How Belts & Pulleys Work

Pulleys and belts are useful for moving large objects.

Belts and pulleys are used together to generate force to move objects. They are easy to construct and can be used to lift a variety of weights and objects easier than manually moving them yourself.

Pulleys

A pulley is a simple machine made of one or more wheels. You loop a rope, called the belt, through the wheels and use it to lift heavy objects.

Belts

The belt is used to pull an item up. Attach the belt to the object you desire to lift on one side and loop the belt through the pulley on the other, allowing the belt to hang down. The hanging belt can be pulled, and this lifts the object by causing the pulley wheel to rotate.

Adding Extra Strength

Adding to the number of belts and pulleys used to lift an object will minimize the amount of effort it takes you to lift the object. The belt and pulley can be useful for lifting any heavy object.

References

• Carnegie Mellon University: Rapid Design Through Virtual and Physical Prototyping
• Explain That Stuff: Pulleys