Effects of clearance at the coupler-rocker bearing of a 4-bar linkage

Abstract Points at which contact is lost at the coupler-rocker connection of a 4-bar linkage are predicted using an empirical method which relies on a simple no-clearance analysis, and are compared with results from an analysis which takes bearing clearance into account and with experimental results. The effects of bearing clearance, lubrication and bearing material, on the magnitude of the impact which occurs as contact is remade in the bearing are considered in the experimental investigation.