Connecting Rod

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A connecting rod serves as a shaft that links a piston to either a crank or crankshaft in an engine, facilitating the transformation of reciprocating motion into rotational movement. This component can also convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion, its initial purpose. Early devices, like chains, only generated pulling motion, whereas connecting rods provide push or pull transmission due to their rigidity, enabling them to rotate cranks through both halves of a revolution. While today's connecting rods are most commonly associated with internal combustion piston engines in vehicles, earlier versions were utilized in steam engines and locomotives.