Movement with mechanisms

A lever is a very simple way to gain a mechanical advantage (MA) to make moving or lifting something easier. Levers have three changeable elements on a bar, the fulcrum, effort and load. Linkages are mechanisms that can change the magnitude and directions of a force. Cams convert rotary into reciprocating motion. The shape of a cam determines the speed and magnitude of the motion. The shape of the bottom of the follower changes the accuracy of the motion, however, this affects wear and friction.