1. LINKAGE MECHANISMS

2. Linkage Mechanisms
Linkages are mechanical mechanisms which allow force or motion to be directed in either a rotary or a linear motion. These can also change the direction of motion of the force being exerted. A linkage system is made up of a mechanical system such as rods or arms joined together with mechanical fasteners. This system will include points where the parts will pivot. Depending upon the type of linkage system used, the input motion will transmit a different motion to the output.

3. Reverse-motion Linkage
This Linkage moves in opposite directions.
Top rod moves to the left, bottom to the right
A linkage which makes the output move, just as the input is a
‘push-pull linkage’
The following link will take us to a animation which shows the mechanism in action.
chanismsrev3.shtml

4. Parallel-motion Linkage
Large rod at the top moves to the left
Two small rods at the bottom move to the right
All rods are parallel to each other
These can be used as a tool box drawers mechanism
The following link will take us to a animation which shows the mechanism in action.
chanismsrev3.shtml

5. Bell-crank Linkage Horizontal movement converted to vertical movement
This also works the opposite way around
A practical example of this is the brake mechanism on a bicycle
The following link will take us to a animation which shows the mechanism in action.
chanismsrev3.shtml

6. Treadle Linkage
Linkages can be used to change one type of motion into another
Rotary motion of the cam moves a parallel-motion linkage
The parallel-motion linkage controls the identical side-to-side, or oscillating motion
A practical example of this is the mechanism on a car windscreen wipers.
The following link will take us to a animation which shows the mechanism in action.
smsrev3.shtml

7. Crank and Slider Linkage
The rods move forwards and backwards in slider
The fixed pivot anchor the linkages to one place
An everyday example of this is a piston crankshaft.
The following link will take us to a animation which shows the mechanism in action.