Question

A combination of kinematic pairs, joined in such a way that the relative motion between the links is completely constrained, is called a

(a) structure

(b) mechanism

(c) kinematic chain

(d) inversion

This question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Simple Mechanisms in portion Simple Mechanisms of Machine Kinematics

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) kinematic chain

For explanation: When the kinematic pairs are coupled in such a way that the last link is joined to the first link to transmit definite motion (i.e. completely or successfully constrained motion), it is called a kinematic chain. In other words, a kinematic chain may be defined as a combination of kinematic pairs, joined in such a way that each link forms a part of two pairs and the relative motion between the links or elements is completely or successfully constrained.