sun-and-planet gear
Noun (technical term): A sun-and-planet gear is a type of gear system used in mechanical engineering, consisting of a central gear (the "sun") and one or more outer gears (the "planets") that rotate around it, typically within a fixed ring gear. This system is used to transmit motion and torque, often in a compact and efficient manner.
"epicyclic gear train": a synonym for sun-and-planet gear, referring to a gear system where one or more gears rotate around a central gear.
- The epicyclic gear train, also known as a sun-and-planet gear, is essential for hybrid vehicle drivetrains.
"planetary gear system": a broader term that includes sun-and-planet gear configurations, often with multiple planets and a ring gear.
- The planetary gear system in a wind turbine uses a sun-and-planet gear to increase rotational speed.
Planet gear (n): an individual gear that revolves around the sun gear in a sun-and-planet gear system.
- Each planet gear in the system must be precisely aligned to ensure smooth operation.
Sun gear (n): the central gear in a sun-and-planet gear arrangement.
- The sun gear is typically driven by the input shaft.
Ring gear (n): an outer gear with internal teeth that meshes with the planet gears in some sun-and-planet gear configurations.
- The ring gear is stationary in many sun-and-planet gear designs.
- Epicyclic gear train: a gear system where gears rotate around a central axis.
- Planetary gear system: a general term for gear arrangements with a central sun gear and orbiting planet gears.