Page:The Kinematics of Machinery.djvu/463

 KEYED JOINTS.

441

FIG. 291.

only, in order, namely, so to connect two or more pieces that they

may be treated as a single body, a purpose for which it is often

employed also in structures which are not machines. Such a screw

fastening, therefore, as is used

for a cylinder cover, or to hold

down a plummer-block, has not

a machinal but a constructive *

function in the machine. Its

object is to make that connection

which we indicate in our formula

by the dotted line ,..., in other words it serves to form the

links of a kinematic chain.

Kinematically, therefore, its form is indifferent so long as it does not interfere with the re- quired motions of the links ; -it is regulated chiefly by consider- ations of strength. This ex- plains the immense variety of shapes in which screw fasten- ings occur; the constructive FlG - 292 - Fl. G - 293 - conditions of all are, however,

expressed by the formula which we have given above.

We shall have an opportunity of returning to some special forms of screw-joints, safety or locking screws, further on.

108. Keys, Cutters, &c., and Keyed Joints.

We have already seen ( 64) that the key * is not a kinematic element in our sense of the word, but that it consists of two pris- matic elements, and in its most common application forms a link of a three-linked kinematic chain. This chain, represented by Fig. 294, has the formula :

a b c

L ... (P) ... L ... (P) ... L ... P=.

of wedge.
 * I use the word universally employed in this connection by engineers, inbtcad