Connecting Rod

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The connecting rod or conrod is crucial in reciprocating piston engines as it links the piston to the crankshaft or crank. This partnership enables the conversion of back-and-forth motion to rotational motion. Notably, connecting rods can also change rotational movement into linear motion, a historical application prior to engine development. As a rigid component, the rod facilitates either pushing or pulling action for the rod's rotation alongside the crank, covering both halves of a revolution - piston push and piston pull. In contrast, older mechanisms such as chains could only perform pull actions. Some two-stroke engines require connective rods only to push. Today, connecting rods are primarily associated with internal combustion piston engines, like automotive engines. These modern designs differ significantly from the earlier connecting rods used in steam engines and steam locomotives.