SCOTCH YOKE MECHANISM

The Scotch yoke (also known as slotted link mechanism is a reciprocating motion
mechanism, converting the linear motion of a slider into rotational motion, or vice
versa. The piston or other reciprocating part is directly coupled to a sliding yoke
with a slot that engages a pin on the rotating part. The location of the piston versus
time is a sine wave of constant amplitude, and constant frequency given a constant
rotational speed.
THEORY:

Scotch yoke is a mechanism used to convert rotary motion into Sliding motion.
This mechanism is obtained from an inversion of the double Slider crank chain.
Double slider crank chain is a four-bar kinematic chain having 2 sliding Pairs and 2
turning pairs such that two pairs of the same kind are adjacent. The general version
of the double slider crank chain is shown in fig. 1. two Die-blocks, P & Q, slide
along slots in a frame, and the pins P & Q on the Die-blocks are connected by a
link PQ

Scotch Yoke Mechanism

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This inversion is obtained by fixing one of the sliders. Refer fig. 2. let Slider block
p be fixed. Link PQ may then rotate relative to die blocks about The pins P & Q.
thus link PQ can rotate with pin P as centre, and will therefore Cause the frame to
reciprocate along the axis passing through P, slider block Q will also reciprocate
in its slot. The stroke of the frame will depend upon the length of link PQ and will
be double the length PQ.

Description of the model:

A model of scotch yoke mechanism is to be used for study. A diagram of the Model
is shown in fig .4. The model consist of a slider plate guides G1 and G2 Mounted
on the base plate of the model. The slider plate carries a slot AB in which a slider
block Q as centre, and drives the slider block Q. arm OR. the Arm OR is free to
rotate about point O as centre, and drives the slider block Q. The position of
point R can be changed by selecting one of the four holes provided on the arm
OR and shifting the screw to the particular hole. The
Crank OR is further rigidly linked to a handle which is used to provide manual
Rotation to the link, and thereby impart motion to the mechanism. An extension To
the rotating arm OR is provided which carries a pencil to trace the movement Of
the arm.

Precaution:

1. Handle the model with care and attention. The model should not be
mishandled
2. It should not be dismantled, unless for a specific purpose and then also,only
with the permission of the lab I/c.
3. The moving parts of the model must be lubricated as and when necessary.
4. Defect,if any, noticed in the model must be brought to the attention of the
Lab I/c immediately.
5. All measurements must be made with sufficient precision, and must be
verified by making repeated measurements. An average value of the
measurements must be taken to be the true value of the parameter.
Experiment: the student is expected to conduct the following:
1. Study the construction of the model of scotch yoke.
2. Study the movement of the slider plate as the drive shaft is rotated.
3. Trace the path of the crank, and record the motion of the slider plate for
different sizes of the crank by changing the link OR. Make measurements to
determine the diameter of the circular path described by the actual stroke of
slider plate.
4. To search animations of this mechanism on the internet and study the same
for a better understanding of the principles involved.Result:
1. State the measurements and the derived values along with the actual
values.
2. State the animation studied and its source.

INTRODUCTION
Multi-operation machine as a research area is motivated by questions that arise in
industrial manufacturing, production planning, and computer control. Consider a large
automotive garage with specialized shops. A car may require the following work, replace exhaust
system, align wheels, and tune up. These three tasks may be carried out in any order. However,
since the exhaust system, alignment, and tune-up shops are in different buildings, it is impossible
to perform two tasks for a car simultaneously. When there are many cars requiring services at the
three shops, it is desirable to construct a service schedule that takes the least amount of total
time.

1.1 Scotch Yoke Mechanism

The Scotch yoke is a mechanism for converting the linear motion of a slider into
rotational motion or vice-versa. The piston or other reciprocating part is directly coupled to a
sliding yoke with a slot that engages a pin on the rotating part. The shape of the motion of the
piston is a pure sine wave over time given a constant rotational speed.

