Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of gear: A bevel gear is a gear where the axes of the two shafts intersect, and the tooth-bearing faces of the gears themselves are conically shaped. Bevel gears are used to transmit power between two shafts that are at an angle to each other, most commonly at a 90-degree angle.

Usage

• Bevel gears are used to change the direction of power transmission in machinery.
• They are a fundamental component in applications like automotive differentials, hand drills, and marine propulsion systems.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The differential in a car uses a set of bevel gears to allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds.
  • The mechanic replaced the worn bevel gear in the power tool.

Advanced Usage

• Straight bevel gear: The simplest type, with straight teeth that taper towards the apex.
• Spiral bevel gear: Has curved, oblique teeth. This design allows for smoother and quieter operation than straight bevel gears.
• Hypoid gear: A type of spiral bevel gear where the axes do not intersect, commonly used in automotive rear axles.

Variants and Related Words

• Bevel (noun/adjective/verb): As a noun, it refers to a sloped surface or edge. As a verb, it means to cut a slope on an edge. The gear is named for this sloped, conical shape.
• Miter gear (noun): A specific type of bevel gear with a 1:1 ratio, used to connect two shafts at a 90-degree angle where the rotational speed is unchanged.
• Pinion (noun): A small gear, which can be a bevel gear when part of a bevel gear pair.

Synonyms

• Conical gear: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the cone-like shape of the gear.
• Angle gear: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its function of connecting shafts at an angle.

Related Phrases

• Bevel gear set: A matched pair of bevel gears designed to work together.
• Bevel gear drive: A mechanical drive system utilizing bevel gears.

Noun

1. gears that mesh at an angle