When r1 + r4 >= r2 + r3 the output link (r4) of the linkage is said to be outward limited.
When a link is inward limited there are limits on the possible values of the angle of the link that the actual angle must remain outside (the link is limited when moving in the inward direction).
When a link is outward limited there are limits on the possible values of the angle of the link that the actual angle must remain inside (the link is limited when moving in the outward direction).
These limits are defined as follows.
Input Link
lower limit: theta2 = theta1 + theta2'
upper limit: theta2 = theta1 + 360 - theta2'
where theta2' = [ ( r1^2 + r2^2 - ( r4 - r3 )^2 ) / ( 2 * r1 * r2 ) ]
Output Link
lower limit: theta4 = theta1 + 180 - theta4''
upper limit: theta4 = theta1 + 180 + theta4''
where theta4'' = acos [ ( r1^2 + r4^2 - ( r2 + r3 )^2 ) / ( 2 * r1 * r4 ) ]
To see animations of this linkage select the links below:
