Influence of friction in making settings on a linear scale

Abstract

In making settings on a linear scale by means of a control knob, it had previously been found that a ratio providing one or two inches of pointer-movement for one complete turn of the knob appeared to be optimal. The amount of friction was not the same for all ratios, however, and this study was designed to determine the effect, if any, of this friction factor. The results showed that, with equalized friction, the optimal ratio was unchanged for short travel distances. With large amounts of travel before setting, the optimal ratio was slightly increased. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)