YouTube Channel by Nguyen Duc Thang is brimming with awesome mechanical models in action

Nguyen Duc Thang is a mechanical engineer with doctorate located in Hue City, Vietnam.

He has used Autodesk Inventor 2008 to create all a YouTube channel FILLED with animated mechanisms. Shown above is his model for a barrel cam mechanism in which a rotational motion is converted into linear reciprocating one.

He has models for things I've never even glimpsed as a static image, much less a moving model. Check out this Archimedean spiral gear and pin gear (below). How on earth would you accomplish something like this another way? It not only reduces the speed of the rotating axle, but does so nearly in-line with the original input motion -- and all with just two interlocking parts!

He has modeled interesting cams, gears and linkages as well as, complete machines and machine tools. This is a treasure trove for the mechanically minded. Check out Nguyen Duc Thang's YouTube Channel.

[ Thanks Michael! ]

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Engino multidimensional construction system teaches about screws and other simple machines

The Engino Toy System uses a variety of uniquely designed multifaceted rods and connectors that may be connected on up to 6 sides at the same time. I've posts in the past about their educational sets focusing on gears, cams, linkages and pulleys. The one shown here teaches all about screws including how worm gears are used to greatly lower rotational speed, and how screws can convert circular to linear motion while greatly increasing torque. Valuable lessons indeed for anyone trying to get their head around simple machines.

The 40 page instruction/activity book show you how to build 5 working models including a screw press, a lift platform, two types of crane, and a vice -- all examples of the screw in everyday use. The activity book also includes explanations of various technical and scientific principles and how they apply to the screw.

Here is where you can get the Engino Mechanical Science's boxed lesson set on Screws.

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