A Crank Mechanism with Elastic Joints Having Preset Characteristics

A study of the operation of elastic joints with preset dependences of the restoring torque on the angle of rotation in the crank mechanism is presented. The principle of operation of the proposed joints is based on the movement of the elastic element between the guides of the calculated shape. The installation of such a joint with a preset characteristic between the strut and the crank enables obtaining a constant angular velocity of the crank. With the introduction of an elastic hinge between the crank and the connecting rod, the lateral force acting on the piston in the case of a constant angular velocity of the crank decreases significantly. By adding the counterweight properly, it is possible to obtain zero lateral force on the connecting rod for the entire crank revolution.