SWASH PLATE CAMS
V. Ryan © 2006
A swash plate cam is usually a disc
that rotates around a shaft. The disc is
set at an angle so that the follower
moves up and down as the disc
rotates.
The example below shows how two
followers can be used resting on the
same swash plate cam. Each follower
has a wheel or roller that allows
smooth movement.
The mechanical display below is a dancing puppet. As the swash plate cam
rotates the two roller followers rise and fall. This motion makes the puppet
look as if it is dancing / waving its arms. The cam mechanism would
normally be ‘boxed in’ for safety reasons. However, on the drawing below
the front has been removed so that the mechanism can be clearly seen.
QUESTIONS:
1. How could the flat swash plate cam be modified to produce an even more
interesting movement of the followers? Draw a diagram and add
explanatory notes.
2. A piece of rectangular transparent perspex is used to cover the front of
the mechanism - for safety reasons. This means that young children are not
able to ‘trap’ their fingers in the mechanism. Draw a diagram(s) to show
how the perspex is fixed in position. It must be possible to remove the
cover for lubricating the mechanism but only if appropriate tools are used.