The Whitworth quick return apparatus, also known as the Whitworth mechanism, is a mechanism used in mechanical engineering to convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion. It was invented by Sir Joseph Whitworth, a prominent British engineer, in the 19th century.
The purpose of the Whitworth quick return apparatus is to provide a reciprocating motion that has a faster return stroke than the forward stroke. This mechanism is commonly used in machine tools, such as shapers and slotting machines, where a fast return stroke is required to improve efficiency and productivity.
The basic design of the Whitworth mechanism consists of a rotating crank connected to a connecting rod, which in turn is connected to a sliding block. The sliding block moves along a guided path, usually in a straight line. As the crank rotates, it imparts motion to the connecting rod, which causes the sliding block to move back and forth.
What makes the Whitworth mechanism unique is that the sliding block's forward stroke is slower than the return stroke. This is achieved by placing the pivot point of the connecting rod closer to the sliding block's sliding path than to the crank's rotation axis. As a result, the sliding block covers a shorter distance during the forward stroke and a longer distance during the return stroke.
The Whitworth quick return apparatus finds applications in various mechanical systems where reciprocating motion with a quick return stroke is required. It enables efficient cutting, shaping, and slotting operations in machine tools, allowing for higher production rates and improved performance.
Benchtop experiments on the uneven reciprocating motion on Whitworth's quick return. The aluminium disc with printed / graduated is attached on ball bearing with friction less rotations . Stroke results can be seen on the output slide with scale provided there. Connecting rod lenght is 145 mm. All this is attached on metal powder coated base. Two handles are attached with base for easy carrying the apparatus.
