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Mechanism (engineering)
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Engineering/RFVg8H3I">engineering</a>, a mechanism is a <a href="/facts/Machine/wTCxFRfs">device</a> that transforms input forces and movement into a desired set of output forces and movement. Mechanisms generally consist of moving components which may include <a href="/facts/Gear/9KVHRfUR">Gears</a> and <a href="/facts/Gear_train/znASyK8H">gear trains</a>; <a href="/facts/Belt_drive/k2zQ5tGv">Belts</a> and <a href="/facts/Chain_drive/exQgpatc">chain drives</a>; <a href="/facts/Cam_(mechanism)/bxISyXo2">cams</a> and <a href="/facts/Cam_follower/f1bJnu9F">followers</a>; <a href="/facts/Linkage_(mechanical)/mcQPwQdP">Linkages</a>; Friction devices, such as <a href="/facts/Brakes/p8751fV6">brakes</a> or <a href="/facts/Clutch/yQLCtuGA">clutches</a>; Structural components such as a frame, fasteners, bearings, springs, or lubricants; Various <a href="/facts/Machine_element/cV69bkb9">machine elements</a>, such as splines, pins, or keys. </p><p>German scientist <a href="/facts/Franz_Reuleaux/wczEbCDD">Franz Reuleaux</a> defines <i>machine</i> as "a combination of resistant bodies so arranged that by their means the mechanical forces of nature can be compelled to do work accompanied by certain determinate motion". In this context, his use of <i>machine</i> is generally interpreted to mean <i>mechanism</i>. </p><p>The combination of force and movement defines <a href="/facts/Power_(physics)/mkaEyRnn">power</a>, and a mechanism manages power to achieve a desired set of forces and movement. </p><p>A mechanism is usually a piece of a larger process, known as a <a href="/facts/Mechanical_system/wTCxFRfs">mechanical system</a> or <a href="/facts/Machine_(mechanical)/wTCxFRfs">machine</a>. Sometimes an entire machine may be referred to as a mechanism; examples are the <a href="/facts/Steering/X4aY7RkL">steering mechanism</a> in a <a href="/facts/Automobile/I1IsH8IK">car</a>, or the <a href="/facts/Winding_mechanism/FrH49SN8">winding mechanism</a> of a <a href="/facts/Watch/PuFUMNTl">wristwatch</a>. However, typically, a set of multiple mechanisms is called a machine. </p>