BC Transit – Air Brake Course

Force Multiplication (Mechanical Advantage)
100
4 1
A
C
B
400
“…give me a lever long enough and a place to rest it, and I will lift the world…”
Braking systems use devices to gain a mechanical advantage. The
most common device for this purpose is leverage. In this simple
example, a lever is placed on a pivot called a fulcrum. The distance
from A to C is 4 feet, and the distance from C to B is 1 foot. Therefore
the ratio is 4:1. If a 100 lb. downward force is exerted against point A,
an upward force of 400 lbs. is achieved at point B.
20