A Scott Russell linkage converts linear motion, to (almost) linear motion in a line perpendicular to the input. These linkages are often used in front wheel drive vehicles with solid rear axles to control lateral movement, as they do not share the disadvantages of the asymmetric Panhard rod

Panhard rod

A Panhard rod is a component of a car suspension system that provides lateral location of the axle...

 and are simpler and more compact than Watt's linkage

Watt's linkage

Watt's linkage is a type of mechanical linkage invented by James Watt in which the central moving point of the linkage is constrained to travel on an approximation to a straight line...

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External links

• Animation of a Scott-Russell linkage in action