Tichov

Tichov, in the context of Soviet and post-Soviet era science and engineering, refers primarily to a specialized form of mechanical linkage, specifically a four-bar linkage known for its ability to achieve a nearly linear motion output over a significant range of input. The Tichov linkage is often used in applications where a precise, near-straight line trajectory is required without the complexity or expense of other linear motion systems.

The name "Tichov" (sometimes transliterated as Tikhov) is associated with the Soviet scientist and inventor who is credited with the linkage's development, although pinpointing the exact individual or the specific time of invention remains somewhat obscure in readily available Western sources. Unlike well-documented kinematic linkages such as the Watt or Chebyshev linkages, detailed mathematical descriptions and historical accounts of the Tichov linkage can be challenging to locate outside of specialized engineering literature and Russian-language publications.

The key characteristic that distinguishes the Tichov linkage from other four-bar linkages is its specific configuration and link lengths, carefully chosen to minimize deviation from a perfect straight line during its operational stroke. This makes it useful in applications such as scanning mechanisms, certain types of industrial machinery, and potentially in precision measurement devices where linearity is crucial. The degree of linearity achievable depends on the specific dimensions and tolerances of the linkage components.