This unit is designed to study the characteristics of toggle joint. Toggle joint is a structure which has three members connected in a triangular shape. Two of its members have fixed lengths but third member (base member) has a variable length. Its length can change due to the load applied at the top of the triangular structure. The unit consists of a metallic base structure which provides the support locations for the structure. Three members are connected in a triangular shape to form a toggle joint. The base structure is fixed at one end but its other end is movable. It has a spring balance which shows the elongation and hence the force acting on movable end due to the load applied on the top of the structure via a hanger.
Using this table apparatus, the reaction forces as a function of the lever angle can be demonstrated based on the example of a loaded toggle joint. To determine the forces, straightforward force resolution is used. The apparatus is of robust, solid metal construction. Using the adjustment device, the angle can be continuously adjusted between 30o~135o. The horizontal force in the bearing is determined using a spring balance. A set of weights permits the load to be varied in steps. The Apparatus is set up between two tables or blocks to perform the experiment.
