How it works
The slider crank turns circular motion into linear or other motion through the use of linkages and constraints, and of course a crank. One sets the linkage within a specific constraint which might be fixed horizontal and vertical tracks or one sliding track, among other variations. When one turns the crank, the linkage slides within its constraints to create a completely new type of motion.
Variations
There have been many variations on the classing slider crank, including the double slider crank, the swinging slider crank and a slider crank with reduced centrodes, each shown below respectively.
Uses
The main reason I am interested in the slider crank is because I was surprised to find out all the relevant uses it has. One main advantage of turning circular motion into a type of linear motion is that it can serve as a piston. Pistons are used in most internal combustion engines to derive motion. Further, a slider crank with centrodes, as shown in the above middle photo, is used in the design of prosthetics for joint replacement. These are just some of the uses for such a simple yet effective mechanism such as the slider crank.
Personal thought
During my research of the slider crank, many descriptions were enthusiastic about its ability to trace ellipses. I don't see how this feature is particularly useful but I find it interesting nonetheless. In fact, Leonardo da Vinci designed a mechanism called the Ellipsograph which specifically traces ellipses.
All media from http://kmoddl.library.cornell.edu
I like how you included variations of the mechanism and that your main interest in the mechanism lies in its use and application rather than just its aesthetic.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool that da Vinci used this for his mechanism! I would not have never known that, thank you for looking into to the gear's actual applications.
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