Guide

Mechanical Advantage
Mechanical Advantage is the calculation of how much faster and easier a machine makes your
work. It compares the output force a mechanism or machine gives you to the input force that is
applied to that mechanism or machine to get it to work. Mechanical advantage can be adjusted to
meet specic needs. For example, bicycle gears can be set one way to ride uphill, then adjusted to
ride downhill. The rider has limited power, but by adjusting the mechanical advantage to appropriate
speed and torque outputs, the output from the rider’s power can be maximized in varying conditions.
With VEX IQ, changing gear ratios is also a great way to adjust mechanical advantage.
F.5
A bike’s high-speed gear ratio can maximize its eciency on a downhill or at slope.
A high-torque gear ratio can help a bike to climb up hills easily using mechanical advantage.