Introducing the new STEM-lab series: Gearbox
This month’s favorite – the UGears STEM-lab series only features four sets so far. Today we will be taking a closer look at the last one in the series so far – the STEM-lab Gearbox. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary method that has been proven to help children develop a deeper understanding of these disciplines through application-oriented classes. Through engaging in team activities and project students improve their creative, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Since its first launch in American schools in the early 2000s, the STEM method has proved that it is a productive approach to helping children land a job of their dreams in science and tech.
The aim of the STEM-lab series by UGears is to help children stay on track with their studies in these uncertain times. What is more, the UGears team is hoping that this new series will help children and adults cooperate and learn something new together. Or even to create a scientific laboratory of their own at home.
The Gearbox is a fascinating set that is made from 100%-eco-friendly materials. All you have to do is take the parts of the puzzle out of the wooden boards with the gentle push. Connecting the puzzle pieces of the Gearbox is as easy as putting together the pieces of a good old jigsaw puzzle. You will not need any glue or other tools, just everything that comes in the STEM-lab box and a little bit of dedication.
UGEARS STEM-lab Gearbox: key features
Once the puzzle is assembled, the Gearbox will consist of the following parts:
- Gear-shifting lever;
- Layshaft with gear couplings;
- Reverse Idle gear bearing;
- Driveshaft;
- Actuating handle.
Karl Benz, a German automotive engineer patented the first car in the late 1800s. The gearbox and many other parts we can find in all modern cars were also invented by him, including spark plugs, water radiator, throttle system. In a word, Karl Benz made the car as we know it now, with all of its fundamental parts. The gearbox is a part of a car’s transmission and it is responsible for switching between gears.
UGEARS STEM-lab Gearbox: the main principle
Many cars nowadays feature automatic transmission, when you do not need to change gears yourself. This is convenient but is sure less exciting as well. The UGears STEM-lab Gearbox is a 4-speed manual mechanism. The key role of the gearbox in any vehicle with a manual gearbox is to transfer torque from the engine’s shaft to the vehicle’s wheels. When you are inside the car’s cabin you use the gearshift to do that.
You will probably notice the gearshift panel with the gear stick right away. It has four positions that correspond with the chosen gear. The four available gears are I, which is the slowest one and the III, which is the fastest. The II and R stand for the middle speed and ‘Reverse’, accordingly. The Gearbox features a set of kinematic gears with different diameters. They are located on the layshaft and move together with it. To set them in motion, simply rotate the actuator handle clock-wise. The speed will be corresponding with the gear that is currently selected on the gearshift panel.
The N, or Neutral position, is the one in which both the gears and the layshaft remain idle. The Reverse setting will spin the gears in the opposite direction. This happens when the gear stick is in the R position, and the gear clutch engages the rotation of the lower set of gears. These gears are located on the driveshaft.
The STEM-lab Gearbox set comes with a Pocket Study Guide that proves all the information about the exciting history of this invention as well as its modern-day use. In addition, you will be able to take a look at your mechanism using an augmented reality (AR) feature in the STEM-lab app.
