral plain bearings) or they may be discrete parts in and of themselves such as wheels, axles, pulleys,rolling-element bearings, or gears. All of the simple machines may be described as machine elements, and many machine elements incorporate concepts of one or more simple machines. For example, a leadscrew incorporates a screw thread, which may be defined as an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Many mechanical design, invention, and engineering tasks involve a knowledge of various machine elements and an intelligent and creative combining of these elements into a component or assembly that fills a need (serves an application). Machine elements need to be verified and certified that they are manufactured in compliance with all specified requirements to ensure quality and safety. [4]

Structural elements[edit]

Shafts Couplings Bearings Fasteners

Keys, Splines and Cotter pin Seals

Mechanical elements[edit]

Belt, Chain, Cable drives Clutch Brake Gear train Cam and follower systems Linkage Simple machine

Types[edit]

Shafts[5]

Coupling[5]

Key[3] Spline[3] Bearing[3]

Roller bearing Plain bearing Thrust bearing Ball bearing Linear bearing Pillow block

Gears[5]

Spur gear Helical gear Worm gear Herringbone gear Sprocket

Fastener

Screw[3]

Nut[3]

Screw thread Power screw

Clevis fastener Retaining ring

Circlip E-ring

Split pin cotter pin) Linchpin R-clip Rivet[3] Tapered pin**O-ring

Belt[3] Clutch[6] Brake[6] Chain[3] Wire rope[3]

All the machines are made up of elements or parts and each element may have to be designed separately and in assembly. The machines elements are classified into two main types: general purpose elements like nuts, bolts, bearings, couplings and special purpose elements like piston, crankshaft etc.

What are Machine Elements?

All the machines are made up of elements or parts and units. Each element is a separate part of the machine and it may have to be designed separately and in assembly. Each element in turn can be a complete part or made up of several small pieces which are joined together by riveting, welding etc. Several machine elements are assembled together to form what we call as complete machine, which performs various applications.

Classification of Machines Elements

The machines elements are classified into two main types: general purpose elements and special purpose elements. These have been described below: 1) General purpose elements: The elements which are common to various types of machines serving different applications are called general purpose elements. Examples of these elements are nuts, bolts, keys, axles, shafts, couplings, bearings etc. 2) Special purpose elements: The elements that are used only in the specific type of machine are called as special purpose elements. For instance piston and connecting rods are used in the engines and compressors, while blades are used in the turbines and blowers. Some other examples are cam shafts, push roads, crankshaft, cylinder etc.