Treadle
Atreadle(fromOld English:tredan,"to tread" ) is a foot-powered levermechanism;it is operated by treading on it repeatedly. A treadle, unlike some other types of pedals, is not directly mounted on thecrank(seetreadle bicyclefor a clear example).
Most treadle machines convertreciprocating motionintorotating motion,using amechanical linkageto indirectly connect one or two treadles to a crank. The treadle then turns the crank, which powers the machine. Other machines use treadles directly, to generate reciprocating motion. For instance, in atreadle loom,the reciprocating motion is used directly to lift and lower the harnesses orheddles;a commontreadle pumpuses the reciprocating motion to raise and lowerpistons.
Beforethe widespread availability of electric power,treadles were the most common way to power a range of machines. They are still widely used as a matter of preference and necessity. A human-powered machine gives the human operator close, instinctive control over the rate at which energy is fed into the machine; this lets them easily vary the rate at which they work. Treadle-operated machines are also used in environments whereelectric powerisnot availableto powerelectric machinery.
Other, similar mechanisms for allowing human andanimalmuscle to power machines arecranks,treadmills,treadwheels,and kick wheels like apotter's kick wheel.
Operation and uses
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A treadle is operated by pressing down on it repeatedly with one or both feet, causing a rocking motion.[1]This movement can then be stored as rotational motion via acrankshaftdriving aflywheel.Alternatively, energy can be stored in a spring, as in thepole lathe.
Treadles were once used extensively to power most machines includinglathes,rotatingorreciprocating saws,spinning wheels,looms,andsewing machines.
Today the use of treadle-powered machines is common in areas of the developing world where other forms of power are unavailable. It is also common among artisans, hobbyists andhistorical re-enactors.[2]
Some treadle looms in Africa and South Asia use toggles on a string as treadles. The toggles are held between the weaver's toes.
See also
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References
[edit]- ^Grodzinski, Paul (2021).A Practical Theory of Mechanisms: Classification and Description of Mechanisms Applied In Machines and Instruments.Berlin: De Gruyter.ISBN9783112515044.
- ^Gelber, Steven M. (1999).Hobbies: Leisure and the Culture of Work in America.New York: Columbia University Press. p. 188.ISBN9780231504232.
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