Motorized bicycles have been around since the late 1800s, with a spike in demand in the US and China. They are considered environmentally friendly and come in electric or internal combustion engine varieties. Newer batteries are longer lasting and lighter, and there are hobbyist clubs for modifications. The concept of the motorized bicycle has been […]
Motor controllers are electronic and electromechanical devices used to start and operate electric motors in a predefined manner. They can gradually increase motor speed, increase starting torque, or reverse the direction of motor rotation. They can be simple or sophisticated and fall into two categories: electronic and electromechanical controllers. They are necessary for larger and […]
A DC motor uses magnets and an electric coil to produce torque, which drives it. The repelling and attractive forces of the magnets provide the torque that turns the motor. A DC motor requires at least one electromagnet, which switches the flow of current as the motor rotates, changing its polarity to keep it running. […]
A stepper motor is a precise computer-controlled motor that moves in exact steps. The stepper motor indexer synchronizes the motor and provides directional impulses. The indexer interprets user commands and translates them into pulses and directions for the motor to execute. The indexer also has a stop function to prevent damage to the motor. A […]
An electromagnetic motor uses magnetic forces from a wire with electricity to power movement. AC and DC motors are common types. Electromagnets can be created with coiled wire or an iron core. They are found in household appliances and can drain batteries quickly. An electromagnetic motor is a machine that uses the magnetic forces produced […]
A winch motor powers the cable, rope, or chain and determines the pulling and lifting capacity of the winch. Electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, the motor works through a series of reduction gears to convert high speed into torque and tractive force. Large industrial winches use large electric motors, while smaller vehicle-mounted winches use direct drive […]
An electric motor dynamometer measures power, torque, and rotational speed of a main motor, using adjustable speed drives. It can replace the load side during testing on the prime mover, and torque is a key concept in its measurement. RPM and torque are measured in newton-meters. An electric motor dynamometer is a specialized dynamometer that […]
An engine crane lifts and installs engine blocks, but is not manufacturer specific and cannot lift heavy industrial engines. It has a main lift arm powered by a hydraulic pump and is equipped with omnidirectional caster wheels for easy movement. It should not be used to store engine blocks. An engine crane is a piece […]
The U engine, made up of two straight engines that share some parts, is rarely used due to excess weight. It relies on internal combustion and contains two engines, each powering a separate crankshaft. Other variations, such as the square four engine, also exist but are not commonly used. The first U engine was designed […]
An engine pulley is a wheel attached to a vehicle’s engine that drives a timing or serpentine belt to power peripheral devices. Idler pulleys help tension the belts, while harmonic balancers counteract vibrations. Serpentine belts with flatter pulleys are now used for added convenience, but if the belt breaks, all peripheral devices stop working. An […]
An engine meter monitors engine running time for proper maintenance intervals. Different designs track specific processes, such as actual running time or RPM. Engine meters are compared to hub meters to decipher drive time versus idle time. Tampering with the meter can result in termination. Modern versions work within the vehicle’s computer system and are […]
An engine pulley is a wheel on a vehicle’s engine that drives peripheral devices through a serpentine belt system. Different pulleys have different functions, including idlers that guide the belt and harmonic balancers that reduce vibrations. All pulleys must be made of high-quality metals and designed to work with specific belts. An engine pulley is […]
Electric vehicle motors consist of a rotor, stator, transistors, shaft, and a power source, usually rechargeable batteries. They emit no dangerous gases and are more durable and efficient than traditional gasoline engines. Hybrid vehicles are more widely available but electric cars may eventually replace gasoline-powered vehicles. There are many parts to an electric vehicle’s engine, […]
Motorized canoes are light boats powered by a motor, which can be retrofitted to traditional canoes. They are popular for fishing and expeditions but require careful weight distribution and consideration of motor size. A motorized canoe is a light boat powered by a motor. While canoes are traditionally rowed, some models can accommodate a motor […]
An air compressor has three basic components: the motor, cylinder head, and buffer tank. The motor powers the compressor head, which compresses air into the tank or airline. The buffer tank stores compressed air for a continuous supply of constant pressure. Without the motor, the compressor cannot function. If the motor breaks, repairing or replacing […]
An engine hoist, also known as a cherry picker, is used to remove and install engines in vehicles. It typically uses a hydraulic cylinder and steel frame with an adjustable arm and optional folding legs. Other versions include chain drops, drag pullers, and electric wire rope hoists. It is important to avoid leaving the motor […]
A stepper motor microcontroller controls a stepper motor by giving it instructions on how many steps to turn. It is a small hardware used for embedded applications, and is more energy-efficient and cheaper than other control units. However, it requires careful installation and wiring. A stepper motor microcontroller is a piece of hardware that can […]
Drum motors are enclosed, highly efficient motor drives used in conveyors, including x-ray machines, checkout terminals, and food processing. They operate in various conditions, have a steel, aluminum or stainless steel shell, and use helical or planetary gears for around 95% efficiency. A drum motor, also known as a motorized pulley, is a highly efficient […]
Switched reluctance motors use electromagnetic forces to produce torque. They have high power output and few moving parts, but can be noisy and inefficient for low torque applications. Digital technologies can help optimize performance and increase efficiency, making them feasible for high-volume or high-power applications. A switched reluctance motor works through the manipulation of electromagnetic […]
A yacht was originally a fast, light sailing vessel for important persons. Today, it includes sail, power, or both. A motor yacht is a large boat powered by a diesel or gasoline engine, offering comfort and spacious living areas. Its value is determined by sundeck, flybridge, and covered aft deck dimensions. The typical cruising speed […]
