You are on page 1of 17
a] Four bar linkage is a fundamental concept related to kinematics in mechanical engineering that plays a critical role in many machines and devices, from car suspensions to robotic arms. It is a mechanism that consists of four rigid links connected by four joints, forming a closed loop. The topic is fun to learn and important too as it is widely used in the study of kinematics & design and analysis of ‘mechanical systems. In this article, we shall study the principle, Grashof theorem governing the mechanism, inversions of the four bar chain mechanism, their applications, and solved examples. Download shear force and bending moment MCQs Free PDF - Click Here! Download Iron Iron Carbide Phase Diagram MCQs Free PDF - k Here! Download v belts and flat belts MCQs Free PDF - ick Here! Download shear force and bending moment MCQs Free PDF - Click Here! Download riveted joint MCQs Free PDF - Click Here! Download Foundry MCQs Free PDF - Click Here! Download gear profile MCQs Free PDF - Click Here! This concept is important and helps you in your studies for SSC JE ME and GATE ME exams. The article also helps you in preparing for RRB JE Mechanical Exam. Let's start learning! What is Four Bar Linkage? Each part of a machine that moves relative to another partis referred to as a kinematic link or element. A link may be composed of multiple parts that are rigidly fastened together, preventing relative movement. When two elements or links of a machine come into contact, they create a pair. The pair is known as a kinematic pair if its relative motion is successfully limited in a specific direction. Kinematic chains are formed when kinematic pairs are coupled such that the last link is joined to the first link to transmit a successfully constrained motion, Pee ry ee) ca) Crack SSC JE Civil Exam with India's Super Teachers Get 6 Months SuperCoaching @ just 2) F469 Your Total Savings 24730 Purchase Now Want to know more about this Super Coaching ? Explore SuperC Four Bar Linkage A four-bar linkage is a mechanical linkage which consists of four rigid bars connected by joints or pivots. It forms a closed loop and exhibits a range of motion and mechanical advantages. Four-bar linkages are widely used in various applications, such as in machinery, robotics, and automotive systems, to achieve controlled and predictable movements, including rotation, translation, and oscillation As depicted in figure 1, the simplest and most fundamental kinematic chain is a four bar chain or quadric cycle chain, It is composed of four links, each of which makes a pair at A, B, C, and D. The four links may have varying lengths. The mechanism is also known as the planar four bar chain mechanism. Fig 1: Four Bar Chain Mechanism There are four terminologies to be considered while learning the four bar mechanism. Frame: The term "frame" refers to the fixed link (Link AB). Rocker: Any link that does not revolve is referred to as a rocker (Link BC), Crank: A link with the ability to completely rotate is a crank (Link DA). Connecting Rod: The frame's opposing link is referred to as the connecting rod or coupler (Link CD). Four Bar Linkage Principle The working principle of a four bar linkage or chain mechanism is easy to understand using a GIF below. Consider the red bar to be the frame, the grey bar to be the rocker, the green bar to be the connecting rod, and the blue bar to be the crank. A testbook Fig 2: Working of Four Bar Linkage The motion of the rocker causes the connecting rod to transmit motion to the crank to move through a specific path, which is determined by the length of the links and the position of the joints. Now, a term known as degree of freedom (DOF) is vital while leaming kinematics or four bar mechanism. DOF is the total number of independent variables which define the positions of a mechanical system. The degrees of freedom of the links and joints are determined by the Kutzbach criterion “ 30-1)-2j-h” Here, | = the total number of links in the mechanism, j = the number of joints, and h = no, of higher pairs. For planar mechanisms, h = 0 and for four bar mechanism —> |= 4 and j =4. Thus, n=3(4-1)-2x =1 Grashof’s Theorem on Four Bar Linkage Grashofs theorem describes the conditions for a four bar linkage to have a unique and complete motion. The theorem states that “In a four bar linkage, the sum of the shortest and longest link lengths should be less than or equal to the sum of the other two link lengths for the linkage to have a complete rotation.” Let, S = Length of the shortest link L = Length of the longest link P & Q= Length of the other two links. Mathematically, Grashof"s theorem can be represented as S +L P+Q. There is one special condition of Grashof’s theorem that has two sub-categories. S+L=P+Q — Ithas two cases. Tf the length of the links is different —» All inversions are the same as “S + L

P+Q —+ We get a double rocker mechanism. This directs us to fix the link opposite to the shortest link PQ, which is the link RS. Q2. Calculate the length link PQ in the four bar crank rocker mechanism shown in the figure below. (a) 350 mm (b) 300 mm (c) 200 mm (d) 80 mm. & testbook 600mm, R Q 300mm 400mm Solution: Given, QR = Longest link (L) = 600 mm; PS = Fixed link (P) = 400 mm; RS = Adjacent link (Q) = 300 mm; PQ = Shortest link (S) =? i) Identify the fixed link Here PS = Fixed link == It is not the shortest link. (ii) For a crank rocker mechanism, the link adjacent to the shortest link should be fixed. (i) S+LP+Q 1 Grashof’s law not satisfied. PQ=300 mm 1, S+L=300+ 600 = 900 3, P+Q=400+300= 700 y St+L>P+Q 1 Grashof’s law not satisfied. PQ=200 mm 1, S+L=200+600= 800 3 P+Q=400+300= 700 3 S+L>P+Q 1 Grashof’s law not satisfied. PQ=80 mm 1, S+L=80+600= 680 7 P+ Q=400+300= 700 3 St+L otch Yoke Mechanism Welding Defects Ikon-Iron Carbide Phase Threaded Joints > Lpesof Steel 2 Tpes of Manufacturing Processes Drilling Machine > Epicyelic Gear Train > Shaping Machine Report An Error [alread The Complete Exam Preparat ala) Brey Son

You might also like