Move Link vs Stay Link is a fundamental distinction in assembly design and mechanical engineering that defines two primary approaches to creating connections between components. In mechanical assemblies, a move link refers to a connection that allows controlled movement or articulation between joined parts while maintaining structural integrity, typically incorporating features such as hinges, slides, or pivots that enable specific degrees of freedom in predetermined directions. In contrast, a stay link represents a fixed or rigid connection designed to maintain absolute positional relationships between components, preventing any relative movement and ensuring structural stability. This dichotomy plays a crucial role in product development, particularly in industrial design where the choice between mobile and static connections directly influences functionality, user interaction, and overall performance. The selection between move and stay links depends on various factors including load requirements, operational needs, maintenance accessibility, and manufacturing constraints. Move links are essential in designs requiring adjustability, folding mechanisms, or user interaction, such as in furniture design, automotive components, and consumer electronics, where they enable features like adjustable displays or collapsible structures. Stay links, conversely, are fundamental in applications demanding structural rigidity, load-bearing capacity, and dimensional stability, such as in architectural elements, industrial machinery, and precision instruments. The implementation of either type requires careful consideration of materials, tolerances, and assembly sequences, with move links often necessitating additional considerations for wear resistance, lubrication, and operational smoothness. The A' Design Award competition frequently recognizes innovative applications of both move and stay links in various categories, particularly in industrial design and engineering projects where these mechanical principles contribute to groundbreaking solutions.
mechanical joints, kinematic pairs, structural connections, assembly design, motion control
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Move Link Vs Stay Link.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=473852 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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