Slider crank Chain (3R-1P) : It is a four bar chain having one sliding pair and three turning pairs.

It is shown in the figure below the purpose of this mechanism is to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion and vice versa. Inversions of a Slider crank chain: There are four inversions in a single slider chain mechanism. They are:
st

1) Reciprocating engine / compressor mechanism (1 inversion)

nd

2) Oscillating cylinder engine mechanism (2 inversion)

nd

3) Crank and slotted lever mechanism (2 inversion)

rd

4) Whitworth quick return motion mechanism (3 inversion)

rd

5) Rotary engine mechanism (3 inversion)

th

6) Bull engine mechanism (4 inversion)

th

7) Hand Pump (4 inversion) Reciprocating engine mechanism : (Frame Fixed) In the first inversion, the link 1 i.e., the cylinder and the frame is kept fixed. The fig below shows a reciprocating engine.

A slotted link 1 is fixed. When the crank 2 rotates about O, the sliding piston 4 reciprocates in the slotted link 1. This mechanism is used in steam engine, pumps, compressors, I.C. engines, etc. Crank and slotted lever mechanism: (connecting rod fixed). It is an application of second inversion. The crank and slotted lever mechanism is shown in figure below.

The motion of link 4 in crank and slotted lever quick return motion mechanism can be taped through link 5 and can be transferred to ram. O2A1 and O2A2 are two positions of crank when link 4 will be tangential to the crank circle and corresponding to which ram will have extreme positions. When crank travels from position O2A1 and O2A2 forward stroke takes place. When crank moves further from position O2A2 to O2A1 return stroke takes place. Therefore, when the crank rotates uniformly, we get,

This mechanism is used in shaping machines, slotting machines and in rotary engines. Oscillating cylinder engine (connecting rod fixed).

Whitworth quick return motion mechanism (crank fixed)

In this case link 2 is fixed and link 3 works as crank. Link 1 is a slotted link which facilitates movement of link 4 which is a slider. This arrangement gives quick return motion mechanism. The quick return motion mechanism is used in shapers and slotting machines.

Rotary internal combustion engine / Gnome engine: (crank fixed)

This mechanism is used in aviation. It consists of seven cylinders in one plane and all revolves about fixed centre D. The crank 2 is fixed, connecting rod 4 rotates and the piston 3 reciprocates inside the cylinders forming link 1. Pendulum pump or bull engine (slider fixed). It is obtained by fixing link 4 which is slider. Application of this inversion is limited. The pendulum pump and hand pump are examples of this inversion. In pendulum pump, link 3 oscillates like a pendulum and link 1 has translatory motion which can be used for a pump.