Figure 1.1 Sectional view of Scotch yoke mechanism

Figure 1.2 Front view of Scotch Yoke Mechanism

1.2 Construction

The scotch yoke mechanism is constructed with iron bars. Here the crank is made in
some length and the yoke is also made using the same material. It is noted that the minimum
length of the yoke should be double the length of the crank. The crank and yoke is connected
with a pin. Iron bars are welded to both sides of the yoke to get the reciprocating motion. The
yoke with the iron bars is fixed on the display board with the help of c clamp. Now the crank is
welded to the end of the shaft of the motor. Now the pin on the crank is connected to the yoke.
The pin used to connect yoke and crank is a bolt.

1.3 Working principle

When the power is supplied to the 12v Dc motor, shaft and crank attached to the shaft start
rotating. As the crank rotates the pin slides inside the yoke and also moves the yoke forward. When the
crank rotates through in clockwise direction the yoke will get a displacement in the forward direction. The
maximum displacement will be equal to the length of the crank. When the crank completes the next of
rotation the yoke comes back to its initial position. For the next of rotation, yoke moves in the backward
direction. When the crank completes a full rotation the yoke moves back to the initial position. For a

complete rotation of crank the yoke moves through a length equal to double the length of the
crank. The displacement of the yoke can be controlled by varying the length of the crank.

SCOTCH YOKE MECHANISM

Scotch yoke is a mechanism for converting the linear motion of a slider into rotational
motion or vice-versa. The piston or other reciprocating part is directly coupled to a sliding yoke
with a slot that engages a pin on the rotating part. The shape of the motion of the piston is a pure
sine wave over time given a constant rotational speed. The double slider crank mechanism is a
mechanism having two sliding pairs and two turning pairs. Scotch yoke mechanism is formed
when one of the two sliding pairs in a double slider crank mechanism is fixed. It has got two
turning pairs, one sliding pair and a fixed link.
CONSTRUCTION
The scotch yoke mechanism is constructed with iron bars. Here the crank is made in
some length (say 5cm) and the yoke is also made using the same material. It is noted that the
minimum length of the yoke should be double the length of the crank. The crank and yoke is
connected with a pin. Iron bars are welded to both sides of the yoke to get the reciprocating

motion. The yoke with the iron bars is fixed on the display board with the help of c clamp. Now
the crank is welded to the end of the shaft of the motor. Now the pin on the crank is connected to
the yoke. The pin used to connect yoke and crank is a bolt. The whole setup displayed in a
plywood board.
WORKING
When the power is supplied to the 12v dc motor, shaft and crank attached to the shaft
start rotating. As the crank rotates the pin slides inside the yoke and also moves the yoke
forward. When the crank rotates through in clockwise direction the yoke will get a displacement
in the forward direction. The maximum displacement will be equal to the length of the crank.
When the crank completes the next of rotation the yoke comes back to its initial position. For
the next of rotation, yoke moves in the backward direction. When the crank completes a full
rotation the yoke moves back to the initial position. For a complete rotation of crank the yoke
moves through a length equal to double the length of the crank. The displacement of the yoke
can be controlled by varying the length of the crank.
ADVANTAGES
The advantages compared to a standard crankshaft and connecting rod setup are:

Fewer moving parts.

Smoother operation.

Higher percentage of the time spent at top dead center (dwell) improving theoretical
engine efficiency of constant volume combustion cycles, though actual gains have not been
demonstrated.

In an engine application,use of connecting rod is eliminated when compared to slider

crank mechanism and thus reducing the vibrations produced on the connecting rod
DISADVANTAGES
The disadvantages are:

Rapid wear of the slot in the yoke caused by sliding friction and high contact pressures.

Increased heat loss during combustion due to extended dwell at top dead center offsets
any constant volume combustion improvements in real engines.

Lesser percentage of the time spent at bottom dead center reducing blow down time for
two stroke engines, when compared with a conventional piston and crankshaft mechanism.

