DRAG LINK MECHANISM

INTRODUCTION
 Planar drag-link mechanism is a Grashofian four-bar chain with the
shortest link fixed

 The mechanism is used as a coupling between two shafts to convert

uniform rotation of the driving shaft into a nonuniform rotation of the
driven shaft.
 The longer links make a full rotation about fixed pivots, which results in a
relatively large installation space

 For any drag-link designed by this compromise, the coupler link and the output
crank are of the same length
WORKING

The unique features of this linkage are

 There is no dead-centre phase
 Links 2 and 4 both rotate
 Either 2 or 4 can be the driver link
Thus we have a double-crank-mechanism.
From fig,
if the link-2 rotates with a uniform speed, link-4 will rotate with a nonuniform speed.
Point C moves through the Arc C'CC" the link-4 moves through 180°.
Whereas Link-2 has moved through an
angle 'α'.
However, if the link-4 further moves
from point C" to C' it covers 180°,
Where as the link-2 moves through an
angle 'β'.

Since the angle 'α' is much larger than 'β' it is evident that even when link-4 has moved
through the same angle i.e. 180° in both the cases, the movement of link-2 is not the
same in both the cases.
Consequently, we have a mechanism where we can impart dual speeds to the driven-
link by rotating the driver-link at a uniform speed.
• This type of mechanism gives a Mechanical Engineer an additional capability to
manipulate his machinery
• An extension of this 4-Linkage mechanism is used in Shaping Machines.
• From the Fig, you may note that by adding just one more link this 4-Linkage
mechanism can be converted into a mechanism which is capable of transforming
uniform rotation of a Crank (Link-2) into a quick-return reciprocating motion of
the RAM (Link-6).
APPLICATION

 In practice, the mechanism is used as a coupling between two shafts to convert

uniform rotation of the driving shaft into a nonuniform rotation of the driven
shaft
 A drag link converts rotary motion from
a crank arm, to a second bellcrank,
usually in an automotive steering
system.
Effect of wear

 Severe wear of this part can affect the wheel alignment.

 This can drastically affect the handling and stability of the vehicle at speed.