What is the difference between a driver pulley and a driven pulley?

A driver pulley and a driven pulley are two components of a belt and pulley system used to transmit power and motion between two shafts. The main difference between them lies in their roles and functions within the system:

Driver Pulley: Also known as the input pulley, the driver pulley is the pulley connected to the power source, such as an electric motor or an engine. It is responsible for transmitting power to the driven pulley by rotating and driving the belt. The driver pulley is usually the one that initiates the motion and controls the speed of the system.

Driven Pulley: Also known as the output pulley, the driven pulley is the pulley connected to the load or the driven machinery. It receives power from the driver pulley through the belt and converts the rotational motion into the desired output, such as driving a conveyor belt or operating a machine. The driven pulley is driven by the driver pulley and its speed is determined by the ratio between the driver and driven pulley sizes.

In a belt and pulley system, the driver pulley and driven pulley are connected by a belt, which wraps around both pulleys. As the driver pulley rotates, it creates tension in the belt, causing the driven pulley to rotate in sync and transfer power. The size and ratio of the pulleys determine the speed and torque conversion between the driver and driven shafts. By using different-sized pulleys, it is possible to increase or decrease the rotational speed and torque transmitted from the driver pulley to the driven pulley.

Overall, the driver pulley is responsible for providing power and initiating the motion, while the driven pulley receives the power and converts it into a useful output.