rag-wheel

A rag-wheel turns slowly on the side of an old tractor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cogwheel with teeth formed by projecting pins or pegs: In mechanical engineering, a "rag-wheel" is a type of gear or sprocket, particularly one used in chain drives or heavy machinery, where the teeth are separate pins or "rags" set into a wheel rim.
   • A track-laying vehicle component: In some contexts, "rag-wheel" may refer to a sprocket wheel used in the track system of a crawler tractor or tank, engaging with the track links to drive the vehicle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old steam engine's rag-wheel had to be replaced due to wear on its pin teeth. (A specific gear with projecting pins used in machinery.)
  • The bulldozer's rag-wheel drives the continuous track, allowing it to move over rough terrain. (The sprocket wheel in a track-laying vehicle.)

Advanced Usage

• "rag-wheel drive": A type of mechanical drive system that uses a rag-wheel to transmit power.
  • The factory installed a rag-wheel drive system for the conveyor belt. (A power transmission system employing a rag-wheel.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rag (n): A piece of cloth; in mechanical contexts, "rag" can also refer to a projecting pin or tooth on a wheel.

  • The rag on the wheel broke off during operation. (The pin or tooth became detached.)

• Sprocket (n): A wheel with teeth that engage with a chain or track; similar in function to a rag-wheel.

  • The bicycle's sprocket is a type of rag-wheel. (A toothed wheel for chain engagement.)

Synonyms

• Sprocket wheel: A wheel with teeth that engage with a chain.
• Pin wheel: A wheel with projecting pins serving as teeth.

Related Idioms

• "A cog in the machine": A small but essential part of a larger system (not directly related to "rag-wheel" but metaphorically similar).
  • He felt like just a rag-wheel in the corporate machinery. (An insignificant but necessary component.)