gear wheel
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A gear wheel is a circular mechanical component with teeth (called cogs) cut into its rim. Its primary function is to mesh with another toothed part to transmit rotational force (torque) and motion between machine parts, often to change the speed, direction, or power of the transmitted motion.
Usage
The term "gear wheel" specifically refers to the individual toothed wheel within a gear system. It is a fundamental component in machinery, engines, and clockwork. - It is often used interchangeably with the simpler term "gear" in mechanical contexts. - It describes the physical object that engages with another gear, chain (as in a bicycle), or a toothed rack.
Examples
- The clockmaker carefully replaced the broken gear wheel inside the antique timepiece.
- In a manual transmission, the driver selects which gear wheel will engage with the engine's output shaft.
- The large gear wheel turns slowly, but it turns the smaller, connected gear much faster.
Advanced Usage
- "Spur gear wheel": The most common type, with straight teeth parallel to the wheel's axis, used to transmit motion between parallel shafts.
- "Bevel gear wheel": A gear wheel with teeth cut on a conical surface, used to transmit motion between intersecting shafts, often at a 90-degree angle.
Variants and Related Words
- Gear (noun): The more common and general term for a gear wheel. (e.g., )
- Cogwheel (noun): A direct synonym for gear wheel, emphasizing the individual teeth (cogs).
- Pinion (noun): A specific term for a small gear wheel that meshes with a larger one or with a rack.
- Sprocket (noun): A toothed wheel designed to engage with a chain or perforated material, not another gear wheel directly.
Synonyms
- Cog
- Cogwheel
- Toothed wheel
Related Phrases and Compound Terms
- Gear train: A system of two or more meshing gear wheels.
- Gear ratio: The relationship between the rotational speeds of two interlocking gear wheels.
- Gear mechanism: An assembly that includes gear wheels to perform a specific mechanical function.
Noun
- a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion