Gear ratio
and leverage
Previously we discussed
gear ratio. The higher the gear ratio the more
leverage an engine has. To start a vehicle moving
requires more work than to keep it moving. First gear of a vehicle usually
has a ratio of about 14:1. That is the driver (crankshaft) turns 14 times
and the wheel turns once.
The gear train above is connected to an internal combustion engine. The gear ratio is 1:1 there is no mechanical or rotational advantage. The gear in the middle allows the driver and the follower to rotate clockwise.