Chain Drive Basics
What is a chain drive?
A series of chain links that mesh with a toothed gear.
What happens to speed when the drive gear is smaller than the driven gear?
Speed increases.
What type of motion does a cam and follower convert rotary motion into?
Reciprocating motion
What is the first step in the Design Process?
Define the Problem
What is the main component that moves objects along a moving chain in a VEX kit (from the worksheet)?
Intake Flaps
What is the main purpose of a chain drive?
To transmit motion and force.
What is the effect on torque when the drive gear is smaller than the driven gear?
Torque increases.
What happens to the follower for every revolution of the cam?
It moves up and down once.
What is the third step in the Design Process?
Design the Solution
Name one part commonly used to transfer motion in a VEX robotics kit.
Gears (or belts, sprockets, wheels).
In a chain drive, what is the gear with teeth called?
Sprocket
What is the effect on the system when the driven gear is larger than the drive gear?
Speed decreases and torque increases.
In a cam and follower system, what is the role of the cam?
To convert rotary motion to linear motion.
Which step involves testing the solution in the Design Process?
Build and Test
Give one classroom-safe example of a mechanism that uses a chain and sprocket in real life.
A bicycle drive system.
What is the function of a sprocket in a chain drive?
To grip the chain and propel it forward.
What is the effect on the system when the drive gear is larger than the driven gear?
Speed increases and torque decreases.
Which answer describes reciprocating motion?
Continuous Back-and-forth motion.
What is the final step in the Design Process (according to the worksheet)?
Present the Solution
What are intake flaps used for?
To transfer something along a chain or belt
If the driving gear is larger than the driven gear, what happens to speed and torque?
Speed increases and torque decreases.
Which component in a gear system is responsible for changing the direction of motion?
Idler gear
Give one classroom-friendly example where a cam converting rotary motion to linear motion is useful.
Suggested answers) A popcorn machine mechanism, an engine valve mechanism, or simple pump mechanism demonstration.
Put these steps in order: Build and Test, Define the Problem, Design the Solution, Present the Solution.
Answer: 1) Define the Problem, 2) Design the Solution, 3) Build and Test, 4) Present the Solution.
Explain how gear size differences affect a VEX robot's speed vs. torque (short student-level explanation).
Larger drive gear vs smaller driven gear increases speed but reduces torque; a smaller drive gear with a larger driven gear increases torque but reduces speed.