Wedge Cam Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Formula, and Industrial Uses Explained

Posted by Robbie Dickson on

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A translating wedge can convert horizontal travel into follower lift along an inclined surface. This calculator applies ideal right-triangle geometry and frictionless displacement-ratio mechanical advantage.

Wedge Cam Interactive Calculator

Enter horizontal wedge travel and ramp angle. Outputs are ideal geometry—not a cam profile, force capacity or safe-speed result.

0°

Ideal follower lift
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Ideal ramp-path length
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Ideal frictionless force ratio
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Ideal ramp slope
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Equation Used

lift=s tan(alpha); ramp length=s/cos(alpha); ideal force ratio=cot(alpha); slope=100 tan(alpha).
The ideal force ratio follows work conservation and excludes friction. Real wedge/cam contact also depends on follower shape, normal force, materials, lubrication and motion law.
  • Travel is horizontal and follower lift is normal to it.
  • The ramp is straight at the entered constant angle.
  • The ideal force ratio is frictionless.
  • No roller-radius or contact-offset correction is included.
  • Friction, preload, contact stress, wear, acceleration, jerk, compliance and strength are omitted.
FIRGELLI Automations - Interactive Mechanism Calculators
Watch the Wedge Cam in motion
Video: Wedge cam animation by Lemurian D-Signs on YouTube. Used here to complement the diagram below.
Same mechanism and inputs as the interactive calculator.

Inclined-Plane Geometry

A NASA simple-machines guide describes a wedge as converging inclined planes. The ideal force ratio used here follows frictionless work conservation; real cam contact is more complex.

What This Calculator Represents

Compare lift and ramp length using right-triangle geometry, and the ideal force ratio using frictionless work conservation.

Ideal Wedge Geometry

h=s tan alpha
r=s/cos alpha
IMA=cot alpha
slope=100 tan alpha

Worked Example

At 50 mm travel and 15 degrees, ideal lift is 13.4 mm, ramp path 51.8 mm, frictionless force ratio 3.73:1 and slope 26.8%.

Assumptions and Limits

  • Calculated: ideal straight-ramp geometry and displacement ratio.
  • Illustrated: translating wedge and follower.
  • Not calculated: friction, cam profile, contact, stress, dynamics or safe load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is force output calculated?

No; only an ideal ratio.

Is friction included?

No.

Is ramp length horizontal travel?

No; it is path length along the incline.

Is a roller follower modeled?

No.

Are acceleration and jerk included?

No.

Can this size a cam?

No.

References

Building or designing a mechanism like this?

Explore the precision-engineered motion control hardware used by mechanical engineers, makers, and product designers.

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