Camshaft of an Engine
The use of cam and follower systems are vital in engines, where they are used to open and close the inlet valve and the exhaust valve to the cylinder head. The diagram shown opposite shows us a typical camshaft that could be found in a lawnmower engine. The cam and follower system is a plate cam and flat follower system, and of course the function of the system is to open and close the valves at the correct time during the four stroke cycle of the engine (this will be dealt with in more depth later). If you examine the image close you will see that the peaks of the cams are offset by approximately 120 degrees. These ensures that the both valves aren't fully open at the same time.
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Another variation of a cam and follower system that could be used to open and close the inlet and exhaust valves in an engine
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Camshaft of an Engine incorporating a Rocker Arm
The diagram shown below is another typical cam and follower system that could be used in an engine. This system incorporates a rocker arm (shown in blue in the image). In this case the motion the cam imparts on the follower is translated to the valve through a push rod amd the rocker arm.
Camshaft with Plate Cam imparting on a Flat Follower, a Push Rod, a Rocker arm and the Valve.
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