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Linkage Designs

Wing Mechanisms

Wing Mechanisms

June 7, 2021
Repurposing Jansen's Leg Mechanism: Innovative mechanical…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/maxresdefault-1.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2021-06-07 13:19:352022-09-17 09:25:54Wing Mechanisms
Removing Redundant ConstraintsMDA Press

How to Fix SW Motion Analysis Error: Too Many Redundant Constraints

July 19, 2020
Kevin Chen,  J. Michael McCarthy,  Shaun Bentley The…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screen-Shot-2020-07-19-at-5.12.37-PM.png 992 1986 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2020-07-19 17:15:522020-07-19 17:39:58How to Fix SW Motion Analysis Error: Too Many Redundant Constraints
Six-Legged Mechanical Walkers:  Spring 2020 Highlights

Six-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

June 19, 2020
The leg mechanisms of these six-legged walkers use two coordinated…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2020-06-19 16:58:302022-09-17 09:25:54Six-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights
Four-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

Four-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights

June 17, 2020
The design of these four-legged walkers relies on Curvature theory…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/maxresdefault-2.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2020-06-17 14:19:492022-09-17 09:25:54Four-Legged Mechanical Walkers: Spring 2020 Highlights
Walker Teams 2, 4 and 5MDA

Four-legged Mechanical Walkers: Teams 2, 4 and 5

December 13, 2019
Here are videos of the designs for the four legged mechanical…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-13-at-1.48.24-PM.jpg 777 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2019-12-13 13:51:112020-06-15 14:16:07Four-legged Mechanical Walkers: Teams 2, 4 and 5
Mechanical Walker designed by Team 6MDA

Four Legged Mechanical Walker: Teams 1, 3 and 6

December 8, 2019
Here are videos of the designs for the four legged mechanical…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-08-at-1.02.45-PM.jpg 806 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2019-12-08 13:05:322019-12-08 13:07:54Four Legged Mechanical Walker: Teams 1, 3 and 6
Leg MechanismJMM

Construction of a Leg Mechanism

May 23, 2019
This is a series of four videos that show how to: Specify…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-23-at-4.16.12-PM.png 1186 1822 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2019-05-23 16:27:142019-05-25 12:37:37Construction of a Leg Mechanism
Rectilinear Six-bar

Rectilinear Six-Bar (Candy Coating Linkage)

January 14, 2018
Jeff Glabe designed this six-bar linkage to move through six…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Screen-Shot-2018-01-14-at-2.43.53-PM.jpg 777 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2018-01-14 14:43:132018-01-14 14:50:46Rectilinear Six-Bar (Candy Coating Linkage)
Hummingbird Spatial Six-bar

Hummingbird Spatial Six-bar Linkage

October 13, 2017
This spatial six-bar linkage provides a compact flapping wing…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Hummingbird-Six-bar.jpg 935 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-10-13 11:00:482017-10-13 11:09:06Hummingbird Spatial Six-bar Linkage
Flapping Wing Prototype

Flapping Wing Prototype

August 16, 2017
This is the manufacturing prototype for the flapping wing mechanism…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Flapping-Wing-Prototype.jpg 829 1598 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-08-16 10:39:472017-08-18 21:31:59Flapping Wing Prototype
Soil Conditioning Port Valve

RPR-2SS Soil Conditioning Valve

August 13, 2017
This is an animation by Benjamin Liu of a spatial RPR-2SS six-bar…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Conditioning-Port-Valve.jpg 613 1061 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-08-13 22:14:472017-08-18 21:32:50RPR-2SS Soil Conditioning Valve
Flapping wing mechanism

Flapping Wing Mechanism

May 5, 2017
Benjamin Liu prepared this animation of the flapping wing…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Hummingbird-Linkage.jpg 922 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-05-05 16:09:252017-05-05 16:39:57Flapping Wing Mechanism
Cursive character for dragon

Linkages draw Bezier curves

March 30, 2017
Here is an example of our Bezier curve drawing linkages. The…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cursive-Dragon.jpg 787 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-03-30 15:44:042017-04-14 13:40:17Linkages draw Bezier curves
Yang Signature

Linkage that signs your name

March 8, 2017
Yang Liu has developed Bezier linkages that trace trigonometric…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Yang-Signature.jpg 716 1257 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2017-03-08 11:52:312017-04-14 13:43:16Linkage that signs your name
Prototype Butterfly Linkage

