Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Tin Mine
THRUSTOR. Enclosed is an engineering catalogue for a thrustor that was used on site for
various jobs. Read through the following questions then try to answer them using the
information provided.
1.
What does this thrustor do? _____________________________________________
2012
____________________________________________________________
2.
What is “thrust”? _____________________________________________________
3.
The thrustor is described as “Electro-hydraulic”. What does this mean?
____________________________________________________________
4. In the list of distinctive features, the catalogue mentions “Practically all rubbing surfaces immersed in oil”. Why is this important? ___________________________
____________________________________________________________________
5. List 3 other advantages that this thrustor catalogue promises:
(i)
_________________________________________________
(ii)
_________________________________________________
iii)
_________________________________________________
6. Name one disadvantage of this product (Hint: Think materials, operation, etc…)
____________________________________________________________________
7. Looking at the diagram, can you name the 2 main moving parts of the thrustor?
(i)
(ii)
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
8. Included in the thrustor catalogue are 2 pages of suggested ways in which thrustors can be
used. However, they’ve forgotten to put the direction arrows on the diagrams!
Using a coloured pen or pencil, fill-in the missing arrow(s) in each situation to show the overall
direction or movement(s) of each component as the thrustor would move them.
(Hint: Think pivots and levers!)
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
ANSWERS
Tin Mine
THRUSTOR.
1.
What does this thrustor do? Exerts a smooth straight-line constant-force thrust.
2.
What is a “thrust”? A force.
3.
The thrustor is described as “Electro-hydraulic” – what does this mean? Powered by electricity which drives hydraulic machinery, i.e. transmits a force using
an incompressible fluid.
4.
In the list of distinctive features, the catalogue mentions “practically all rubbing
surfaces immersed in oil” – why would this be needed? Oil lubricates and reduces
friction between rubbing surfaces.
5.
List 3 other advantages that this thrustor promises. E.g. Saves time, money and
labour. Eliminates wasteful muscular effort. Flameproof. Self-contained (i.e. implies simple installation).
6.
Name one disadvantage of this product (Hint: Think materials, operation, etc…)
Heavy/not portable, restricted angle of tilt (≤10%) limits flexibility of use& requires precise installation, oil seals exposed to dust so reducing efficiency (later
on, the catalogue recommends a dust cover put over it in dusty environments).
7.
Looking at the schematic diagram, can you name the moving parts of the thrustor? Red piece consists of piston, guide rods & top lug, but also the impeller spins
at bottom.
8.
Using a coloured pen or pencil, fill-in the missing arrow(s) in each situation to
show the overall direction or movement(s) of each component as the thrustor
would move them. (Hint: Think pivots and levers!) See attached sheet for original
arrow directions.
Extension Activities:
•
Demonstrate hydraulic movement.
•
Discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of products.
•
Experiment with methods of reducing friction (oil vs. water, rough vs. smooth surfaces,
plastic vs. wood/metal, etc…).
•
Recreate one of these diagrams to demonstrate how linear vertical motion can be transformed into various movements and directions using pivots, levers and cams.
•
Starting with a linear horizontal thrustor (or circular planar motion) draw their own set of
suggested use diagrams.
2012
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Reference Materials Page 1
Tin Mine
2012
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Reference Materials Page 2
Tin Mine
2012
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Reference Materials Page 3
Tin Mine
2012
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Reference Materials Page 4
Tin Mine
2012
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Reference Materials Page 5 (ANSWERS)
Tin Mine
2012
Geevor
Technology Worksheet 1: Thrustor
Reference Materials Page 6 (ANSWERS)
Tin Mine
2012