levers
Fulcrum-mounted force multipliers
Levers is the plural of lever—a rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to transmit force, one of the simple machines.
The term extends to any handle or switch that operates a mechanism: She pulled the levers to start the machine.
Figuratively, levers are means of exerting influence or pressure: They used every lever at their disposal to close the deal.
Lever's balance point
Connected system of parts
- camRotary-to-linear converter
- crankRotary operating handle
- ratchetToothed one-way mechanism
- escapementTick-controlling clock component
treadle · rocker arm · actuator · connecting rod · mechanism · pivot · articulation · transmission
Power flow controller
- joystickTilting lever for control
- gear shiftTransmission selector lever
- handbrakeStationary vehicle lock
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
brake · accelerator · steering · switch · handle · pull · push · actuate
Plates or weighing devices
- counterweightBalancing mass in machinery
- equilibriumState of balance
- seesawPivoting playground plank
- teeter-totterPivoting playground board
balance beam · weighing · tip · tilt · pivot point · measurement · equipoise · proportion
Energy transfer rate
- swayRock back and forth
- cloutInformal power or punch
- pressureForce upon contact
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
bargaining chip · negotiation · advantage · position · political · economic · strategic · diplomatic
fulcrum
Lever's balance point
effort · load · arm · bar · crowbar · pry · lift · hinge · axis · mechanical advantage
linkage
Connected system of parts
escapement · treadle · rocker arm · actuator · connecting rod · mechanism · pivot · articulation · transmission
throttle
Power flow controller
- joystickTilting lever for control
- gear shiftTransmission selector lever
- handbrakeStationary vehicle lock
clutch · brake · accelerator · steering · switch · handle · pull · push · actuate · operate
scales
Plates or weighing devices
- counterweightBalancing mass in machinery
- equilibriumState of balance
- seesawPivoting playground plank
teeter-totter · balance beam · weighing · tip · tilt · pivot point · measurement · equipoise · proportion · calibration
power
Energy transfer rate
persuasion · bargaining chip · negotiation · advantage · position · political · economic · strategic · diplomatic · capitalize
- busy boxbuttons, switches, dials, doors, latches
- Mad Scientistmad scientist, secret lab, lab coat, laboratory, evil genius
- platformersMario, jump, Sonic, platformer, platforms
- classical physicsNewton, Newton's laws, Newtonian physics, laws of motion, force
- Mechanical Engineeringmechanical engineer, design engineer, valves, motors, aerospace engineer
- mechanical artkinetic art, automaton, automatons, kinetic sculpture, clockwork
leverspulleys
Grooved wheels for rope
wheels · inclined planes · wedges · screws · wheel and axle
levershydraulics
Study of pressurized liquids
pneumatics · pulleys · block and tackle · winches · cranks
leversconstraints
Limits on action
barriers · obstacles · limitations · inertia
- lever actionGun mechanism using pivoting handle
- gear leverTransmission ratio selector
- pull a leverActuate a mechanical control
- lever mechanismPivoting bar amplifying force
- high leverage
- shift leverTransmission position selector
lever, leverage, leveraged, levering, levered, overleveraged