Watts linkage

Watts linkage or Watts mechanism is a widely used in the field

of mechanical engineering. Watts mechanism is a straight line
mechanism. Peaucellier Lipkin, Harts and Hoeckens mechanisms
are some other simple line mechanisms. Watt's mechanism was an
astonishing leap for mankind. It paved its way for the production of
Watts steam engine. James Watt made this mechanism real. It is
also known as parallel linkage.
How Watt's Mechanism Works?
Watt's mechanism comprises of three rods. These three rods are
connected as a chain. Two outside bars are of the same length. A
small rod connected in the middle.This rod is free to rotate on both
pivot. It forms the structure of watts mechanism. Both longer rods of
the linkage are fixed relative to each other. Actually watt's
mechanism comes under four bar linkage. Fixed length between the
fixed rods makes this a four bar linkage mechanism
The midpoint of the middle rod in watts linkage mechanism is
constrained. Middle point moves only in a straight line. Consider
allowing watt's mechanism to work without any limitations. The shape
we obtain from watts mechanism arrangement will be of an eight.
Eight here is slightly inclined. This makes some part to be a straight
line. Watt's mechanism works only on a specific area of 8. The
center of the middle rod always moves in a straight line. By this way
rotational motion is transformed into linear motion in watts straight
line mechanism.

Applications
The primary application of watts linkage was in James Watts own
steam engines. Watt's make the double acting cylinders function
much simpler by incorporating watts mechanism.
The watt's Indicator mechanism is used in the suspensions of
automobiles. The main aim is to prevent the axle and the body of the
car from sideways displacement. Such axles are commonly seen in
racing cars.
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Watts linkage