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EXPERIMENT # 15
STUDY OF DUPLEX JACK
15.1 OBJECTIVES:
1. To study the mechanism of toggle joint.
2. To determine mechanical advantage of toggle joint.

15.2 APPARATUS:
1. Duplex screw jack apparatus.
2. Hangers.
3. Weights.

15.3 INTRODUCTION:
A jackscrew, or screw jack, is a type of jack that is operated by turning
a leadscrew. It is commonly used to lift moderately heavy weights, such as vehicles. More
commonly, it is used as an adjustable support for heavy loads, such as the foundations of
houses or large vehicles. A screw jack consists of a heavy-duty vertical screw with a load
table mounted on its top, which screws into a threaded hole in a stationary support frame
with a wide base resting on the ground. A rotating collar on the head of the screw has
holes into which the handle, a metal bar, fits. When the handle is turned clockwise, the
screw moves further out of the base, lifting the load resting on the load table. In order to
support large load forces, the screw usually has either square threads or buttress
threads.[2]
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15.3.1 Screws:
A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a nail. Some screw threads are designed to
mate with a complementary thread, known as a female thread (internal thread), often in the
form of a nut or an object that has the internal thread formed into it. Other screw threads
are designed to cut a helical groove in a softer material as the screw is inserted. The most
common uses of screws are to hold objects together and to position objects. [3]
Following are types of threads.

i. Square threads[4]
The square thread form is a common screw thread form, used in high load
applications such as leadscrews and jackscrews. It gets its name from the square
cross-section of the thread. It is the lowest friction and most efficient thread form,
but it is difficult to fabricate. The greatest advantage of square threads is that they
have a much higher intrinsic efficiency than trapezoidal threads (Acme or metric
trapezoidal). Due to the lack of a thread angle there is no radial pressure,
or bursting pressure, on the nut. This also increases the nut life. The greatest
disadvantage is the difficulty in machining such a thread. The single-point cutting
tools or taps and dies used to cut the thread cannot have efficient rake and relief
angles (because of the square form), which makes the cutting slow and difficult.
Square threads also cannot carry as much load as a trapezoidal thread, because
the root of the square thread is smaller. Also, there is no way to compensate for
wear on the nut, so it must be replaced when worn out.
Following are the characteristics of square threads.
I. Low friction
II. Low power loss
III. High efficiency
IV. Greater Mechanical advantage
V. Less rigidity
VI. Mostly self lock
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ii. V thread[5]
Basically, in fastening, V threads are generally used. The reason behind it
is very easy to use and very cheap. It has also more friction as well. ‘V’ threads are
used for fastening purpose because it provides high frictional force that lessens
the possibility of loosening the parts assembled by threaded joints, but the
purpose of power transmission thread is to reduce the friction between the screw
and nut. so, ‘V’ threads are not suitable for power screws. When two V
threads screws are used what happens? There is parallel displacement in opposite
direction. The alignment of threads is such that it allows to mate with other screw
threads easily by sliding into them. The specific angle between the threads and
screw makes this possible. Which is why it is used in tightening. One displacement
for tightening and one for loosening. If these screws were to transmit power there
would be very less efficiency and not proper power transmission as they are
constantly displacing while rotating.
Following are the characteristics of V threads.
I. High friction.
II. More power loss
III. Low efficiency
IV. Low Mechanical advantage.
V. Self locked.

10.3.2 MECHANICAL JOINT [3]:

).

10.3.3 TYPES OF MECHANICAL JOINT :

1) KNUCKLE JOINT:
[4]

2) TURNBUCKLE:[6]
.
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3) PIN JOINT:[7]
A

4) COTTER JOINT:[8]
The

5) BOLTED JOINT:[9]
Bolted

6) TOGGLE JOINT [5]:

Toggle

10.3.4 APPLICATIONS:
1. It is used in crushes.
2. It is used in sucker rod pump.
3. It is mainly used in automobile industry.
4. It is used in all type of lifts elevators for public or industry work.
5. It is used in jacks where we need extra power to lift up heavy objects.

10.4 PROCEDURE:

1. Check the zero error by measuring spring balance reading without hanger.
Apparatus should be frictionless and proper lubricated.
2. Note the weight of hanger.
3. Now add weights on hanger and note down the total weight (weight + weight of
hanger) as Effort.
4. Note down the spring balance reading as Load.
5. Measure the height h of joint.
6. Measure the distance d between fixed and ruler supports.
7. Calculate mechanical advantage and compare it to theoretical value.

10.5 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

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Obs# Thread Type Load (P) Effort (F) M.A M.A

(lbs) (lbs) (exp) (theoratical)
1 Square 1.5 0.4 3.75 7.3
2 thread 2.5 0.45 5.56 7.3
3 3.5 0.5 7 7.3

1 1.5 0.42 3.57 7.25

2 Vee thread 2.5 0.5 5 7.25
3 3.5 0.55 6.36 7.25

Obs# Thread Type Error

1 48.60%
2 Square thread 23.80%
3 4.10%

1 50.70%
2 Vee thread 31%
3 12.30%

10.6 COMMENTS:

The error is of 22.7%. It is due to friction, the fixed support is not fixed properly it is rotating
freely which is alarming in practical and the joint is not lubricated. The spring of joint is
misused. So we can minimize the error by proper fixing and lubrication.

10.7 REFRENCES:
[1] http://www.p-a-hilton.co.uk/products/HFC19-Toggle-Joint-Apparatus
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackscrew
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw
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[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_thread_form