Mechanism

Machines are mechanical devices used to accomplish

work. A mechanism is a heart of a machine. It is the
mechanical portion of the machine that has the
function of transferring motion and forces from a
power source to an output.
Mechanism is a system of rigid elements (linkages)
arranged and connected to transmit motion and/or
force in a predetermined fashion.
Mechanism consists of linkages and joints.

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 Example of Mechanism

Can crusher

Simple press

Rear-window wiper
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 Example of Mechanisms

Moves packages from an assembly

bench to a conveyor

Microwave carrier to assist

Lift platform people on wheelchair
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 Example of Mechanisms

Lift platform

Front loader

Device to close the

top flap of boxes

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 Example of Mechanisms
Stair climbing mechanism

A box that
turns itself off

Airplane landing
gear mechanism

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 Example of Mechanisms

Rowing type exercise machine

Conceptual design for an

exercise machine

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 Example of Mechanisms

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 Example of Mechanisms

Extension position

Flexed position

Six-bar linkage prosthetic

knee mechanism

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 Four-Bar Linkage

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 Four-Bar Linkage Categories

Case I shortest link + longest link < summation of the other two links
s+l < p+q

a) Shortest link is the driver with

either one of the intermediate
links as the ground link
(fixed). The result is two
different types of crank-
rocker mechanisms, input link
rotates 360 (crank) and output
link oscillates (rocker)
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 Four-Bar Linkage Categories
Case I shortest link + longest link < summation of the other two links

b) Shortest link is fixed. The

result is a double-crank
mechanism. Both, input and
output links rotate 360.

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 Four-Bar Linkage Categories

Case I shortest link + longest link < summation of the other two links

c) The longest link is fixed and

either one of the intermediate
links is the driver. The result is a
double-rocker mechanism.
Both, input and output links
oscillate.

Grashof condition one link rotates 360

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 Four-Bar Linkage Categories
Case II shortest link + longest link > summation of the other two links

There are four possible

mechanisms depending on
which link is fixed. All
mechanisms are double-rockers.

Case III shortest link + longest link = summation of the other two links

Same mechanisms as in case I

with the addition of a
branching point (all links
become collinear).

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 4-Bar mechanisms

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 4-Bar mechanisms
S+l>p+q

4 double rocker
mechanisms

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 The Slider-Crank Mechanism

Input link,
crank Coupler link,
connecting rod

Output link,
piston (slider)

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 Slider-Crank Mechanism

Offset slider-crank mechanism

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 Slider-Crank Mechanism

The mechanism has a

stroke B1B2 equal twice
the crank length r2.
Locations B1 and B2 are
called the extreme
positions (limiting) of
the slider

In-line slider crank mechanism

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 The Slider-Crank Mechanism

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 Slider-Crank Mechanism - Inversion

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 Mechanism Categories
Function Generation Mechanisms
A function generator is a linkage in which the relative motion
between links connected to the ground is of interest.

A four-bar hand actuated wheelchair

brake mechanism

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 Mechanism Categories
Function Generation Mechanisms

A four-bar drive linkage for a lawn sprinkler

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 Mechanism Categories
Function Generation Mechanisms
A four-bar function generation
mechanism to lower an attic stairway.

A four-bar function generation mechanism to

operate an artificial hand used for gripping.
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 Mechanism Categories
Motion Generation Mechanisms
In motion generation, the entire motion of the coupler link
is of interest (rigid body guidance).

New Rollerblade brake system

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 Mechanism Categories
Motion Generation Mechanisms

Four-bar automobile hood linkage design

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 Mechanism Categories
Path Generation Mechanisms
In path generation, we are concerned only with the path of a
tracer point and not with the motion (rotation) of the
coupler link.

Crane straight line motion

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 Mechanism Categories
Path Generation Mechanisms A four-bar path generation mechanism to guide
a thread in an automatic sewing machine

A four-bar path generation mechanism as

part of an arm-actuated propulsion system
for a wheelchair
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 Primary Joints

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 Higher Order Joints

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 Motion Generation Mechanisms

Moving a storage bin from an

Rotating a monitor into a storage position accessible position to a stored position
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 Motion Generation Mechanisms

Moving a trash pan from the floor up over

a trash bin and into a dump position Lifting a boat out of water

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 Straight line Mechanisms

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 Straight line
Mechanisms

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 Straight Line Mechanism

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 Straight Line Mechanism - Application

Straight line mechanism

with dwell
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 Scotch Yoke Mechanism

Example car window

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 Geneva Mechanism

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 Linear Geneva Mechanism

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 Ratchet Mechanism

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 Straight Beam Walking Mechanism

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 Roller and Flat Follower Cams

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 Cylindrical Cam Mechanism

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 Gears Rack and Pinion

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 Gears

Worm Gear Sets Bevel gears Planetary Gear set

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 V-8 Engine

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 Type of Motion and Mechanisms
Most power sources that are readily available today are either of the pure
rotational motion type, such as electric motor or hand crank, or of the
pure translational type, such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or linear
actuators.
Translation to Translation

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 Type of Motion and Mechanisms
Rotational to Rotational

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 Type of Motion and Mechanisms
Rotation to Translation

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 References
Mechanism Design, Analysis and Synthesis by
Erdman and sander, fourth edition, Prentice-Hall,
2003,
Machines and Mechanisms by Uicker, Pennock
and Shigley, third edition, Oxford, 2002.
Machines and Mechanisms by Myszka, Prentice-
Hall, 2003

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