The dead center configuration is achieved when the input link and the coupler become collinear, that is the revolute joints of these two links are in a straight line. Such a configuration also corresponds to a limit or extreme position when the linkage is driven from the output side, that is the current driven or output link is made the input or driver link. Such configurations are important in designing of quick return mechanisms. In this experiment you will be synthesizing a 4 bar RRRP mechanism, given the following input data:
A specified QRR or Quick Return Ratio (with a constant speed of the input link)
A given stroke length of the slider i.e. range of angular displacement of the output link (s_4_2 - s_4_1).
4 Bar RRRP Linkage
General Configuration
4 Bar RRRP Linkage
Dead Center Configuration
The ouput link oscillates between s_4_1 and s_4_2, but the time taken to move from s_4_1 to s_4_2 and back to s_4_1 from s_4_2 is different for a constant speed of the input link. The ratio of these two time intervals is the the QRR. The input link completes a full rotation. Thus the synthesized linkage will be a slider crank.