Mechanism and Machine Science Educational Workshop Based on Schröder-Reuleaux Ancient Models of Politecnico di Torino

Around the world, there are many collections of models of mechanisms and machine components of historical value. Among these, there is an important collection kept at the Politecnico di Torino, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering-DIMEAS. It consists of about 85 Reuleaux models manufactured by the Schröder company of Darmstadt in the second half of the 19th century. It includes linkages, gears, cam-follower systems, belt drives, couplings and clutches whose history is reconstructed. Some models are still used effectively today in teaching the science of mechanisms and machine. The paper presents both the important historical collection and the didactic methodology adopted in the course “Mechanics of Automatic Machines” in which students practice the developing of virtual models of some selected mechanisms.