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

Reduction Gears
Belts & Chains
Universal Joint

The Library - Future Elements


Basic Components

  1. 1,000,000:1 Gear Reduction
  2. Belts & Chains
  3. Miter and Bevel Gears, Worms
  4. Slotted Yoke & Quick Return & Slider Crank
  5. Ratchet Pawls & Stops
  6. Geneva Movement
  7. Differential Gear
  8. Universal Joint

Ways to build a robotic hand

  1. Bar linkages
  2. XYZ belt drive
  3. Linear actuators

  4. Pulley / wire
  5. Motor & Gears
  6. Pistons
  7. Compliant mechanism
  8. 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