APPLICATIONS
This setup is most commonly used in control valve actuators in high pressure oil and gas
pipelines.
It has been used in various internal combustion engines, such as the Bourke engine,
SyTech engine, and many hot air engines and steam engines.
In internal combustion engines, scotch yoke mechanism is connected to the piston instead
of using the slider crank mechanism. It results in elimination of connecting rod which reduces
the vibrations caused in the connecting rod. It has got extended dwell times. Experiments have
shown that extended dwell time will not work well with constant volume combustion (Otto,
Bourke or similar) cycles. Gains might be more apparent using a stratified direct injection (diesel
or similar) cycle to reduce heat loss
CONCLUSION
The scotch yoke mechanism is made and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Its motion characteristics are studied. It is concluded that this mechanism is a good choice to
convert rotating motion into reciprocating motion because of fewer moving parts and smoother
operation. It can be used in direct injection engines like diesel engines.
The Scotch yoke is a mechanism for converting the linear motion of a slider into rotational
motion or vice-versa. The piston or other reciprocating part is directly coupled to a sliding yoke
with a slot that engages a pin on the rotating part. The shape of the motion of the piston is a pure
sine wave over time given a constant rotational speed.
Scotch-yoke mechanism, pictured in Fig. functions in a manner similar to that of the simple
crank mechanism except that its linear output motion is sinusoidal. As wheel A, the driver,
rotates, the pin or roller bearing at its periphery exerts torque within the closed yoke B; this
causes the attached sliding bar to reciprocate, tracing a sinusoidal waveform. Part a shows the
sliding bar when the roller is at 270, and part b shows the sliding bar when the roller is at 0.

Applications
This mechanism is most commonly used in control valve actuators in high pressure oil and
gas pipelines. Although not a common metalworking machine nowadays, crude shapers can use
a Scotch yoke. Almost all those use a Whitworth linkage, which gives a slow speed forward
cutting stroke and a faster return. It has been used in various internal combustion engines, such
as the Bourke engine, SyTech engine, and many hot air engines and steam engines.
The Scotch yoke is a mechanism for converting the linear motion of a slider into rotational
motion or vice-versa. The piston or other reciprocating part is directly coupled to a sliding yoke

with a slot that engages a pin on the rotating part. The shape of the motion of the piston is a pure
sine wave over time given a constant rotational speed.
This mechanism is an inversion of the double slider crank mechanism. The inversion is
obtained by fixing either the link 1 or link 3. In Fig, link 1 is fixed. In this mechanism, when
the link 2 (which corresponds to crank) rotates about B as centre, the link 4 (which corresponds
to a frame) reciprocates. The fixed link 1 guides the frame.

Other inversions of the double slider crank mechanism include Oldham coupling and elliptical
trammel.
History

This linkage is being called by a Scotsman in 1869 a "crank and slot-headed sliding rod
But now it is known as a Scotch yoke because, in America at least, a "Scotch" was a
slotted bar that was slipped under a collar on a string of well-drilling tools to support
them while a section was being added
In 1940 Russell Bourke applied this mechanism to the internal combustion engine called
Bourke 30 engine

SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTIONu

Suppose crankshaft is rotating

at an angular velocity .
If r is the radius of the crank then,

x-axis

Tangential velocity, v= r.

From the mechanism we have the following relation;

Component of tangential velocity in Y-direction is given by;
u = Reciprocating velocity of U-Slot.
If is the angle made by the tangential velocity with X-Axis at any point of time,

Component of tangential velocity in Y direction is u = rsin.

u = v.sin
So, velocity of U-Slot= rsin.
As a result, Velocity of U-Slot is a sine function of .
Now as we know, is directly proportional to time. Thisimplies velocity of U-Slot is a sine
function of time. Hence, the motion of U-Slot is a simple harmonic motion.
Advantage of SHM
The sinusoidal motion, cosinusoidal velocity, and sinusoidal acceleration (assuming constant
angular velocity) results in smoother operation of the mechanism.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
The advantages compared to a standard crankshaft and connecting rod setup are:

High torque output with a small cylinder size.

Fewer moving parts.
Smoother operation.
Higher percentage of the time spent at top dead centre (dwell) improving engine
efficiency.
In an engine application, elimination of joint typically served by a wrist pin, and near
elimination of piston skirt and cylinder scuffing, as side loading of piston due to sine of
connecting rod angle is eliminated.

