5 Famous Mechanical Engineering Inventions

There have been several mechanical inventions in the past that have shaped the technology around us, thanks to some of the brilliant minds who could defy the limits creativity and knowledge.

Here are some of the famous Mechanical engineering inventions:

1. Steam turbine

A steam turbine is a device which rotates through pressurised steam. The rotary motion generated by the turbine is used to drive electric generator in power plants to generate electric power.

The origin of early steam turbine dates back to the 1^st century. It was Anglo-Irish Engineer Charles Algernon Parsons who invented the modern steam turbine in 1884. His first model of steam turbine was coupled with a dynamo (electrical generator) which had the capacity to generate 7.5kW of electricity.

Parson’s steam turbine revolutionized marine transport and naval warfare as it made the generation of cheap electricity in large amounts possible.

2. Ball bearing

A ball bearing is a type of bearing that incorporates balls between the bearing races. The main purpose of the ball bearing is to minimize rotational friction and support axial and radial loads.

A typical ball bearing contains two races to hold the balls and distribute load through them. In most cases, one race of the ball bearing is stationary while the other is connected to the moving part (e.g. hub or shaft).

The exact origin and development of bearing cannot be traced. However, Welsh inventor Philip Vaughan received the patent of the first design for a ball bearing in 1794.

3. Internal combustion engine

An internal combustion engine is a heat engine in which an oxidizer (air) causes the combustion of the fuel inside its combustion chamber. The combustion process produces expansion of high-pressure gases which drive the pistons. The pistons are connected to the crankshaft to transfer its lateral motion into rotary motion (in the crankshaft).

Belgian engineer, Jean Joseph Étienne Lenoir, is credited for creating the first commercially successful internal combustion engine. Later, German engineer Nikolaus Otto developed the first modern internal combustion engine in 1876.

4. Differential

A differential is a gear train. Differential mainly finds its use in automobiles and other wheeled vehicles.

The main purpose of the differential is to make the wheel (which is travelling outside of a turn) to roll faster than the wheel which is inside of the turn. This is done by decreasing the speed of the wheel which falls on the inside of a turn/curve.

5. Industrial robots

Industrial robot is a modern mechanical invention. It is a robot system which is used mainly for manufacturing purpose. Some of the wide-scale applications of industrial robots include welding, assembly, painting, and packaging and labelling.

In most cases, industrial robots are automated arms designed for ambidextrous movements and precision.

Diploma in mechanical engineering

Are you interested in these mechanical inventions? 

If yes, then pursue diploma, B. Tech in mechanical engineering at IST (Institute ofScience & Technology).