Linkage mechanisms are used all around us for a number of different applications and on a range of different mechanisms. Mechanical linkages have been around for hundreds of years and are used in a number of things we use every day.
In this article, we will take a look at what a linkage mechanism is, the function of a linkage mechanism, the different types of linkage mechanisms and the uses of mechanical linkages.
What is a Linkage Mechanism?
A mechanical linkage mechanism is an assembly of bodies connected to manage forces and movement. The movement of a body, or link, is studied using geometry so the link is considered to be rigid. The connections between links are modelled as providing ideal movement, pure rotation or sliding.
Mechanical linkages can come in a variety of different types and styles. They each have applications that they are suited to and reasons why we use them over other mechanical components.
Either one or a number of the links will be fixed, the movement of other links in the system will determine the movement of the system and also the speed. When using a four-pin linkage all of the movement is performed in a parallel plane. This is because regardless of what link is fixed they all move in a determined fixed way which is relative to the pivot or fixed point.
Lengths of linkage bars and links can be adjusted to ensure that the movement distance needed is accurate and correct. This however needs to be tested and put through tests to ensure they can deal with the stress of the mechanical system.
Linkage mechanisms are found in a number of mechanical systems and items that you will use on a daily basis. The development and advances in design are why we are able to perform a number of tasks with ease.
What is the Function of a Linkage Mechanism?
The function of a linkage mechanism is to make components change direction, move in a certain way or alter the force that things move in a mechanical system. Linkage mechanisms are incorporated into systems to produce rotating, oscillating or reciprocating motion from the rotation created from a crankshaft or a moving mechanical part. Linkage mechanisms consist of a series of mechanical linkages that can change direction, alter force and make things move in a certain way.
We use linkage mechanisms in a number of different systems and also in machinery. Linkage mechanisms give you the ability to take one kind of motion and turn it into another type. They can be used to make machine components change direction and also alter the force that things move. The amount of movement or force needed can all be worked out in the design stage of the linkage mechanism.
What are the Different Types of Linkage Mechanisms?
Linkage mechanisms can come in a variety of different types and styles. Each mechanical linkage has its own unique advantages and applications that they have been designed for or is suited for.
The different types of mechanical linkages are:
- Reverse motion linkage
- Parallel motion (push/pull) linkage
- Bell crank linkage
- Crank and slider linkage
- Treadle linkage
- Four bar linkage
Reverse Motion Linkage
A reverse motion linkage is a type of mechanism that reverses the direction of the input, so the output will move in the opposite way. A fixed pivot point will enable this movement. A good example of where a reverse motion linkage is used is on a folding clothes horse.
The bars are shown with a red arrow and a blue arrow and they move in opposite directions as the linkage mechanisms move. The fixed point of this linkage mechanism is located right in the centre.
Parallel Motion (Push/Pull) Linkage
A parallel motion (push/pull) linkage uses two fixed pivot points to make the input and outputs move in the same direction. The fixed pivots have a moving pivot on both sides, which allows movement backwards and forwards. A parallel motion linkage can also be known as a push/pull linkage mechanism.
If you were to change the placement of the fixed pivot points this would change the amount of force exerted or needed to make one movement, it would not however alter the directions of travel. Think of a toolbox with drawers, this is a good example of where parallel motion linkages are used.
Bell Crank Linkage
A bell crank linkage gives you the ability to move the direction through a 90 degrees angle. Changing the pivot point here will change the amount of output force that is achieved. Bell crank linkages can come in a number of different sizes and are used across a range of different applications.
A good example of where this linkage is used is in cycling, for the brake system. They provide a powerful linkage for smaller applications such as brake systems.
Crank and Slider Linkage
A crank and slider linkage changes rotational motion into reciprocating motion. Your fixed pivot here will be attached to a crank, the crank then turns and pushes and pulls a slider in and out. An example of where these linkages are used are on a car engine, they are used to perform the task of igniting the petrol with the spark plugs.
Crank and slider mechanisms were developed by James Watt on early steam engines. He then used the workings of crank and slider mechanisms to use the ideology in early steam engines. Crank and slider mechanisms are still found on a number of systems today.
Treadle Linkage
A treadle linkage is a type of mechanical linkage that turns a crank (on a fixed pivot) by using a rotary input. A rod will connect two moving pivots to one fixed pivot. Car windscreen wipers use treadle linkages so they can travel in the same direction together at the same time.
Four Bar Linkage
A four-bar or 4 bar linkage is one of the most simple linkage mechanisms. It consists of 4 different bodies which are called links or bars. The links are connected into a group by four joints. The design of a four-bar linkage will determine how far each body will move.
The range of movement required affects the design of a four-bar linkage. The length of the input shaft and output shaft dictate what range of movement the mechanism will offer. Pumpjacks use a four-bar linkage as their main mechanism.
Where are Linkage Mechanisms Used?
Linkage mechanisms are used in a number of different applications in everyday life equipment and machinery that you will find in industry. We have made a list of some of the common applications where you will find them:
- Folding clothes rack
- Toolbox with draws
- Bicycle brakes
- Car engines
- Windscreen wipers
- Bicycle suspension
- Scissor lifts
- Pumpjacks
When Were Linkage Mechanisms First Used?
Linkage mechanisms were first used in a number of applications dating all the way back to the 1500s. Machine theory was the work of Archimedes and Hero of Alexandra. Leonardo da Vinci then brought the concept to machinery and mechanisms.
In the 1700s James Watt discovered that the steam engine’s efficiency could be improved by adjusting the cylinder strokes for the expansion and condensation of steam. He then went on to develop the crank and slider mechanism into something that he could use in the steam engine.
It was not until the late 1800s that F Reuleaux, A B W Kennedy and L Burmester developed a system to identify linkage systems by using geometry.
It is down to these studies and developments over the years that linkage mechanisms are such a useful mechanical component and serve so many purposes today.
If you would like to check out our article on the advantages and disadvantages of linkage mechanisms click here.
Liam Cope
Hi, I’m Liam, I started Engineer Fix with the vision of providing students, engineers and people that may be curious with an online resource that can make engineering easy.
I have worked in various roles within engineering performing countless hours of mechanical and electrical work/projects. I also completed 6 years of training which included an advanced apprenticeship and an HNC in electrical engineering.