Main Move vs Help Move is a fundamental concept in engineering design that distinguishes between primary and secondary motions in mechanical systems and mechanisms. The main move refers to the principal motion or movement that directly accomplishes the core function or intended purpose of a mechanical device, while help moves are auxiliary or supporting movements that facilitate, enable, or enhance the execution of the main move without being the primary functional action themselves. This distinction is crucial in mechanical design optimization, where engineers must carefully balance the relationship between these two types of movements to create efficient and effective systems. The concept emerged from the need to analyze and improve mechanical systems by identifying which motions are essential to the core function and which ones serve supporting roles. In complex machinery, the main move typically represents the movement that directly interfaces with the workpiece or performs the intended operation, such as the cutting motion of a lathe or the pressing action of a stamping machine. Help moves, on the other hand, encompass all secondary motions such as feeding mechanisms, positioning systems, or safety features that make the main move possible or more effective. This classification helps designers prioritize their focus during the development process, ensuring that the primary function is optimized while supporting movements are appropriately integrated. The concept has become increasingly important in modern automation and robotics, where understanding the hierarchy of movements helps in programming more efficient motion sequences and reducing energy consumption. The distinction between main and help moves is often a crucial consideration in design competitions, including the A' Design Award's engineering and technical design categories, where judges evaluate the effectiveness of movement hierarchies in submitted projects.
motion design, mechanical engineering, automation systems, movement hierarchy, functional analysis
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Main Move Vs Help Move.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=470447 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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