fusee drive
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A fusee drive is a spirally grooved spindle (a cone-shaped pulley) used in certain mechanical clocks and watches. Its primary function is to counteract the diminishing power output of the uncoiling mainspring, ensuring a more consistent force is delivered to the gear train over time.
Usage
The term fusee drive specifically refers to the component and its mechanism within a timepiece. It is a technical term used in horology (the study and art of timekeeping devices).
Examples
- The antique pocket watch was prized for its intricate fusee drive mechanism.
- To maintain accurate timekeeping, the clockmaker repaired the fusee drive.
- The fusee drive equalizes the torque from the mainspring as it unwinds.
Advanced Usage
- The fusee drive is often connected to the mainspring barrel by a fine chain or cord. As the mainspring loses power, the chain pulls on a smaller diameter of the fusee cone, effectively increasing the leverage and maintaining consistent force.
Variants and Related Words
- Fusee (noun): Often used interchangeably with fusee drive to refer to the conical pulley itself.
- Fusee chain (noun): The chain connecting the mainspring barrel to the fusee cone.
Synonyms
- Fusee (in the context of the component)
- Conical pulley (descriptive, but not a technical synonym in horology)
Antonyms
- Direct drive (a mechanism where the mainspring drives the gear train directly without a torque-equalizing component like a fusee).
Noun
- a spirally grooved spindle in a clock that counteracts the diminishing power of the uncoiling mainspring