Mechanical Systems

Researcher: Simra

Writer: Sunanya

Editor: Kate

The heat of summer makes us think of turning up that AC and relaxing without a care in the world. However, when it is the freezing winter, our frigid fingers gravitate towards the heater to feel its warmth. Both the air conditioner and heater are examples of mechanical systems, which are any building services using machines. The introduction of mechanization in buildings in order to make human life more comfortable started in the early 20th century. Besides the machines that help human thermal comfort, other examples include plumbing, elevators, and escalators.

However, how do mechanical systems even work? Well, they have at least three elements: input, process, and output. The input part of the system is any type of motion and force that drives the mechanical system. The process part is where mechanisms are used to convert the input motion and force into an output motion and force. The output is the change created in the input motion and force by the mechanism. 

For example, cars have four wheels going in a circular motion, the IC engine inside has its piston moving up and down, and the cam is going round and round, thus, the car itself is moving. The whole system has many moving things, and they are moving in such a way that we are getting a mechanical advantage. Therefore, it is a mechanical system. If the system is not producing any kind of mechanical advantage, then it is not a mechanical system. 

This makes the job of mechanical engineers so significant in our society because, without these systems, we humans would not even have air conditioning! As technology continues to advance, so will mechanical systems, thus, making our lives even more comfortable than it already is.

Works Cited

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Mechanical system”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2011, https://www.britannica.com/technology/mechanical-system. Accessed 29 April 2021.

Gunner, Jennifer. “Examples of Mechanical Energy at Home and in Daily Life.” Your Dictionary, examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-mechanical-energy-at-home-and-in-daily-life.html. Accessed 30 Apr. 2021.

“Mechanical Systems.” Multimedia Education, http://www.notesandsketches.co.uk/Mechanical_systems.html#:%7E:text=A%20mechanical%20system%20is%20a,desired%20output%20motion%20and%20force.&text=The%20process%20part%20of%20the,an%20output%20motion%20and%20force. Accessed 30 Apr. 2021.