How Does a Crankshaft Work?
The crankshaft is an important part of the engine that contributes in a big way to provide movement to the vehicle the engine powers. The crankshaft is just one element but it works in combination with many others to provide its overall effect in an efficient and simple manner. Its purpose is to take the back and forth alternating movement of a linear piston and turn it into rotation. The crankshaft, however, does not do this on its own, thus making the effort a combined one which produces the desired results of movement of the vehicle.

Design of the Crankshaft
The crankshaft is a piece of metal with rounded extremities and a sort of geometrical zig zag center. The rounded edges attach to the flywheel (wheel like device made to store the energy from the rotating crankshaft) and there are points of attachments for the piston rods and crankcase in the center. In the engine the crankcase holds on to the crankshaft while the piston rods, coming from the piston,  attach to the center points on the crankshaft.

Specific Mechanism of the Crankshaft
The specific function of the crankshaft is to provide rotation from the input it is given. The direct input into the crankshaft comes from the pistons. These provide an alternating linear motion which the crankshaft takes and turns into a rotational motion. The crankshaft then transfers the rotational motion to the flywheel at its extremities for storage. Eventually the motion goes into producing the movement of the vehicle.  

How the Crankshaft Functions With Other Elements to Produce Function
The crankshaft, although important, does not work alone. It collaborates with at least 5 other engine parts to produce the ultimate goal of rotation. Its main connections lie with the pistons and piston rods that produce the linear motion it turns into rotational motion and with the flywheel that stores this rotation. This element of the engine, thought just a piece of metal, is more intricate in its function than many other meticulously designed parts.

The crankshaft is an example of just how much the parts of the engine are important. It is a necessary element yet it cannot function on its own. It provides intricate conversions of movement and transfers those into overall movement of the vehicle. This piece of iron rod holds much importance in the overall function of the engine and the machine it powers.