[[File:Large_gear_setup_1.png|400px|thumb|right|Simple large gear setup that combines torque from three power sources into a single output. 1, 2 and 3 are [[Auto rotor|creative auto rotors]] which provide power, 4 is the output.]]
[[File:Large_gear_setup_1.png|400px|thumb|right|Simple large gear setup that combines torque from three power sources into a single output. 1, 2 and 3 are {{ll|Auto rotor|creative auto rotors}} which provide power, 4 is the output.]]
[[File:Large_gear_setup_3.png|400px|thumb|right|More complex setup with two large gears. Torque from sources 1, 2 and 3 is combined by lower gear into a single output (4), which then goes through the upper gear (5) to increase rotational speed at the cost of reducing torque.]]
[[File:Large_gear_setup_3.png|400px|thumb|right|More complex setup with two large gears. Torque from sources 1, 2 and 3 is combined by lower gear into a single output (4), which then goes through the upper gear (5) to increase rotational speed at the cost of reducing torque.]]
To build complex and efficient power trains it's important to understand relation between ''speed'' and ''torque'', and how they are affected by ''resistance'' of a given mechanical system.
<ul>
<li>'''Resistance''' defines how much rotational energy the system needs in order to continuously operate. If there is not enough torque to counteract resistance, entire power train will lose speed or even come to a complete halt. Each element of the system, such as axles, gears and transmissions, has some resistance. However, machinery doing useful work tends to contribute the most.</li>
<li>'''Torque''' is a measure of rotational force and directly counteracts resistance. Adding more torque to the system can help it overcome the resistance of connected machinery, allowing faster operation. However, as soon as resistance is completely overcome - there is no point in further increasing the torque.</li>
<li>'''Speed''' defines the rate at which machines in the system perform their job. Increasing the speed allows for faster operation, but only if there is enough torque to sustain it; otherwise most of the speed will be lost to resistance.</li>
</ul>
Latest revision as of 08:26, 14 August 2023
Simple large gear setup that combines torque from three power sources into a single output. 1, 2 and 3 are creative auto rotors which provide power, 4 is the output.
More complex setup with two large gears. Torque from sources 1, 2 and 3 is combined by lower gear into a single output (4), which then goes through the upper gear (5) to increase rotational speed at the cost of reducing torque.
