Kääneline

Kääneline is a term used in Finnish-language technical literature to refer to a turning or redirecting mechanism in machinery. The exact definition varies by context, but in general a kääneline denotes a device or assembly that changes the direction of motion or torque, often by means of a hinge, linkage, or cam arrangement. Typical implementations include simple lever-and-pivot structures that convert linear displacement into angular motion, and more complex multi-link linkages that guide a component along a prescribed path.

In practice, kääneline components appear in robotics, automation, and mechanical design where precise control of movement is required. They may be used to steer a mechanism, reposition an arm, or convert actuation from one axis to another. The term is not universally standardized and can be used loosely; designers might replace it with more specific terms like hinge, crank, or linkage in technical drawings.

Etymology traces to the Finnish verb kääntää, “to turn,” with the -line suffix forming a device name in some technical vocabularies. Related concepts include pivot joints, cam followers, and rotary actuators. See also: hinge, crank, linkage, cam, rotary actuator. Notes: Because usage varies by author and field, consult the primary source for the precise meaning in a given document.