What is Rack and Pinion Mechanism?
A Rack and opinion is a linear actuator which consists of a circular Gear called the pinion which is connected to a linear gear called the rack.
In the rack and pinion mechanism, the rotational motion is converted into the linear motion. Here the pinion undergoes the rotational motion whereas, the rack undergoes the linear motion.
The rack and pinion is mainly used in the linear actuation process where, the rotation of the shaft provided by hand (in case of steering ) or motor is converted into linear motion.
The following images shows the Rack and pinion.
PINION GEAR
- A circular gear (wheel) with teeth that mesh with the teeth on the rack.
- The pinion provides the rotational motion and drives the rack.
RACK GEAR
- A flat, straight bar or rod with teeth cut into one of its sides.
- The rack provides the linear motion when the pinion gear rotates.
ADVANTAGES OF RACK AND PINION GEAR:
- It is very simple in construction.
- The most important application of the rack and pinion mechanism is its applications in the steering mechanism in cars and in automobiles.
- The rack and pinion gear. Can be easily, manufactured.
- The rack and pinion gear is very easy to operate.
DISADVANTAGES OF RACK AND PINION GEAR:
- The rack and pinion gear causes the friction loss.
- The rack and pinion gear causes the wear loss.
- The rack and pinion gear has less mechanical advantage.
The following video illustrates how to design the rack and pinion gear and also apply the mechanism in creo parametric software