Rod & Bar Linkages

Rod and bar linkages are systems made of rigid bars (rods or links) connected by joints (like hinges or pivots) that are used to manage and change movement and force in a machine.
Here is the simple breakdown of what they do:
• Changes Motion Type: They are like mechanical translators. They can convert spinning motion (like a motor turning a wheel) into straight-line motion (like a piston going up and down in an engine), or vice versa.
• Guides Movement: The way the rods are connected forces them to move in a specific, predictable path. This is used to guide components precisely, such as a car's suspension or a robotic arm.
• Transfers Force: By leveraging mechanical advantage (like a seesaw), they can multiply force. A small push on one part can result in a powerful push on another part, such as in bolt cutters or a car jack.
• Simple & Effective: The most common is the "four-bar linkage," which uses just four bars to perform complex tasks with simple design.
In short, rod and bar linkages are simple, hinged rod assemblies that choreograph the specific, powerful movements within everyday machines, often changing the direction or type of motion.