Connecting Physical Mechanisms & Digital Learning

The Mechanical Library shows the mechanisms that make our world work. It includes a “Wall of Mechanisms” museum exhibit of motorized physical models and website. Each model has a QR code that can bring up information, videos, and 3D models to explain how they work and how they are used The cabinets are designed to travel to schools and museums. We hope to support STEM education by sparking the "engineering mindset" to analyze how things work.

The exhibit is currently in early development, follow @mechanical.library or @steveTurbek on Instagram

The Library - In Progress

Click a mechanism below to learn more, watch videos, see 3D models, make 3D prints, and build Lego models.

View in-progress exhibit 3D model in Apple Quick Look AR

#000 Universal Joint

The Library - Future Elements


Basic Components

  1. 1,000,000:1 Gear reduction
  2. Gears and Screws, Miter and Bevel Gear
  3. Screws and Worms
  4. Gears that are missing teeth
  5. Belts & Chains
  6. Bar Linkages
  7. Gearless transmission “Elbow” & Spring elbow
  8. Rack & Pinion
  9. Ropes, Wires, & Pulleys
  10. Ratchet Pawls & Stops
  11. Magnetic gears
  12. Fluids (hydraulics) & Air pressure (pneumatics)

Complex Mechanisms

  1. Slotted Yoke & Quick Return
  2. Slider Crank Mechanism
  3. Crankshaft
  4. Cam & Follower, external and in groove
  5. Cams & Eccentric Drive 89, heart shape and wave wheel
  6. Geneva Movement
  7. Steam & Combustion Piston
  8. Friction & Mechanical clutch
  9. Differential Gear
  10. Universal joint
  11. Linear actuators
  12. Cycloidal drive

Different Approaches to Common Problems

    Moving around
  1. Wheels
  2. Treads
  3. Legs / Feet
  4. Drone propellor
    5. Reaching an arm
  5. Motors & gears
  6. Bar linkages
  7. Pistons (& Wire pulleys)
  8. XYZ belt drive
    9. Grabbing an item
  9. Motor / Gears
  10. Pulley / wire
  11. Compliant mechanism
  12. Soft robotics

Mechanical Library Project Goals

  • Inspire the 'engineering mindset' in middle to high school students, especially those not excited by math and engineering.
  • Make something interesting for kids and parents to introduce Mechanical Engineering using practical demonstrations.
  • Communicate the opportunities for a career in the well-paid physical technical fields.
  • Support teachers who cover these subjects.

    • About

    The Mechanical Library is being built by Steve Turbek. It is inspired by great engineering teachers and historical books like "507 Mechanical Movements" by Henry T. Brown and the Clark Collection of Mechanical Movement at the Boston Museum of Science.

    For more information, see research and sources page

    Sponsorship / Partnership

    Mechanical Library is a non-commercial labor of love, with support by NYCFirst, who provides meaningful and joyful STEM and robotics programming to NYC public school students.

    If you would like to become a partner or sponsor, please contact steve (at) turbek.com