Algodoo

When I initially downloaded and ran this scene, I didn't understand the concept of how this simple mechanism works. But then after playing around with it and understanding what your code does, it now makes perfect sense.

I have one question: Why would someone want to use the crank mechanism on the right side instead of using a rigid horizontal track that the moving component can slide along? A track would be less expensive, require less maintenance, and it would be much less prone to failures.

Q: Why would someone want to use the crank mechanism on the right side instead of using a rigid horizontal track that the moving component can slide along? A track would be less expensive, require less maintenance, and it would be much less prone to failures.
A: I agree. Algodoo hinges are very useful as a rotary constraint but Algodoo is missing a linear constraint object. I was trying to make a general mechanism that could be used as a linear constraint to connect any two objects.

Interesting. I can see how a "fits all" linear constraint would be a handy mechanism for certain types of scenes, but (not being an M.E. like you) I don't see how that could even be possible. Nice design, though!

I stated playing with Webots, which is somewhat like a 3D Algodoo, and it has a slider joint, so I though I would try making one in Algodoo.

Thanks for the link to Webots! I'll check it out.