The disadvantages are:

Rapid wear of the slot in the yoke caused by sliding friction and high contact pressures.
Lesser percentage of the time spent at bottom dead centre reducing blow down time for
two stroke engines.

The shape of the motion of the piston is a pure sine wave over time given a constant rotational
speed.
RESOURCES USED
Materials
Mild steel plates

Mild Steel Rod

Dimensions
1. 50 mm x 5 mm
2. 50 mm x 2.5 mm
1. 20 mm
2. 25 mm

Mild steel hollow pipe

30 mm (internal)
34 mm (external)

Mild steel square pipe

25 mm x 25 mm (external)
Thickness-2 mm

EQUIPMENT USED
1. Lathe Machine
2. Drilling machine
3. Shaper machine
4. Grinding machine
5. Power tools
6. Power Hacksaw
7. Electric arc welding machine
COMPONENTS
1. Crank and Handle
Obtained Cylindrical Rods Of Required Dimension Operations: Plain Turning
And Parting on Lathe machine
Welded Handle And Crank With Crank-shaft using electric arc welding.

Dimensions:As shown in the following figure

2. U-slot
Obtained square cross section pipe of required length by cutting the long pipe
with the power hacksaw
Used surface grinding machine to obtain smooth exterior surface on the pipe
Used power cutter to remove one face of the square pipe
Dimensions: as shown in the following figure-

3. Yoke (Slider block)

Obtained a cylindrical block of required length by turning and parting on Lathe
machine.
Converted the cylindrical block into a cuboid of required dimensions on Shaping
Machine.
Hole is drilled in the middle of block to accommodate the crank using the drilling
machine.
Dimensions: As shown in the following figure-

4. Foundation
Obtained metallic strips of required lengths by cutting the long bar using the
power hacksaw
Drilled holes to mount the crankshaft on the proper metallic strips using drilling
machine
Welded the metallic strips to get a rigid foundation
Dimensions: As shown

5. Guides
Obtained metallic strips of required lengths by cutting from long bar using the
power hacksaw
Obtained slots in the metallic strips using the power cutter

Dimensions:

6. Piston and piston rod

Obtained cylindrical rods of required diameters and lengths using plain turning
and parting on the Lathe machine.
Welded piston to piston rod using electric arc welding
Welded the above piston assembly with the U-slot

Dimensions:

7. Hollow Cylinder
Cut the pipe of required length using power hacksaw
Dimensions:

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
1.
APPLICATIONS
This setup is most commonly used in control valve actuators in high pressure oil and gas
pipelines.
Although not a common metalworking machine nowadays, a Shaper uses a Scotch yoke which
has been adjusted to provide a slow speed forward stroke and a faster return.
It has been used in various internal combustion engines, such as the Bourke engine, SyTech
engine, and many hot air engines and steam engines.

Internal Combustion Engine Uses

Under ideal engineering conditions, force is applied directly in the line of travel of the assembly.
The sinusoidal motion, cosinusoidal velocity, and sinusoidal acceleration (assuming constant
angular velocity) results in smoother operation. The higher percentage of time spent at top dead
centre (dwell) improves theoretical engine efficiency of constant volume combustion cycles. It
allows the elimination of joints typically served by a wrist pin, and near elimination of piston
skirts and cylinder scuffing, as side loading of piston due to sine of connecting rod angle is
mitigated. The longer the distance between the piston and the yoke, the less wear that occurs, but
greater the inertia, making such increases in the piston rod length realistically only suitable for
lower RPM (but higher torque) applications.
The Scotch Yoke is not used in most internal combustion engines because of the rapid wear of
the slot in the yoke caused by sliding friction and high contact pressures. Also, increased heat
loss during combustion due to extended dwell at top dead centre offsets any constant volume
combustion improvements in real engines. In an engine application, less percentage of the time is
spent at bottom dead centre when compared to a conventional piston and crankshaft mechanism,
which reduces blow down time for two stroke engines. Experiments have shown that extended
dwell time does not work well with constant volume combustion Otto Cycle Engines. Gains
might be more apparent in Otto Cycle Engines using a stratified direct injection (diesel or
similar) cycle to reduce heat losses.