Applications of Mechanisms (linkages, cams, gear drives):

Automation and Inspection Equipment:

• pick and place robots
• welding and painting robots
• assembly robots
• assembly line mechanisms
• conveyor systems
• clamping and testing fixtures and jigs
• mobile robots (e.g., walking robots and exploratory robots)

Automotive:

• suspension linkages and CV joints
• steering mechanisms
• transmission, clutch, and shifter mechanisms
• cam shaft
• crankshaft, connecting rod, and piston slider-crank
• timing chain, belts, and pulleys
• hood and trunk hinge mechanisms
• hatchback lift mechanism
• windshield wiper mechanism
• truck or station wagon tailgate mechanism
• retractable roof (convertible) linkages
• jack
• collapsible antenna

Consumer Electronics:

• digital camera auto-focus mechanisms
• CD and DVD player loading mechanism
• VCR eject, and tape load mechanisms
• computer CD-ROM and HD mechanisms

Heavy Equipment:

• airplane control surface linkages, landing gear, hatch hinges, folding steps, seats, etc.!
• large Hollywood animatronic devices (e.g., for Jurassic Park)
• amusement park rides
• farm equipment (e.g., harvester, thrasher)
• garbage truck lifting, compacting, and dumping mechanisms
• dump truck dumping mechanism
• construction equipment (e.g., backhoe, crane)
• steam locomotive drive linkage

Home Appliances, Furniture, etc.

• appliance and cabinet door mechanisms
• washing machine and dishwasher timer cams
• toilet flush and float mechanisms
• electric and mechanical can opener
• fancy corkscrew
• folding ironing board
• folding tables and chairs
• sofa bed folding mechanisms
• piano keys and pedal mechanisms
• animated Christmas decorations

Office Equipment:

• copy machine, printer, fax machine and scanner paper feeders, sorters, and scanning/printing head mechanisms
• door damper mechanisms

Sports Equipment:

• mountain bike rear suspension
• bicycle brakes and shifting mechanisms
• variable force exercise equipment (e.g., Nautilus)
• compound bow

Tools:

• pliers and scissors
• vise grip
• crescent wrench
• clamping vise
• drafting table
• garden tools (e.g., hedge trimmer, lawn mower)

Toys and Baby Stuff:

• baby swing
• folding baby stroller
• robotic and animatronic toys (e.g., Robo-dog)
• collapsible globe linkage
• transformer toys
• any toys with moving parts
• consumer robotics

See more applications at Mechanisms Sourcebook

See some illustrations, animations, and videos at: Linkage Examples and Cam Examples