Eccentric Slider Crank Mechanism
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- Title:
- Eccentric Slider Crank Mechanism
- Title (German):
- Rotierende Schubkurbel, Erweiterung 1 in 2
- Collection:
- Reuleaux Kinematic Mechanisms Collection
- Set:
- E. Excentric Slider Cranks
- Designer:
- Reuleaux, F. (Franz), 1829-1905
- Manufacturer:
- Gustav Voigt Werkstatt
- Date:
- 1882
- Country:
- Germany
- Voigt Catalog Model:
- E2
- File Name:
- E02.jpg
- Work Type:
- Mechanical model
- Materials/Techniques:
- cast iron and brass on wood pedestal
- Subject:
- Kinematics of Machinery
- Measurement:
- 200 x 88 (millimeters, width x depth)
264 x 125 x 194 (millimeters, width x depth x height) - Description:
- The slider-crank is a basic mechanism to convert circular motion into oscillating linear motion. The eccentric-slider is a topological cousin to the slider-crank in that it has four links, one sliding joint and three cylindrical joints. In the E series of models, Reuleaux created seven variations of this kinematic circuit by changing the ratio of the diameter of the cylindrical joints to the lengths of the links. Reuleaux called this variation “pin expansion.” In model E-2, the cylindrical joint joining the crank and the connecting link is expanded to a length greater than the crank dimension. Thus the crank pin is contained within the connecting link-crank pin. The iron circular disc seen in the model rotates about the fixed eccentric cylindrical joint. This eccentric rotation forces the connecting link to rotate and move the slider link left and right in the two prismatic joints at both ends. Eccentric-slider mechanisms were routinely used as linkages for control valves in steam engines in the 19th century. The famous American engineer George H. Corliss (1817-1888) used the eccentric in his designs for large steam engines. One of his largest steam engines was featured at the Centennial Exposition of 1876 in Philadelphia at which Franz Reuleaux was the German Ambassador. [Francis Moon 2004-07-00]
The 220 models in Cornell University’s Reuleaux Collection were built in the late 19th century to demonstrate the elements of machine motion, as theorized by the German engineer Franz Reuleaux. The University acquired the models in 1882 for use in teaching and research. The Reuleaux models are classified according to the alphanumeric schema employed in the catalog of the manufacturer, Gustav Voigt. The letter in a model's ID (e.g., B14 or S35) refers to a class of mechanism; the number is a specific instance of the class. This classification scheme is a simplified version of the taxonomy of machine elements elaborated in Reuleaux's work. - Repository:
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- Photography credit: Jon Reis (www.jonreis.com). Jon Reis Photography grants Cornell University Libraries and the Cornell College of Engineering the rights to display copyrighted images of the Reuleux collection of kinetic machines on the Cornell University and National Science Digital Library web sites and for unlimited use in Cornell University Library publications for education purposes only. Rights for all other uses, including but not limited to, editorial, commercial, advertising, web use and display by third parties not affiliated with Cornell University are reserved by the photographer. The written permission of any copyright and other rights holders is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use that extends beyond what is authorized by fair use and other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. For questions about this item or other items please contact the Physical Sciences Librarians at pslref@cornell.edu.