A cam is a simple mechanism that converts rotary motion (movement that goes round in a circle) into linear motion (movement in a straight line). These mechanisms can be found in car engines ...

Crank and slider linkages change rotary motion into reciprocating motion. A fixed pivot is attached to a crank, which turns around and pushes and pulls a slider. When used in a car engine ...

In the piston engine the conversion of linear reciprocating motion to rotary motion, by means of the connecting rod–crankshaft arrangement, is inherently wasteful of the energy supplied by the ...