Manufacturing Prototype for the Butterfly Linkage

November 23, 2016
This animation is taken from Yang Liu's detailed design drawings…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Prototype-Butterfly-Linkage.jpg 720 1278 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2016-11-23 21:55:572017-04-14 13:47:53Manufacturing Prototype for the Butterfly Linkage
Whale Linkage

Bezier Linkages

November 23, 2016
Recent research on the design of linkages by Yang Liu has…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whale-Linkage-1.jpg 962 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2016-11-23 07:54:152017-04-14 13:48:28Bezier Linkages
Butterfly drawing mechanism

Design of Drawing Mechanisms

October 20, 2016
Mechanical systems that draw trigonometric curves provide a versatile…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ButterflyMech2.jpg 635 900 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2016-10-20 18:06:162022-07-08 19:36:01Design of Drawing Mechanisms
Mechanisms and Robotics Conference

2016 Mechanisms and Robotics Conference

August 13, 2016
The 2016 Mechanisms and Robotics conference is part of International…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Mech-Conference.jpg 544 800 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2016-08-13 09:55:452022-07-08 19:34:582016 Mechanisms and Robotics Conference
MotionGen Horse

Motion Gen Linkage Design App

August 8, 2016
MotionGen is a planar four-bar linkage simulation and synthesis…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MotionGen-Horse.jpg 481 800 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2016-08-08 13:54:302017-04-14 13:50:57Motion Gen Linkage Design App
Trifolium Contra-parallelograms

Trifolium using contra-parallelograms

July 31, 2016
Yang Liu shows that a simple linkage can draw the trifolium curve. For…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/TrifoliumContra.jpg 895 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2016-07-31 11:11:472017-04-14 13:51:30Trifolium using contra-parallelograms
Fourier Curve Tracing

Fourier Curve Tracing

December 24, 2015
This animation by Yang Liu is inspired by the mechanical Fourier…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Fourier-Curve-Tracing.jpg 901 947 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-12-24 11:28:162017-04-14 13:53:12Fourier Curve Tracing
SIAM News

SIAM News: Biologically inspired linkage design

November 20, 2015
This article by Jon Hauenstein with me for SIAM News (Society…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SIAMnews-e1469999783791.jpg 285 400 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-11-20 08:40:562017-04-14 13:54:48SIAM News: Biologically inspired linkage design
Heart Linkage

Heart Trajectory

November 13, 2015
This mechanical system was designed by Yang Liu to trace…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/HeartLinkage.jpg 898 1600 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-11-13 23:33:082017-04-14 13:56:24Heart Trajectory
Folding Bicycle

Full Size Folding Bicycle

August 14, 2015
Michael Sutherland and his team at Zennen Engineering designed…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Folding-Bicycle.png 367 649 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-08-14 16:57:512017-04-14 13:56:47Full Size Folding Bicycle
Target Profiles for Morphing Linkage

Actuating Morphing Linkages

August 11, 2015
Lawrence Funke and Prof. James Schmiedeler of the University…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Target-Profiles-for-Morphing-Linkage.png 698 690 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-08-11 08:11:562017-04-14 14:00:12Actuating Morphing Linkages
Fourbar Extrusion

A four-bar linkage provides a shape changing extrusion die

July 30, 2015
Fourbar Extrusion Prof. Andrew Murray and his team at the…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fourbar-extrusion.png 1061 1904 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-07-30 16:30:382022-09-17 09:29:49A four-bar linkage provides a shape changing extrusion die
Leg Mechanisms

Walking Machines

May 1, 2015
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Leg Mechanisms An outcome of Mark Plecnik's research on the…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/LegMechanisms.jpg 1254 764 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-05-01 08:34:182022-09-17 09:33:57Walking Machines
Another version of the six-bar folding linkage

Another version of the six-bar folding linkage

March 12, 2015
This is a little more compact version of the six-bar folding…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/maxresdefault-1.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-03-12 20:02:092022-09-17 09:25:55Another version of the six-bar folding linkage
Six-bar linkage folds a structure

Six-bar linkage folds a structure

March 12, 2015
This six-bar linkage was designed to deploy and stow a structure.…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/maxresdefault-2.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-03-12 10:01:052022-09-17 09:25:55Six-bar linkage folds a structure
Eight-bar Port Closure Tool

Eight-bar Port Closure Tool

March 8, 2015
This port closure tool curls back on itself to provide internal…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/maxresdefault-3.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-03-08 15:47:212022-09-17 09:25:55Eight-bar Port Closure Tool
Four-bar function generator

Four-bar function generator: Open a door

January 18, 2015
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Select this link, Four-bar linkages, for a Geogebra book…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Four-bar-function-generator.jpg 762 1012 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2015-01-18 09:46:012019-03-25 21:19:26Four-bar function generator: Open a door
Introduction to Linkages

Introduction to Linkages

December 2, 2014
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Please select this link to open the Geogebra Book containing…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/GeogebraBook.jpg 838 1082 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-12-02 16:35:092019-03-25 21:22:08Introduction to Linkages
Linkage Design for Wing Flapping

Linkage Design for Wing Flapping

November 14, 2014
Mark Plecnik shows that six-bar function generators can be used…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-11-14 09:42:512022-09-17 09:25:56Linkage Design for Wing Flapping
Disney Prototyping System

Linkage Synthesis at Disney Research Zurich

November 14, 2014
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Researchers at Disney Research Zurich provide yet an other design…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/DisneyPrototyping.jpg 388 450 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-11-14 09:27:142019-03-26 20:38:16Linkage Synthesis at Disney Research Zurich
Demining Training Aids

3D Printed Demining Training Aids

September 11, 2014
Training people to diffuse landmines and other live ordnance…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Screen-shot-2014-09-09-at-4.10.31-PM.jpg 476 709 Chris McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Chris McCarthy2014-09-11 18:32:262022-09-17 09:43:023D Printed Demining Training Aids
Eight-bar motion amplifier

Eight-bar motion amplifier

June 3, 2014
Kaustubh Sonawale and Yang Liu worked together on this design…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-06-03 20:17:092022-09-17 09:25:56Eight-bar motion amplifier
Rectilinear Suspension

Rectilinear eight-bar suspension

April 17, 2014
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This is a design concept for a rectilinear eight-bar suspension.…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Rectilinear-Suspension.jpg 291 496 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-04-17 03:17:112017-04-14 14:36:21Rectilinear eight-bar suspension
Rectilinear Eight-bar

Rectilinear eight-bar linkage

April 9, 2014
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This animation was prepared by Yang Liu for a linkage designed…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Rectilinear-Eight-bar.jpg 299 494 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-04-09 19:57:262017-04-14 14:36:44Rectilinear eight-bar linkage
Rectilinear Link

Six-bar linkage with rectilinear moving link

January 20, 2014
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This is an animation of a Watt I six-bar linkage with a translating…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Rectilinear-Link.jpg 358 647 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2014-01-20 23:15:042017-04-14 14:37:08Six-bar linkage with rectilinear moving link
Mechanical Characters

Mechanical characters

August 10, 2013
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Disney Research guides two degree-of-freedom open chains using…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mechanical-Characters.jpg 603 1215 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-08-10 15:21:252019-03-26 20:45:15Mechanical characters
Ballistic Function

Mechanization of the ballistic function

June 11, 2013
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This Stephenson III six-bar linkage sets the elevation of…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Ballistic-Function.jpg 236 485 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-06-11 06:23:152017-01-23 14:09:48Mechanization of the ballistic function
Retractable handle

Retractable handle

May 7, 2013
This six-bar linkage was developed at the request of a designer…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/maxresdefault-1.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-05-07 03:10:542022-09-17 09:25:56Retractable handle
Tensegrity Linkage

Tensegrity Linkage

May 3, 2013
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This is a design concept that uses tensegrity beam elements…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tensegrity-Linkage.jpg 296 584 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-05-03 15:10:362017-01-23 14:18:18Tensegrity Linkage
Kempe Linkages

Translational Linkages from Kempe

March 22, 2013
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These linkages guide a platform in straight-line translation.…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Kempe-Linkages.jpg 444 1086 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-03-22 11:44:392017-01-26 08:39:51Translational Linkages from Kempe
Kassim Car Door

An RSSR-TS Car Door Linkage

March 22, 2013
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Kassim Abdul-Sater provides this CATIA animation of a spatial…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Kassim-Car-Door.jpg 526 1208 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-03-22 03:51:322017-01-26 08:44:39An RSSR-TS Car Door Linkage
Spherical Car Door Linkage

Spherical Watt I six-bar up close

January 27, 2013
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This view shows the operation of the spherical Watt I six-bar…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Spherical-Car-Door-Linkage.jpg 590 1332 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-01-27 20:18:072017-01-26 09:00:06Spherical Watt I six-bar up close
Spherical Car Door

Spherical Watt I six-bar linkage

January 26, 2013
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The movement of this car door is guided by a spherical Watt I…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Spherical-Car-Door.jpg 540 1308 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-01-26 17:50:252017-01-26 09:03:43Spherical Watt I six-bar linkage
Six-bar Function Generator

Stephenson II six-bar linkage function generator

January 26, 2013
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Mark Plecnik designed this Stephenson II function generator by…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Six-bar-Function-Generator.jpg 610 1060 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-01-26 17:42:062017-01-26 09:07:54Stephenson II six-bar linkage function generator
Plecnik Art

Mark Plecnik’s Art Project

January 8, 2013
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Mark Plecnik designed this system to illustrate the movement…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Plecnik-Art.jpg 446 1234 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2013-01-08 05:20:082017-01-26 09:12:33Mark Plecnik’s Art Project
Cameron Turner’s Wheelbarrow Linkage

Cameron Turner’s Wheelbarrow Linkage

December 23, 2012
Cameron Turner designed a four-bar and a six-bar linkage to assist…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/hqdefault.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-12-23 04:11:382022-09-17 09:25:56Cameron Turner’s Wheelbarrow Linkage
Aileron Linkage

Colin Sledge’s Aileron Linkage

December 23, 2012
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Colin Sledge designed this linkage to guide an airfoil section…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Aeleron-Linkage.jpg 333 759 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-12-23 03:12:292017-01-29 12:57:59Colin Sledge’s Aileron Linkage
Brendan Smith’s Monitor Linkage

Brendan Smith’s Monitor Linkage

December 23, 2012
Brendan Smith designed this six-bar linkage to guide a big-screen…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-12-23 02:57:372022-09-17 09:25:56Brendan Smith’s Monitor Linkage

Adam Shutt’s Automotive Spoiler Linkage

December 23, 2012
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Adam Shutt designed this six-bar linkage to guide the movement…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Spoiler-Linkage.jpg 339 861 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-12-23 02:49:282017-01-29 13:02:31Adam Shutt’s Automotive Spoiler Linkage
bookcase linkage

Yang Liu’s Bookcase Linkages

December 23, 2012
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Yang Liu designed a four-bar and a six-bar linkage to guide a…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bookcase.jpg 442 1090 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-12-23 02:22:102017-02-02 21:53:20Yang Liu’s Bookcase Linkages
Kassim Eightbar

Kassim’s Eight-bar Linkage

November 20, 2012
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Kassim Abdul-Sater designed this eight-bar linkage to guide a…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Kassim-Eightbar.jpg 580 912 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-11-20 06:20:042017-02-02 22:06:55Kassim’s Eight-bar Linkage

Six-bar folding handle

November 13, 2012
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Siqi Shi designed this six-bar linkage to guide a folding handle…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Folding-handle.jpg 566 1146 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-11-13 17:01:492017-02-02 22:10:55Six-bar folding handle
Flower linkage

Six-bar flower

November 4, 2012
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Tim Rasmussen designed this six-bar linkage to guide the petals…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Flower-linkage.jpg 556 1244 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-11-04 02:19:502017-02-02 22:15:21Six-bar flower
Butterfly six-bar

Six-bar butterfly

November 4, 2012
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Mohamed Ali designed this six-bar linkage to guide the wings…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Butterfly-six-bar.jpg 544 1006 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-11-04 02:14:362017-02-02 22:19:56Six-bar butterfly
Another Flower

Another four-bar linkage flower

October 24, 2012
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0 Comments
Mohamed Ali prepared this video of the four-bar linkage he designed…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Another-Flower.jpg 548 1164 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-10-24 16:38:252017-02-02 22:28:23Another four-bar linkage flower
MechGen Flower

A four-bar linkage flower

October 24, 2012
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0 Comments
Cameron Turner prepared this video of his four-bar linkage flower.…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MechGen-Flower.jpg 418 857 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-10-24 16:31:442017-01-29 10:18:19A four-bar linkage flower
MechGen Four-Bar HW

