Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Mechanism Design: Basics and Applications

In course

MICRO-200: Mechanism Design I

Ce cours introduit les bases de la mécanique des structures : calcul des contraintes et déformations provoquées par les forces extérieures et calcul des déformations. Ces enseignements théoriques sont appliqués à la conception des éléments importants des m ...

Description

This lecture introduces the fundamentals of mechanism design, distinguishing between machines, mechanisms, and structures. Using a bicycle as an example, it explains how different components work together to create a complex machine. The lecture covers topics such as transmission mechanisms, derailleur systems, braking mechanisms, and bearing systems. It also delves into the theoretical and technical foundations necessary for embarking on a design project. The course is divided into two main blocks, with the first focusing on structural aspects and the second on mechanism design principles in the context of micro-technology.

This video is available exclusively on Mediaspace for a restricted audience. Please log in to MediaSpace to access it if you have the necessary permissions.

Watch on Mediaspace

Instructors (4)

Olivier Chappuis

Simon Nessim Henein

Born in 1973 and of Egyptian-Swiss nationality, Simon Henein grew up in Cairo. He obtained an engineering degree at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in 1996 and went on to complete his doctorate at the EPFL in 2000. In 2001, he published the book “Conception des guidages flexibles” which has become a reference in precision engineering. He then joined the Centre Suisse d’Electronique et Microtechnique (CSEM), Neuchatel, Switzerland, where he conceived and developed mechanisms for robotic, aerospace, medical and watchmaking applications. He pursued his research career at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland, where he developed instruments for the Swiss Light Source Synchrotron (SLS). Since November 1st, 2012, he is associate professor in microengineering at the EPFL, holder of the Patek Philippe Chair and director of the Micromechanical and horological design laboratory (Instant-Lab).

Danick Briand

Herbert Shea

Official source

Related concepts (21)

Mechanism (engineering)

In engineering, a mechanism is a device that transforms input forces and movement into a desired set of output forces and movement. Mechanisms generally consist of moving components which may include: Gears and gear trains; Belts and chain drives; Cams and followers; Linkages; Friction devices, such as brakes or clutches; Structural components such as a frame, fasteners, bearings, springs, or lubricants; Various machine elements, such as splines, pins, or keys.

Brake

A brake is a mechanical device that inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. It is used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, wheel, axle, or to prevent its motion, most often accomplished by means of friction. Most brakes commonly use friction between two surfaces pressed together to convert the kinetic energy of the moving object into heat, though other methods of energy conversion may be employed. For example, regenerative braking converts much of the energy to electrical energy, which may be stored for later use.

Hydraulic brake

A hydraulic brake is an arrangement of braking mechanism which uses brake fluid, typically containing glycol ethers or diethylene glycol, to transfer pressure from the controlling mechanism to the braking mechanism. During 1904, Frederick George Heath (Heath Hydraulic Brake Co., Ltd.), Redditch, England devised and fitted a hydraulic (water/glycerine) brake system to a cycle using a handlebar lever and piston. He obtained patent GB190403651A for “Improvements in hydraulic actuated brakes for cycles and motors”, as well as subsequently for improved flexible rubber hydraulic pipes.

Non-synchronous transmission

A non-synchronous transmission, also called a crash gearbox, is a form of manual transmission based on gears that do not use synchronizing mechanisms. They require the driver to manually synchronize the transmission's input speed (engine RPM) and output speed (driveshaft speed). Non-synchronous transmissions are found primarily in various types of industrial machinery; such as tractors and semi-tractors. Non-synchronous manual transmissions are also found on motorcycles, in the form of constant-mesh sequential manual transmissions.

Automatic transmission

An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving conditions. The most common type of automatic transmission is the hydraulic automatic, which uses a planetary gearset, hydraulic controls, and a torque converter. Other types of automatic transmissions include continuously variable transmissions (CVT), automated manual transmissions (AMT), and dual-clutch transmissions (DCT).

Related lectures (31)

Metal Structures: Load-Bearing Systems and Fire Protection

Explores metal structures' load-bearing systems and fire protection measures, including fire resistance classes and stability deformations.

Bridge Design: Structural Elements and Load-Bearing Systems

Covers the design of bridge structures, focusing on deformation, state of stress, and load-bearing systems.

Frames and Joints: Structural Analysis

Explores the behavior of structures with different joints and asymmetric loads, emphasizing the importance of pressure lines for accurate force analysis.

Semiotic Reversibility

Delves into semiotic reversibility, exploring how signs and their opposites construct meaning in various contexts.

Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy