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Unread 08-05-2014, 08:32
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ASmith1675 ASmith1675 is offline
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AKA: Adam Smith
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Re: What are the correct terms for linkages and lifts

When first refers to a "4-bar" or "4-bar linkage" they typically are referring to the system you described, where one side moves parallel with respected to the fixed side. Like you mentioned, this is only one particular case of a 4-bar linkage. The lengths and orientations of the bars and pivots can be adjusted to create a wide range of motion.

If you are interested, you can do some research on Kinematics (I took two full quarters of classes in college on this topic), and specifically 2 and 3-position synthesis. These are design problems where you specify 2 positions of motion and determine the lengths and mounting of the other links.


The "stacked 4-bars" you are referring to are known as scissor lifts. They seem like a simple concept, but can be very difficult to execute well. They require a high degree of precision as the links need to lie in the same planes as well as have the same lengths to prevent the lift from leaning.

Hopefully this answered some of your questions.
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