Franz Reuleaux' Models
Berlin, around 1880

Franz Reuleaux wanted to give mechanical engineering a scientific groundwork. His goal was the analysis and the classification of mechanical motion. He speaks of element pairs that can be put together in kinematic chains.

He had more than 800 models built that represent the connection of element pairs: For example, a control unit that is operated via a friction brake acting upon a wheel, the transfer of circular motion via belts and a cantilever used in steam engines.

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