For a linkage mechanism, the limit position
of a link is the position of a link for which a coordinate
which describes its position relative to an adjacent link is a maximum
or a minimum. For a mechanism, when one of its links is in a limit
position, we said that it is at the limit position of
a mechanism. For a four-bar mechanism, if its limit
positions are occurred when the active link is aligned with the connecting
rod, this mechanism is at the toggle position.
When the mechanism is reaching its toggle position, a small input
torque can generate an extremely large output torque, where its mechanical
advantage is being infinitely maximal. At such situation,
the mechanism is called a toggle mechanism.
The toggle mechanisms can be used
in the situation when one needs to output large force subject to a
short stroke, for example, the stone crushers and mechanical presses,
etc. The shown mechanism has a toggle position when the two lower
links arrange to be aligned. At this position, the slider can produce
an extremely large power to press workpiece.