James Watt Straight Line Motion
Product Code : JA-PLE-4199
The James Watt Straight Line Motion (SKU JA-PLE-4199) is a working model of the three-link mechanism with which James Watt guided the piston rod of his beam engines along an approximate straight line. It is mounted on an A3 board so the motion can be shown to a class and traced on paper. This James Watt straight line mechanism model is one of a series of sixteen board-mounted mechanisms for theory of machines, kinematics and engineering drawing teaching.
Specifications
The mechanism consists of three links connected together with fixed pivots at A and D, and the mid-point of the coupling link BC is constrained to move in a nearly straight line.
| Product | James Watt Straight Line Motion |
| SKU | JA-PLE-4199 |
| Mechanism | James Watt straight line motion, standard mechanism for generating a straight line |
| Links | Three links connected together |
| Fixed pivots | A and D |
| Output | Mid-point of BC moves in a nearly straight line |
| Board | A3 size, white melamine |
| Moving parts | Amber-coloured Perspex, pivoted with hollow rivets |
| Locus recording | Hollow rivets accept a pencil to transfer loci to paper clipped to the board |
Applications of the James Watt straight line mechanism model
By tracing the path of the mid-point of BC, students see that the Watt linkage gives only an approximate straight line over part of its travel, which makes a useful comparison with the exact Peaucellier and Scott-Russell mechanisms.
- Tracing the approximately straight path of the mid-point of BC
- Finding over what part of the travel the path stays close to straight
- Comparing approximate and exact straight-line mechanisms in the same series
- Discussing the history of straight-line linkages in early steam engines
- Theory of machines, kinematics and engineering drawing classes in polytechnics, TVET institutes and colleges
Scope of supply and ordering
The listing covers the James Watt straight line mechanism on its A3 melamine board. The stand, board clips and collet pencil are listed as a separate item. Accessories, spares and quantities are confirmed on the quotation.
Minimum order quantity, lead time and packing are confirmed on each quotation according to the number of models and the delivery destination. JaincoLab supplies single models, complete mechanism sets for technical training and export orders to buyers in Africa, the Middle East and South and South-East Asia.
Frequently asked questions
Does the James Watt linkage give an exact straight line?
No. It is an early mechanism that guides a point along an approximate straight line; the mid-point of BC moves in a nearly straight line.
How is the mechanism built?
It uses three links connected together, with fixed pivots at A and D.
Related products
- Scott-Russell Straight Line Motion
- Peaucellier Straight Line Motion
- Thompson Indicator Straight Line Motion
- Simple Pantograph
The complete set of mechanism boards is listed in Physics Lab Equipments from JaincoLab, a physics lab equipment manufacturer in India.
Request a quote
To order the James Watt Straight Line Motion model, send the quantity and delivery destination through the JaincoLab contact page or email [email protected]. Institutions and contractors buying under a tender can also reach us via the tenders page.
