Acounterweight is aweight that, by applying an opposite force, provides balance and stability of amechanical system.[1] The purpose of a counterweight is to make lifting the load faster and more efficient, which savesenergy and causes lesswear and tear on the lifting machine.[2]
Counterweights are often used intractionlifts (elevators),cranes andfunfair rides. In these applications, the expected load multiplied by the distance that load will be spaced from the central support (called the "tipping point") must be equal to the counterweight's mass times its distance from the tipping point in order to prevent over-balancing either side. This distance times mass is called theload moment.[3]
By extension, acounterbalance force balances or offsets another force, as when two objects of equal weight, power, or influence are acting in opposition to each other.
There are five major components of a trebuchet: beam, counterweight, frame, guide chute, and sling. After the counterweight drops from a platform on the frame, gravity pulls the counterweight and pivots the beam. Without the counterweight, the beam could not complete the arc that allows the sling to accurately release the projectile.[4][5]
A counterweight is also used in many rotating systems to reduce vibrations due to imbalances in the rotating assembly. A typical example is counterweights oncrankshafts inpiston engines.[6]
In traction (non-hydraulic) elevators, a heavy counterweight counterbalances the load of the elevator carriage, so themotor lifts much less of the carriage's weight (specifically, the counterweight is the weight of the carriage plus 40-50% of its rated capacity). The counterweight also increases the ascending acceleration force and decreases the descending acceleration force to reduce the amount of power needed by the motor. The elevator carriage and the counterweights both have wheels that roll on rails to prevent irregular movement and provide a smoother ride for the passengers.[7]
a proposed structure designed to transport material from acelestial body'ssurface into space. Many variants have been proposed, but the concept most often refers to an elevator that reaches from the surface of theEarth togeostationaryouter space, with a counterweight attached at its outer end. By attaching a counterweight at the end, upwardcentrifugal force from the Earth's rotation ensures that the cable remains stretched taut, countering the gravitational pull on the lower sections and thereby allowing the elevator to remain upright. The counterweight itself could assume one of several forms:
an extension of the cable itself far beyond geostationary orbit.
Counterweight of elevatorConcrete counterweights on a tower craneBascule bridge with concrete counterweight
Metronome: A wind-up mechanical metronome has an adjustable weight and spring mechanism that allows the speed to be adjusted by placement of the weight on the spindle. The tempo speed is decreased by moving the weight to a higher spindle marking or increased by moving it to a lower marking.
The tower crane (see picture) is a modern form of balance crane that is fixed to the ground. A horizontal boom is balanced asymmetrically across the top of the tower. The long arm carries the lifting gear. The short arm is called the machinery arm; this holds the motors and electronics to operate the crane, as well as the concrete counterweights.[8]
^Bellis, Mary; Artist, Was an Experimental; Director, Film; producer; Creator, Video Game Content; inventors, freelance writer for some 18 years She specialized in writing about; inventions; March 2015, in particular Bellis died in (2019-08-11)."The History of Elevators From Top to Bottom".ThoughtCo. Retrieved2019-11-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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