Pulleys are simple machines that make daily life so easy. From pulling curtains up to lifting heavy machinery, pulleys are vital in many equipment and utilities. This article enlists such examples, along with pictures, that we come across in our everyday lives.
It is believed that the pulley system was used as far back as 1500 BC by the people of Mesopotamia to draw water.
A pulley consists of a grooved wheel with a rope. As the name suggests, pulleys are used to pull and lift heavy loads. These are simple machines that make our life very easy, and unknowingly, we use them so many times on most days. Observe around, and you’ll see a lot of examples of pulleys. It uses simple science to lift things. That way, you not only save your efforts of lifting heavy loads, but also makes the locomotion of things easier.
There are three types of pulleys: fixed pulleys, moving pulleys, and compound pulleys. Compound pulleys are a mixture of both, fixed and moving pulleys. In everyday life, there are so many examples of these simple, yet useful machines.
Here are some examples of this system that we use and see all around us.
In the House
Curtains/Blinds
A simple technique of pulley is used in case of blinds, and they help in pulling the curtains up and down. Similarly, in a theater system, pulleys are used to lift the curtains up.
Flower Basket
A simple pulley system holding a flower basket, that can be lowered to water the flowers.
Water Well
A pulley is used to drop the bucket into the well, collect water, and pull it up again. Though its use has become very less in modern times, we might perhaps find them in the country side.
Other Examples
- Adjustable clothesline
- Hanging chandelier, which can be lowered
- In the kitchen: dumbwaiter, hanging lights
- Simple motor pulley used in a sewing machine
- Sliding doors of bathrooms
Industrial and Other Activities
Crane
This is one of the most commonly observed pulley. It is used to lift heavy things, machines, collect debris, etc.
Sailing Boat
A sailing boat requires the help of pulleys to move the sails around as desired.
Washing Buildings
Pulleys provide locomotion to workers to move up and down to wash buildings from the outside.
Other Examples
- Cargo lifts
- Garage doors
- Elevators
- Escalators
Sports/Recreational/Other Activities
Sports Equipment
Many sports equipment use the pulley system for muscular exercises.
Rock Climbers
With the help of the pulley system, rock climbers can climb steep rock surfaces easily.
Fishing Rod
The wheel enhances the fishing rod in catching fish.
Flag Hoisting
To hoist a flag up, the help of a pulley is required.
Other than the invention of the wheel, which embarked the progress of humans in the field of science, we have a lot to thank the pulleys too, for it is because of them that we could construct and expand tall skyscrapers, bridges, and also climb great heights (and descend too!). Of course, the above list of examples of pulleys is not exhaustive, and if you wish to add to it, feel free to use the comments section below.
