← Design and Technology syllabus

SingaporeDesign and Technology

Mechanisms and Structures

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do gears transmit and change rotary motion, and how is a gear ratio calculated and used?

Describe gear trains, calculate gear ratio and output speed, and explain how gears change speed, torque and direction of rotation
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on gears. Gear trains, calculating gear ratio and output speed, the speed-torque trade-off, idler gears and direction of rotation.
9 min answer →

How do levers multiply force, and how does the principle of moments let us calculate the effort a lever needs?

Apply the principle of moments to levers, classify the three orders of lever, and calculate effort, load and mechanical advantage
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on levers. The three orders of lever, the principle of moments, mechanical advantage, and worked moment calculations.
9 min answer →

How do linkages change the direction or type of motion, and where are they used in everyday products?

Describe common linkages, including reverse-motion, push-pull, bell-crank and parallel-motion linkages, and explain how each changes the direction or nature of motion
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on linkages. Reverse-motion, push-pull, bell-crank and parallel linkages, how they change motion direction, and example uses.
7 min answer →

How do belt-and-pulley systems transmit rotary motion between shafts, and how is their speed ratio calculated?

Describe belt-and-pulley drives, calculate the velocity ratio from pulley diameters, and explain their advantages over gears
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on pulleys. Belt-and-pulley drives, calculating velocity ratio from pulley diameters, direction of drive, and advantages over gears.
8 min answer →

How do structures carry loads through struts and ties, and what makes a structure strong and stable?

Identify struts and ties and the forces in a structure, explain how triangulation and a low centre of gravity give strength and stability, and describe ways to reinforce structures
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on structures. Struts in compression and ties in tension, triangulation, stability and centre of gravity, and reinforcement methods.
8 min answer →