Four-bar linkage design using Mech Gen

October 18, 2012
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0 Comments
This is the first assignment in my graduate mechanism synthesis…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MechGen-Four-Bar-HW.jpg 414 776 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-10-18 19:33:512017-01-29 10:13:46Four-bar linkage design using Mech Gen
OSU Mechanism

Shape-morphing linkages

October 5, 2012
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This is an example of a shape-morphing linkage resulting from…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/OSU-Mechanism.jpg 436 603 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-10-05 05:04:162017-01-29 10:07:59Shape-morphing linkages
Spare Tire Linkage

Spare Tire Deployment for a Pickup Truck

September 29, 2012
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0 Comments
This four-bar linkage was designed by Kaustubh Sonawale using…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Spare-Tire-Linkage.jpg 522 1286 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-09-29 06:11:542017-02-03 13:11:02Spare Tire Deployment for a Pickup Truck
Bolt Insertion Six-bar Linkage

Bolt Insertion Six-bar Linkage

September 5, 2012
This linkage was designed to guide a powered screw driver through…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-09-05 22:01:352022-09-17 09:25:56Bolt Insertion Six-bar Linkage
Rice Transplanter Six-bar

Rice Transplanter Six-bar

September 5, 2012
This is a revised version of the rice transplanter linkage designed…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/maxresdefault-1.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-09-05 21:52:252022-09-17 09:25:56Rice Transplanter Six-bar
Icon A5 Wing Deployment Spherical Linkage

Icon A5 Wing Deployment Spherical Linkage

August 28, 2012
This spherical four-bar linkage was designed by Kaustubh Sonawale…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-08-28 02:02:372022-09-17 09:25:56Icon A5 Wing Deployment Spherical Linkage
Spherical Four-bar Linkage Design: Mech Gen 4

Spherical Four-bar Linkage Design: Mech Gen 4

August 25, 2012
This version of Mechanism Generator uses five orientations of…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/hqdefault.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-08-25 07:17:022022-09-17 09:25:56Spherical Four-bar Linkage Design: Mech Gen 4
Bobbin Linkage for a Rotating Weaver

Bobbin Linkage for a Rotating Weaver

August 24, 2012
This linkage is designed to guide the bobbin thread of a rotating…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/hqdefault-1.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-08-24 05:02:372022-09-17 09:25:56Bobbin Linkage for a Rotating Weaver
Icon A5 spherical four-bar wing linkage

Icon A5 spherical four-bar wing linkage

August 19, 2012
This shows the wing movement of the Icon A5 as guided by a spherical…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/maxresdefault-1.jpg 424 1038 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-08-19 04:01:272022-09-17 09:25:56Icon A5 spherical four-bar wing linkage
Six-bar gripper with fine adjustment

Six-bar gripper with fine adjustment

August 19, 2012
This is a robotic gripper designed by Andrea Carli and Kaustubh…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/hqdefault-2.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-08-19 03:16:412022-09-17 09:25:56Six-bar gripper with fine adjustment
Spherical linkage concept to fold a wing

Kinetic Art

June 30, 2012
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0 Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT2GmuWWa9U This is is an…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png 0 0 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-06-30 04:31:232022-09-17 09:44:12Kinetic Art
5-SS Steering Linkage

5-SS Steering Linkage

June 1, 2012
This steering linkage is designed to increase the track, decrease…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/maxresdefault.jpg 720 1280 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-06-01 21:41:442022-09-17 09:25:565-SS Steering Linkage
Adjustable spinal implant

Adjustable spinal implant

May 3, 2012
Brandon Tsuge and Tim Rasmussen developed this concept for an…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hqdefault.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-05-03 03:59:022022-09-17 09:25:56Adjustable spinal implant
Instrument for spinal implant

Instrument for spinal implant

May 3, 2012
This instrument is a six-bar linkage designed to separate vertebral…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hqdefault-1.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-05-03 03:44:162022-09-17 09:25:57Instrument for spinal implant
MechGen 3

Mechanism Generator 3.0

March 21, 2012
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0 Comments
Our Mechanism Generator 3.0 software reads a SolidWorks sketch…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/MechGen-3.jpg 544 1256 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-03-21 01:20:342017-01-24 17:50:04Mechanism Generator 3.0
Rice Transplanter

Rice Transplanter

January 15, 2012
This rice transplanter selects seedlings from the hopper and…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/hqdefault.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-01-15 05:34:112022-09-17 09:26:13Rice Transplanter
5SS Spatial Steering Linkage

