Ratchet
The ratchet can be used to move a toothed wheel one tooth at a time. The part used to move the ratchet is known as the pawl.
The ratchet can be used as a way of gearing down motion. By its nature motion created by a ratchet is intermittent. By using two pawls simultaniously this intermittent effect can be almost, but not quite, removed.
Ratchets are also used to ensure that motion only occurs in only one direction, useful for winding gear which must not be allowed to drop. Ratchets are also used in the freewheel mechanism of a bicycle.
Comments
I wonder what this mechanism can be used for???
umehta
See Rob's Early Bird model
This mechanism is used when rotation is to be done in single direction and with intermittent motion.
for pulling water from a well. even if you leave it in between coz of sum wrk it'll hang der, savin u 4m losi ur bucket!
What can this be used for????????
hey rob you do lovely work mmmm chocolate
They can be used in roller coasters - yeeah-ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The oddometer in a car to show how many miles you have travelled. It moves forward in increments so that you can see a full digit not just part of digit if ir just turned slowly.
The day display on a watch is similar.