C02 Slider Crank

At Reuleaux Models, we create mechanisms that are designed to display the internal workings of machines. Our first model, the C01 Four-bar Linkage, was designed to demonstrate Reuleaux’s concept of the kinematic chain. We’re expanding our inventory to include the C02 Slider Crank model. An image of this model can be seen to the right. This model’s piston is in the grounded state.

Drawings of this mechanism can be found in Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Madrid 1, Folio 28v. The Machines of Leonardo da Vinci and Franz Reuleaux: Kinematics of Machines from the Renaissance to the 20th Century by Francis C. Moon states that “Leonardo used the slider crank to convert circular motion into alternating motion in machines…His comments next to this drawing are: ‘This movement is most praiseworthy, both for the ease of motion and the compactness of design.’” According to Moon, “his notes make no mention of the possible use of the machines using this mechanism.”

Although da Vinci mentioned no possible use of the slider crank mechanism, it is present today in internal combustion engines all over the world. According to the Cornell University Library, “the slider crank mechanism is found in every internal combustion engine with cylinder, piston rod and crankshaft. The slider crank mechanism may be the most ubiquitous mechanism in the world, with perhaps a billion of them in existence.” Our C02 Slider Crank model can demonstrate four different inversions and is available for order for academics, makers, or collectors.

The C01 Four-bar Linkage model and C02 Slider Crank model are only two of the many mechanisms we plan to produce for order. We can create any of the models developed by Reuleaux to demonstrate concepts of motion. We can also develop newly conceptualized models. For more information about ordering a model, please contact us.