5SS Spatial Steering Linkage

January 14, 2012
Mark Plecnik designed this spatial 5SS steering linkage to increase…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/hqdefault-1.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-01-14 23:34:192022-09-17 09:26:135SS Spatial Steering Linkage
MechGen 2

Mechanism Generator 2.0 (MechGen 2)

January 6, 2012
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0 Comments
We have a trial version of our Mechanism Generator 2.0 software…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MechGen-2.jpg 413 815 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2012-01-06 07:46:042022-09-17 09:45:03Mechanism Generator 2.0 (MechGen 2)
Folding movement for wings for the Icon A5

Folding movement for wings for the Icon A5

December 26, 2011
This spherical four-bar linkage concept by Kaustubh Sonawale…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hqdefault.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2011-12-26 22:49:552022-09-17 09:26:13Folding movement for wings for the Icon A5
Spherical linkage concept to fold a wing

Spherical linkage concept to fold a wing

December 26, 2011
This is a spherical four-bar linkage concept by Kaustubh Sonawale…
https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hqdefault-1.jpg 360 480 Prof. McCarthy https://mechanicaldesign101.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mechanical-design-101LOGOf.png Prof. McCarthy2011-12-26 22:38:372022-09-17 09:26:13Spherical linkage concept to fold a wing
Page 1 of 212

Linkage Design Concepts

Jessica Koa designed the flower with petals actuated by six-bar linages.

Link Yun’s flower with six-bar linkages moving the petals.

Benjamin Liu’s Terrarium uses six-bar linkages to open the glass sides.

DJ Fuller’s Jack-o’Lantern uses six-bar linkages to open the segments.

Jessica Kao developed this sofa bed that opens using a six-bar linkage.

Ling Yun used our sofa beg linkage to display a gift.

Design Innovation

Student designs of six-bar linkages

Andrew Brouwer’s six-bar linkage to guide the petals.

Kamil Samaan designed this six-bar linkage.

Bojun Lin’s six-bar linkage guiding the pedals of a flower.

Colin Sledge’s six-bar flower.

Frank Liu’s six-bar flower.

Cameron Turner’s six-bar linkage flower.

Adam Shutt designed this six-bar to guide the opening of the petals of a flower.

Mohamed Ali designed this six-bar to guide the wings of this butterfly.

Tim Rasmussen designed this six-bar linkage to guide the petals of this flower.

Hsuan-chen Wan used MechGen 3 to design a six-bar linkage to guide the petals of the flower.

Student designs of four-bar linkages


Hsuan-chen Wan’s animation of a four-bar linkage that moves the petals of a flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvSmz3hYk-o[/youtube]


Cameron Turner’s design of a flower that moves with a four-bar linkage.[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV0hQQn0OfI[/youtube]


Mohamed Ali’s four-bar linkage for the flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoCPh53_f9M[/youtube]


Scott Bougie’s animation of his flower design.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_1v7PjDWjg[/youtube]


Frank Liu’s four-bar linkage design for the petal movement.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsFgoPgpmXA[/youtube]


Yang Liu’s four-bar linkage flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWGrp2tvf0Q[/youtube]


Kamal Samaan’s design of the four-bar linkage driven flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO6JTY9HpLs[/youtube]


The flower designed by Colin Sledge.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFudL7fBUBU[/youtube]


This is Andrew Brouwer’s design for the flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s81Lrjsli_Y[/youtube]


Adan Amarillas designed this linkage.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZBBVFFivQ[/youtube]


Brandon Creager animated a spiral opening for the flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oar2wuqLxyA[/youtube]


Adam Shutts designed this linkage to open the petals.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5phQxLbKrU[/youtube]


Bojun Lin designed this flower linkage.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bi90cgQaU8[/youtube]


Kelly Lin designed this linkage.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm3P_dn3Zys[/youtube]


Tim Rasmussen designed the linkage to open and close the flower petals.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNMiDrbZGrU[/youtube]


This is the four-bar linkage designed by Ryan Kuehne.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWBDXI81t4[/youtube]


Siqi Shi designed this four-bar linkage flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qvh9onP7cI[/youtube]


Tianming Cheng designed this four-bar linkage flower.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcnwIhc5-rU[/youtube]


Brendan Smith uses the movement of the petal linkage for a different application.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqAHqWz4cNk[/youtube]

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