 This law states that for a four bar mechanism the sum of the lengths of the largest

and shortest links should be less than the sum of the lengths of the other links
( L + S ) < ( a + b)
Where,
L, S = length of the largest and shortest links respectively
a,b = length of the other links
 The following characteristics of four bar linkage based on the lengths of its links

 It is impossible to have a four bar linkage if length of one of the links is greater than the sum of
the other links

 If the sum of the length of the largest and the shortest links is less than the sum of lengths of the
other 2 links , the linkage is known as Class-I 4 bar linkage

 When the sum of the lengths of the largest and shortest links is more than the sum of the
lengths of the other two links the linkage known as Class-II , 4 bar linkage

 Parallel –Crank four bar linkage: Two opposite links are parallel and equal in length, then any
of the links can be made fixed
 Four bar chain or quadric cyclic chain
 Single slider crank chain
 Double slider crank chain
 The method of obtaining different mechanism by fixing different links in a
kinematic chain.

 The relative motions between the various links is not changed in any manner
through the process of inversion, but their absolute motions( those measured w.r.t
to fixed link) may be changed drastically.
 This mechanism is known as crank-rocker or crank lever mechanism or rotary
oscillating convertor
Coupler
C
C
B

Output
Input
D
A
B

Schematic representation

A D
 Application: Beam Engine( Crank and lever Mechanism)

Lever (link-4)

E
D
Piston rod C

A Link 3

B
Frame ( link-1)
Crank ( link-2)
 This mechanism is known as crank-crank or double crank mechanism or drag
crank mechanism or rotary -rotary convertor

Input
C
B

D
A

A
D
Output
Schematic representation
 Application: Coupling rod of a locomotive( Double crank Mechanism)

Link-3

Link-4
Wheels Link-2

Link-1
 This mechanism is known as crank-rocker or crank lever mechanism or rotary
oscillating convertor

C
C
B

output
B
Input
D
A

A
D Schematic representation
 This mechanism is known as rocker-rocker or double rocker or double lever or
oscillating –oscillating convertor
C

C
B
Output

B D
A Input

Schematic representation
D
A
 Application: Watts Indicator Mechanism( Double lever Mechanism)

c
d
Link-2 e
C
Link-3
b
D
B f
F
Link-1
E
A
Link-4

Link-1
 Application: Reciprocating engine, Reciprocating compressor

C D
A A
D
 C
D
C
A
B

D
A

B
 Application: Whitworth quick return mechanism, Rotary engine

B
3
A

2
6

C2 B1
B2 C1 O

C
 4

3
1

O
 A

O 1 B
  Applications: Oscillating cylinder engine, crank and slotted lever mechanism

A 3

O 1
4 3
 Applications: Oscillating cylinder engine, crank and slotted lever mechanism

C 5

6
Ø

A ß

B
 Crank 3 is longer than its fixed link Crank 2 is shorter than its fixed link 3
Coupler link 1 makes complete Coupler link 4 oscillates about its pivot B
rotations about its pivoted joint O with
fixed link

C 5

B
3
A
2

A
1

2 4
6

C2 B1
B2 C1 O
3
5

B
 Applications: Hand-pump

O
1 2

1
3

4
 C C
C

B Y Y
3
2
1 A
X B X

A 4
 B

2
3

4 1
4
 2
1

4
3

3
 It is ratio of the output force (or) torque to the input force (or) torque at any instant.
 The angle µ between the output link and the coupler is known as transmission
angle.
 Link BC and DC becomes coincident, the transmission angle is zero and
mechanism would jam or lock.