EXPERIMENT NO.

8
Aim: To calculate the Mechanical Advantage, Velocity Ratio and efficiency of
Single and Double Purchase Winch Crabs

Appratus Required:
Single and Double purchase winch crab apparatus, weights, hangers, rope etc.

Theory
Winch crabs are the lifting machines in which velocity ratio is increased by a gear system. If
only one set of gears is used, the winch crab is called a Single Purchase Winch Crab, and if
two sets are used, it is called Double Purchase Winch Crab.

(i) Single Purchase Winch Crab

It consists of a load drum of radius r connected to an axle by gears. The toothed wheel on
load drum is called Spur wheel and the small toothed wheel on axle is called Pinion. The axle
is provided with an effort pulley of diameter D.
Let, number of teeth on spur wheel and pinion be T1 and T2 respectively.
The effort P be applied at the effort pulley.
When one revolution is made by the pulley, the distance moved by the effort = 2R
= D

When the axle makes one revolution, due to gear arrangement the load drum also moves T2
number of teeth, which means it makes T2 / T1 revolutions.

The distance over which the load moves = 2 r ( T2 / T1)

Velocity Ratio = distance moved by effort / distance moved by the load

= 2R / 2 r ( T2 / T1)
= D / d ( T1 / T2)

Mechanical Advantage (M.A.) = W / P

Efficiency , = M.A. / V.R.

(ii) Double Purchase Winch Crab

Velocity Ratio of a Winch Crab can be increased by providing another axle with a pair of
pinion and gear. Since two pairs of pinion and gear are used it is called Double purchase
winch crab. It is used for lifting heavier loads.

Let, the number of teeth on the two spur wheels be T1 and T3

and number of teeth on the two pinions be T2 and T4 respectively.
The effort P be applied at the effort pulley.
When one revolution is made by the pulley, the distance moved by the effort = 2R
= D

When axle A makes one revolution, axle B is moved by T2 teeth i.e., it makes T2 / T1
revolutions and,

The load axle moves by ( T2 / T1) / ( T4 / T3) revolutions.

Therefore, the distance moved by the load = 2 r ( T2 / T1) / ( T4 / T3)

 Velocity Ratio = distance moved by effort / distance moved by the load
= 2R / 2 r ( T2 / T1) / ( T4 / T3)
= D / d [( T1 / T2) ( T3 / T4)]

Mechanical Advantage (M.A.) = W / P

Efficiency , = M.A. / V.R.

Procedure
Measure the circumference of the effort wheel and load axle with the help of thread and scale.
Count the number of teeth on pinion and gear wheel. Hang the load W to the thread passing
round the load axle. Now place sufficient weights in the effort pan till the load W just starts
moving upwards. Note down the weights added in the pan with weight of the pan. Repeat the
procedure for different weights.

Observations
1) No of teeth on pinion-P1 = T2
2) No of teeth on pinion-P2 = T4
3) No of teeth on spur gear S1 =T1
4) No of teeth on spur gearS2 = T3
5) Diameter of the effort pulley =2R
6) Diameter of the load axle = 2r

S.NO. LOAD PLACED EFFORT M.A. V.R. = Average Remarks

(W) APPLIED =W/P M.A./V.R.
(P)

Result
M.A. = V.R. = Efficiency of the machine, =

Precautions
1) Bearing of axles, the pinion and gear wheel should be properly lubricated so as to
reduce friction.
2) The weights should be put gently in the pan.
3) Weight W should be lifted gradually upwards at uniform speed.
4) To get effective values of circumference the thickness of the ropes should be
measured.
5) Weights of empty hanger and effort pan should always be determined.
6) Load W and effort P should hang freely without touching wall etc.
7) The wound of the rope on the circumferences of the effort pulley should be single i.e.
rope should not overlap.
Fig 8.1 Single Purchase Winch Crab

Fig 8.2 Double Purchase Winch Crab