Automobile Steering gear is an example of a Lower pair

Explanation:

Introduction:
In mechanical engineering, a pair is a connection between two elements that allows relative motion between them. There are different types of pairs based on the nature of the relative motion between the connected elements. One such type is the lower pair.

Lower Pair:
A lower pair is a type of kinematic pair where the two elements have surface or area contact with each other. The relative motion between the elements is a combination of both sliding and turning motions. The turning motion occurs around a fixed axis, while the sliding motion is perpendicular to the turning motion.

Automobile Steering Gear:
The automobile steering gear is responsible for transmitting the driver's input to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to change direction. It is a mechanism that connects the steering wheel to the front wheels.

Explanation of the Answer:
The automobile steering gear is an example of a lower pair because it exhibits the characteristics of a lower pair. Let's understand why:

1. Surface Contact: The steering gear consists of various components such as gears, shafts, and bearings. These components have surface contact with each other, allowing the transfer of motion.

2. Combination of Sliding and Turning Motion: The steering gear allows both sliding and turning motion. The turning motion occurs when the driver turns the steering wheel, which is transmitted to the wheels through the gear mechanism. The sliding motion is present in the gear teeth engagement, where the teeth slide past each other to transfer the motion.

3. Fixed Axis: The turning motion in the steering gear occurs around a fixed axis, which is the axis of rotation of the steering shaft.

Therefore, based on the characteristics of a lower pair, the automobile steering gear is an example of a lower pair.

Conclusion:
The automobile steering gear is an example of a lower pair as it exhibits the characteristics of surface contact, a combination of sliding and turning motion, and a fixed axis of rotation. Understanding the different types of pairs and their applications in mechanical systems is crucial for designing and analyzing various mechanisms.