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A working Peaucellier linkage to download and make. The simple geometry of the linkages is used to convert rotary motion into straight line motion. Members can download the parts for free. Non-members can download for a small fee.
Print the two parts sheets onto thin card. (230micron / 230 gsm) Solid lines show where to cut. Dotted/dashed lines are score lines. Grey areas show where the glue goes. Use white school glue (PVA) to glue the parts together.
Fold the support round and glue it together.
Fold over the top and glue it down as shown. Notice the dotted, valley fold line on the front.
Fold up the base to make two triangular tube sections as shown.
Glue the stand to the base using the grey area for alignment.
Glue together the parallelogram as shown. Notice the 'Top' label.
Glue the parallelogram to the stand using the centre link. The 'Top' is at the top of the picture (as you'd expect)
Glue the lower linkage between the triangle on the parallelogram and the triangular area on the top back of the stand. Notice that it should be roughly one millimeter from the stand.
Glue the upper linkage into place. Make sure that you don't get glue on the creases.
Glue the post into place. You might need to rock it back and forth a little so that it lines up with the path of the end of the linkage.
Fold the handle in half and glue it together then cut out along the grey lines to make a curve.
Finish off the mechanism gluing the handle into place. Let the glue dry.
Move the handle up and down and the left side of the parallelogram will move in a straight line parallel to the post. Clever stuff Monsieur Peaucellier!
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Invented in 1864 the Peaucellier linkage (poo-selli-yeah) linkage was created as a way of making straight line from circular motion. It was used in steam engines to control valves without the need to guides. The peaucellier linkages, invented by, you guessed it, monsieur Peaucellier, is mathematics in motion. The four red parts are all the same length, the circle radius is the same as the green link and the two yellow linkages are the same length.
Using Flash
As long as these ratios are adhered too, the grey dotted motion line will be straight.
I've been helping #1 Son with his mathematics revision so I've been in a geometrical frame of mind. Inspired by the maths, here's my paper version of the Peaucellier linkage. The end of the linkage moves up and down maintaining the same distance from the vertical bar with the arrow on. Animation below.
I'll be doing this as a download then I'll have to find a use for it in a model. Something that moves up and down in a straight line. A meerkat? Groundhog?
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