College of Engineering

Mechanical Department
MECH 412
Dynamics and Control Systems Lab

MECHANISMS EXPERIMENT

Spring 2014

Theory

Linkage can be defined as joints that connecting a

system of links with rotary or linear bearing.
Linkage that has at least one fixed link is a mechanism.
The main function of a link mechanism is to produce
motion such as rotating, oscillating or reciprocating
motion.
Degree of freedom or mobility (DOF) can be defined as
the number of input motions that must be provided in
order to provide the desired output.
The Grueblers equation is given by:
m = 3(n-1) - 2f

Cont.
Whitworth Quick Return

It converts rotary motion into reciprocating

motion.
The forward reciprocating motion and the
backward stroke rate is the same.
Time ratio (TR) = RT/FT

Can be useful for application requiring slow

initial motion and a quick reset operation.
has been modified and used for constructing
high-velocity impacting press.

Cont.
Cam & Follower Mechanism

Discussed last session.

Cont.
Scotch Yoke

The Scotch-yoke mechanism is a four-bar mechanism in

which a crank is connected by a slider with another link
which, in turn, forms a prismatic pair with the frame.
This mechanism is equivalent to a slider-crank mechanism in
which the length of the connecting rod is infinite.
When the crank is driven with a constant speed, the slider
moving on the frame can output a simple harmonic motion.
can be used in the testing machines for simulating the simple
harmonic vibration.
It can also be adopted for driving the pumps and
compressors.

Cont.
Geneva Mechanism

In this mechanism, for every turn of the driver wheel A, the

driven wheel B makes a quarter turn. The pin, attached to
driver wheel A, moves in the slots causing the motion of
wheel B. The contact between the lower part of driver A
with the corresponding hollow part of wheel B, retains it in
position when the pin is out of the slot.
Early watches, music boxes, etc., used Geneva wheels to
prevent over winding. From this application, they also are
called Geneva Stops. As a stop, wheel A is fastened to the
spring shaft, and B turns on the axis of the spring barrel.
The number of slots in B depends upon the number of
times the spring shaft should be turned.

Cont.
Rachet & Pawl

A ratchet mechanism is based on a wheel that has teeth

cut out of it and a pawl that follows as the wheel turns.
The ratchet wheel turns and the pawl falls into the 'dip'
between the teeth.
The ratchet wheel can only turn in one direction - in this
case anticlockwise.
A pawl which is a link designed to engage with the
ratchet teeth to prevent the wheel from moving in one
direction.
The smaller the teeth, the smaller the backward motion.
The contact surfaces of wheel and pawl should be
inclined so they don't disengage under pressure.

Cont.
Crank & Connecting Rod (Slider)

The slider crank mechanism is used in a variety of machines

when there is a need to convert rotary motion into
reciprocating motion or vice versa.
the input motion to the slider is typically from a motor or
other rotating device running at a constant speed. The
resulting motion is therefore a reciprocating motion of the
slider with every cycle of the crank.
The forward and return motion of the slider has the same
duration.
When crank and connecting rod are extended in a straight
line and the slider is at its maximum distance from the axis
of the crankshaft, position is top dead center (TDC); when
the slider is at its minimum distance from the axis of the
crankshaft, the position is bottom dead center (BDC).

Apparatus
LEGEND
A. Rachet and Pawl
Mechanism
B. Geneva Drive Mechanism
C. Scotch Yoke Mechanism
D. Cam & Follower
Mechanism
E. Crank & Connecting Rod
Mechanism
F. Whitworth Quick Return
Mechanism

Experiment
Procedure
1)
2)
3)

4)
5)
6)

7)

Calculate the mobility of the apparatus using the appropriate equation.

Select the desired crank distance (10, 20, 30mm) and connecting rod
(100, 110, 120mm).
Place the selected crank to the rotating disc and connecting rod to the
crank holder and the slider holder. Record the length of the crank and
connecting rod to the table provided.
Rotate the crank to 0o by rotating the turning knob. The angle
measurement can be read directing from the protractor provided.
Once the crank set at 0o, record down the initial position of the
connecting rod using the linear scale provided.
Slowly rotate the crank of the apparatus. For every 30o increment, record
downs the displacement value for the connecting rod. Take the reading
up to 360o. (Note: The displacement value is obtained by using the final
value minus the initial value).
Repeat the experiment using different values of rotation radius and
connecting rod length.

Cont.

Data Analysis

Graphs
of
displacement
against
crankshaft rotation angle () for all the
combination.

Discussion and
Conclusions

State and discuss the finding shown in

the graphs
Discuss the working principle of the
crank & connecting rod and state its
application.

Thank You
For Listening