The Multiport Lever: A Mechanical Logical Element

Abstract

In its basic form the multiport lever consists of a link that can pivot about one of a number of axes or ports, depending upon a force balance. The two-port lever occurs quite frequently in machinery and mechanical devices. As far as we know, however, multiport levers have not been recognized as a basic logical element. Neither do they appear to have been used for more than two ports. In this investigation we define and generalize the concept of a multiport-lever configuration, develop its analytical mechanics (Theorems 1–4) and consider the design of the lever as a switching element. The logical behavior of the multiport lever does not correspond to that of any known switching element, although similarities to threshold gates can be observed.