The four-bar mechanism is the basis of the most frequently used mechanism in a packaging machine.

This tutorial adds Parts, Pin-Joints, and Slide-Joints, which we combine in different ways to construct different types of four-bar mechanisms.

To learn about dyads and dyad-closures.

Four-bar :

A kinematic-chain with four(4) Parts and four(4) joints.

bar :

In the context of a four-bar, a bar is one of the four Parts.

Slide-Joint :

A kinematic-joint that constrains a Line is one Part to be collinear with a Line in a different Part.

Slider :

A Part whose position/motion we control with a Motion-Dimension FB - it is a Motion-Part

Dyad :

A dyad is a kinematic construction of:

•2 Parts, and

•3 Joints

Dyad Closure :

A different way to assemble the two Parts in a dyad.

Motion FB :

A Function-Block(FB) that has a link to a Motion in MotionDesigner

Crank-Rocker :

Typically, a four-bar in which the input (the Crank) rotates at a uniform angular velocity, and the output (the Rocker) rotates and oscillates back-and-forth.

Crank-Slider :

Typically, a four-bar in which the input (the Crank) rotates at a uniform angular velocity, and the output (the Slider) slides and reciprocates back-and-forth.

➢Step 2.1: A Crank-Rocker

➢Step 2.1A- The Concept of dyads

➢Step 2.2: Add a Motion FB

➢Step 2.3: A Crank-Slider

➢Step 2.4: Change the Closure of the R-R-P dyad

➢Step 2.5: A Slider-Crank

➢Step 2.6: A Scotch-Yoke

➢Step 2.7: Assemble your own Whitworth Quick-Return Mechanism

➢Step 2.8: How to Model Pin-in-Slot Mechanisms

➢Step 2.9: How to Model a Pin in a Curved Slot