Scott Russell linkage

A Scott Russell linkage is a type of straight line mechanism which gives a theoretically linear motion by using a linkage form with three portions of the links all equal, and a rolling or sliding connection. It can be used to form a right-angle change of motion, linear-to-linear.

Freemantle straight-line linkage from British Patent 2741, November 17, 1803
Animation of a Scott Russell linkage

The linkage is named for John Scott Russell (1808–1882), although watchmaker William Freemantle had already patented it in 1803.[1][2]

A different form of the linkage has been used in a front-wheel-drive vehicle with solid rear axle to control lateral movement, and with a flexing elastomeric connection instead of the rolling or sliding connection.[3]

A Scott Russell linkage on the rear axle of a 2002 Nissan Sentra

The linkage does not share the disadvantages of the asymmetric Panhard rod, and although more compact than Watt's linkage, it has all the forces concentrated in one link.[4]

References
  1. British Patent 2741, November 17, 1803
  2. Project Gutenberg: KINEMATICS OF MECHANISMS FROM THE TIME OF WATT, Eugene S. Ferguson
  3. , "Vehicle rear suspension apparatus", issued 1998-04-14
  4. "SCC Technobabble - October '98". www.se-r.net. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
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